Dear EASI,
I believe that legally, a PDF file is not accessible because another software package must convert the file into something (text) that can be made accessible. As an accommodation on a Web site, I don't believe a PDF file is legally  "accessible,"  an alternative  form of the document should be provided  on the site.
Having drawn a line in the sand, I will admit hat in the rough and tumble world of alternative format conversions, a well developed PDF file is much easier to convert than many other publisher formats for students with disabilities.
Richard Jones
Assistant Director
Arizona State University
Disability Resources for Students

-----Original Message-----
From: * EASI: Equal Access to Software & Information [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jennison Asuncion
Sent: Thursday, July 22, 2004 11:06 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: pdf files as an alternate format?

Hello,

Some colleagues of mine are having a spirited discussion on whether a PDF
file is considered as an alternate format for individuals with
print disabilities.

I am curious about what  folks here consider as  alternate formats,
and whether a PDF file falls into their definition?

Thanks,
Jennison