when I save my file in Ai I get a window saying only fonts with appropriate permission will be embed

To avoid the font permission message:

First make a copy of your Illustrator file (because your text will become uneditable).

Choose: Select > Object > All Text Objects.

Choose: Type > Create Outlines.

Because your text is now not a font anymore, but made of paths you will not get the message.

Debbie,

I am afraid the PDF (part of the document) is a bit touchy about those permissions.

How are you required to post it on the discussion board? If you can use the AI (part) I believe nothing is wrong, with its only being a warning after all. You may find the PDF part lacking. Or you can save as AI without the compatibility for that purpose.