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This chapter contains the specific electronic and information technology (EIT) performance requirements related to the following subpart of Section 508:
EIT Technical Standard 1194.26, Desktop and Portable Computers, Provisions (a) thru (d).
The requirements in this chapter cover the following:
• Any hardware computer product, regardless of type (e.g., desktop, mobile, or portable), onto which operating systems and software applications can be installed.
• For products with multiple functions, these requirements apply only to the hardware components of those products. The proliferation of computer hardware devices is blurring the line between different product types as a variety of new and innovative products are created.
Note: You may need to synchronize general and specific requirements in this chapter with requirements given in other chapters in this handbook. Products that are classified as desktop, mobile, or portable/handheld computers are subject to the requirements stated in this chapter. However, products often have features that may be covered in other technical chapters (i.e., chapters 5-10) as well as the Functional Performance Criteria described in section 4-2.1. A few examples of how to determine which requirements apply are shown below:
• A PDA that provides telephone functions is subject to the requirements in this chapter and the telecommunications requirements in chapter 7.
• A handheld computer used by a Postal Service delivery carrier is considered to be a closed system (i.e., it is used for a few specific functions) and the user cannot install additional hardware and software on it. In this case, the device would be subject only to Chapter 9: Self-Contained, Closed Products, not the requirements in this chapter.
This chapter applies to anyone who buys or develops desktop, mobile, or portable computer hardware products for the Postal Service (i.e., Postal Service employees, suppliers, contractors, and business partners). Desktop, mobile and portable computer products range from traditional desktop computers to portable tablet computers and PDAs.
Each part of this chapter describes the specific requirements that support one or more provisions in the technical standards for desktop and portable computers. The technical standards of Section 508 were written primarily from a technology perspective. The Postal Service may consolidate some provisions to help Postal Service employees and business partners understand Postal Service compliance requirements from the perspective of designing for accessibility. Each specific requirement includes a rationale, techniques, testing methods, and references as shown below in section 10-2.
10-1, Overview
10-2, Mechanical or Touch-Operated Controls, Keys, and Touch Screens (Provisions §1194.26a and §1194.26b)
• Rationale
• Techniques
• Testing
• References
10-3, Biometric User Identification and Controls (Provision §1194.26c)
10-4, Industry-Standard Expansion Slots, Ports and Connectors (Provision §1194.26d)
While looking at desktop and portable computer barriers, it is helpful to understand the challenges that people with various disabilities face in using computers covered by the requirements in this chapter. The need for a solution to these challenges resulted in the development of specific desktop and portable product accessibility standards in Section 508. These challenges vary by type of physical impairment:
• People who are deaf or who have hearing impairments are typically faced with challenges such as:
• Lack of visual counterparts for audio features, including various sounds and spoken text.
• Lack of visual or tactile status indicators for locking or toggle controls or keys.
• People who are blind or who have visual impairments are typically faced with challenges such as:
• Lack of tactile identifiers that help them locate, identify and use keys and controls used for input and operation of a computer product.
• Lack of tactile or audio-based status indicators for locking or toggle controls or keys.
• Lack of alternative input methods for interaction with touchscreen interfaces.
• Dexterity or mobility-impaired persons are typically faced with challenges such as:
• Inaccessible computer keys and controls, including ones that require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting.
• Lack of adjustable key repeat features.
• Lack of visual, tactile, or audio-based status indicators for locking or toggle controls or keys.
• Keys, controls, and switches.
• Lack of error recovery features.
• Reliance on voice or manual input.
When testing desktop and portable computer products for compliance, it is crucial to be aware of the end user environment. This includes an understanding of product's stated accessibility features, in addition to methods the products uses for input and output.
Manual testing, using the testing methods described in this chapter, is mandatory, because it simulates use by assistive technology users. Automated testing tools or integrated development environment (IDE) features may help automate these methods, but automated testing must be accompanied by manual testing.
Desktop and portable computer products that have mechanically operated controls and keys must comply with the following requirements:
a. Controls and keys must be tactilely discernible without activating the controls or keys;
b. Controls and keys must be operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys must be 5 lbs. (22.2 N) maximum;
c. If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat must be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate must be adjustable to 2 seconds per character; and
d. The status of all locking or toggle controls or keys must be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound.
e. For touchscreens, provide an appropriate alternate access method that supports requirements a.-d. shown above.
These provisions apply to user-operable controls, which are components of a product that are operated by physical contact. Typically, the control panel or user interface, and their major components, buttons, keys, and knobs, are the primary items of concern. However, mechanically operated controls such as latches are also covered - as long as they require contact for "normal operation." Examples of normal operation would include selecting features, ejecting a CD-ROM, and pressing keys. Operable controls required for maintenance, service, repair, installation, and configuration or occasional monitoring are not covered by this provision. An example would be an RJ-11 plug that may be connected into a jack only one time.
Requirement 1 states that individual keys be locatable and distinguishable from the product surface and adjacent keys by touch. This provision only applies to products that have mechanically operated controls or keys, such as standard telephone keypads and computer keyboards. It is not intended to apply to touchscreens. Touchscreens and other contact sensitive controls are not specifically prohibited by any of the Telecommunications Product provisions. However, since all devices need to meet the functional performance criteria described in section 4-2.1, products that incorporate touchscreens or contact-sensitive controls are only able to meet these criteria if an alternative way of operating them using tactilely discernable controls was provided. At this time, some desktop and portable computer products with touchscreens and other contact sensitive controls do not conform with this provision. For example, there are PDAs with telephone functionality and touchscreens, as well as desk telephones with touchscreen enhanced features that cannot be operated via tactile controls.
Requirement 2 states that controls and keys must be operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys must be 5 lbs. (22.2 N) maximum. Individuals with tremor, cerebral palsy, or other disabilities may have difficulty operating systems which require fine motor control, a steady hand, or two hands to be used simultaneously for operation. Individuals with high spinal cord injuries, arthritis, and other conditions may have difficulty operating controls which require significant strength. The provision limits the force required to five pounds and is based on section 4.27.4 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines. This provision is also consistent with the Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines.
Requirement 3 states that if key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat must be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate must be adjustable to 2 seconds per character. This requirement addresses a challenge encountered by some people without fine motor coordination. Sometimes they accidentally don't release a key fast enough and get several (auto-repeated) characters when they only intended to type 1 (because the key repeat was faster than they can move). This could potentially result in the same character displaying several times on the screen. It could also result in the same function repeating (e.g., causing the telephone volume to get too high.). The "key repeat" requirement only applies to controls that have a "key repeat" function.
Requirement 4 states that the status of all locking or toggle controls or keys (e.g., "caps lock," "scroll lock," etc.) must be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound. For example, adding audio patterns, such as ascending and descending pitch tones that indicate when a control is turned on or off, would alleviate the problem of a person who is blind inadvertently pressing the locking or toggle controls. Also, buttons which remain depressed when activated and switches with distinct positions may meet this provision.
Requirement 5 addresses the specific challenges of touchscreen interfaces. Touchscreens or contact-sensitive controls often provide no tactile cues so they require the user to be able to see the areas of the screen in order to activate a touch control. People with visual impairments cannot locate the areas of the touchscreen to activate the controls. In addition, since touch-operated controls often require physical body contact, people with various disabilities may not be able to operate the control.
Ensure that individual keys are tactilely discernable without activating the controls or keys.
"Tactilely discernable" means that the keys are locatable and distinguishable from the product surface and adjacent keys by touch through use of various shapes, spacing, or tactile markings. The normal desktop computer keyboard, for example, would meet this provision because the tactile marks on the "j" and "f" keys permit a user to locate all other keys tactilely from these landmarks and the edges of the keyboard. In addition, the physical spacing of the function, "num pad" and cursor keys make them easy to locate by touch. Many telephones also have a raised dot on the number 5 button, enabling them to orient their fingers around the 12 keys. Because touch is necessary to discern tactile features, this provision requires keyboards to allow exploration by touch that will not automatically activate a function based on mere contact. Fortunately, most keyboards require some pressure on individual keys in order to enable a keystroke. Therefore, "capacitance" keyboards would not meet this provision because they react as soon as they are touched and have no raised marks or actual keys. They may not react at all when touched by a person with a prosthesis. A "membrane" keypad with keys that must be pressed can be made tactilely discernible by separating keys with raised ridges so that individual keys can be distinguished by touch. At this time, some telecommunications products with touchscreens and other contact sensitive controls do not conform with this provision. For example, there are PDAs with telephone functionality and touchscreens, as well as desk telephones with touchscreen enhanced features that cannot be operated via tactile controls. Every attempt should be made to acquire technology that can comply with this requirement where possible and practical. Consider the following recommendations that support this requirement:
• Consider placing tactile marks on top of the keys, not beside them, and raising the marks a minimum of 0.5 mm.
• On numeric keypads, the "5" key could have a tactile marker, such as a "nib" or "bar", on the top surface of it.
• On QWERTY keyboards, the "F" and "J" keys could have a raised bar on them.
• Recessed keys or keys with concave tops can be an aid to users operating them with a mouth stick or head stick. Raised keys aid users with visual disabilities to locate keys.
• To help people with fine motor control problems, a key guard or overlay option (i.e., membrane) could be provided when practical.
• Making other important keys tactilely distinct (shape, size, spacing, tactile markings) can make them easier to remember and find.
Ensure that all controls and keys can be activated with one hand using a maximum force of 5 lbs (22.2 N), and do not require tight grasping, pinching or twisting of the wrist.
Adhere to the following recommendations that support this requirement:
• Just as simultaneous two-handed operation is prohibited, multiple fingers, and simultaneous operations of all types should be avoided and are prohibited by section 7-6, which prohibits simultaneous actions and applies to all products.
• Using controls and latches which require light pressure to operate, such as push buttons, up/down control buttons, instead of side to side control buttons, concave rocker switches, or sliding controls would make it easier for users with different types of physical disabilities.
• It is recommended to avoid using controls that must be held down for a period of time if the period exceeds 5 seconds and there is no other way to achieve the function. The provision specifically states that keys and controls must not require twisting. However, this does not mean that rotary knobs cannot be used. If the knobs can be operated within the 22.2 N force limit and without requiring the user to twist, pinch or tightly grasp, then they would conform. Many knobs that have a reasonable surface coefficient of friction and which turn without great effort would meet the requirements of this provision. It is important to keep in mind that sufficient room should be provided around the knobs if they are to be operated in this fashion (e.g., with the side of the hand).
If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat must be adjustable to a rate of at least 2 seconds per character.
When key repeat is supported, adhere to the following recommendations that support this requirement:
• Provide an option to disable the key repeat function.
• Provide an option to set a key acceptance rate (how long the key must be depressed before being recognized).
• If the intention of repeating a key is to reach a target goal, provide an alternate way for the user to enter that target. For example, if a person were to increase volume from 1 to 20 by depressing a key 20 times, it would be easier to simply (or alternatively) press the numbers 2 and 0 to enter 20.
Make sure that the status of all locking or toggle controls or keys is visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound.
Adhere to the following recommendations that support this requirement:
• Use two different types of feedback, such as a combination of tactile, audible, and visual feedback to help make products easier for people with sensory disabilities to use.
• When using audio feedback, consider associating intuitively meaningful sounds with actions. For example, try using increasingly high-pitched sounds with increasing amplitude. Use cascading sounds with rotary or slide controls with the pitch associated with the change in control.
• Provide an audio indication of a toggle status, instead of a continuous signal, sufficiently long enough to alert the user to the position of the toggle switch.
When touchscreens are used, provide a redundant set of controls that serves as an alternative access method for people with visual or other impairments. Here are some recommended techniques that might be used to comply with this requirement:
• Provide auditory cues that allow users to spatially explore the screen by moving their fingers across the screen (without activating the controls). For activating controls, offer a selection button that users can push to operate controls they have selected on the touchscreen. Some possible auditory cues include the following: (a) Provide a auditory description of the overall layout of the screen when a user touches the upper left-hand corner of the screen; (b) Provide an auditory name or description of each button or text input field as the user touches the control; (c) Provide different button or text input field edge sounds that indicate when a user is entering and leaving a button; (d) Provide a "white noise" sound as the user touches blank areas of the screen.
• Provide an auditory linear listing of all screen controls, or "speedlist," that allows users to quickly discern and select controls without activating them. For activating controls, offer a selection button that users can push to operate controls they have selected from the speedlist on the touchscreen. In this technique, buttons and text inputs are lined up in a linear list fashion along the left edge of the screen. As the user runs their finger from the top left-hand corner to the bottom left-hand corner of the screen (sometimes along the groove formed by the touchscreen and the left cowl), a "speedlist" feature is turned on. After activating the speedlist, auditory descriptions of the buttons and text inputs are provided as the user moves their finger up and down the list, or as they press "up" and "down" arrow keys in the hardware controls. The first auditory description in the list is always a description of the overall function of the screen and the types of information and controls, which would be found in the list. In addition, provide a layered help system that allows users to have more information than the button or text input name, activated by an additional hardware control.
a. Requirement 1: Ensure that all mechanically operated controls and keys are tactilely discernable:
(1) Check for tactile marks on top of the keys (not beside them) and raised marks that have a minimum height of 0.5 mm.
(2) On telephone keypads, check for a tactile marker on the "5" key, such as a "nib" or "bar," on the top surface of it.
(3) On QWERTY keyboards, check for a raised bar on the "F" and "J" keys.
(4) Check for recessed keys or keys with concave tops, which aid visually and mobility impaired users in locating keys.
(5) Check for key guards or overlays that help people with fine motor control problems.
(6) Check for other distinctions (shape, size, spacing, tactile markings) that make keys easier to remember and tactilely discernable.
b. Requirement 2: Ensure that each control and key is operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist:
(1) For each control or key, note if any of the following conditions exist: two hands are required to operate the control or key, a tight grasp is needed, a pinching or twisting of the wrist is need to operate the control.
(2) For push controls, measure the force needed to activate the control. The force required to activate controls and keys must not be more than 5 lbs. (22.2 N). The effects of knob diameter, toggle configuration, surface textures, surrounding surfaces, etc. will likely influence this measurement. Include measurements for only push controls, as it may be difficult to measure the force required by non push-button controls such as pull-type, rotary, slide, thumb wheels, and toggles.
c. Requirement 3: Ensure appropriate key repeat rate and delay:
• Hold a key down for 2 seconds or more and observe if key repeat occurs.
• Hold a key down for less than 2 seconds and note whether the key repeat occurred - it should not have.
• Inspect the user manual and reference manual to determine if key repeat delay is adjustable. If so, note the allowed range of times for repeat delay.
d. Requirement 3: Ensure that key repeat rate can be adjusted:
• Inspect the user manual and reference manual to determine if key repeat rate is adjustable. If so, note the allowed range of repeat rates.
e. Requirement 4: Identify all locking or toggle controls or keys (excluding maintenance and setup features). For each locking or toggle control or key:
• Check that the status of the control or key is visually discernible.
• Check for either an audible or tactile indicator for the status of the control or key.
f. Requirement 5: Identify all touchscreen controls, keys or interfaces. For each control or input field:
• Check for auditory cues or audio features that allow users to spatially explore the screen or access a linear listing of all controls and inputs.
• Check for a hardware-based activation controls and optional "up" and "down" arrow buttons that allows users to navigate lists and activate controls once they have made a selection.
• Check for an optional layered help system that allows users to have more information than the button or text input name, activated by an additional hardware control.
The following references are applicable to the specific requirements stated here:
• Guide to the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and
Information
Technology, Telecommunications Products (1194.23), Updated: June 21,
2001
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.23.htm
• Section 4.27.4 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines
(ADAAG), codified
as the ADA Standards for Accessible Design as part of the Department
of Justice's regulation implementing title III of the ADA at 28 C.F.R.
pt. 36, Appendix A Telecommunications Act Accessibility Guidelines
http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.27
• Trace Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Guide
to Section 508
Telecommunications
http://www.trace.wisc.edu/docs/2002-508-collation/index.shtml
?style=default#telecomm
• Trace Center Research, University of Wisconsin, Kiosk
accommodation
http://www.tracecenter.org/world/kiosks/
• Trace Research Center, University of Wisconsin,
"Ergonomics of a non-visual touchscreen interface - a case study".
http://trace.wisc.edu/docs/touchscreen_ergonomics2000/
ergonomics.htm
This document provides information on touchscreen interfaces for
people who are blind or have low vision.
• Tiresias - International Information on Visual
Disability, guidelines for
tactile identifiers on keys
http://www.tiresias.org/guidelines/keys.htm
• Enable Tech: Tools to Consider - Keyboards
http://www.enabletech.ie/Tools2.html
When biometric forms of user identification or control are used, an alternative form of identification or activation, which does not require the user to possess particular biological characteristics, must also be provided (§1194.26, Provision c).
Biometric controls refer to controls that are activated only if a particular biological feature of the end-user exists and matches specific criteria (e.g., voiceprint, fingerprint, retinal image).
Biometric controls are becoming more common, as they can provide a high level of security or offer increased efficiencies in user interaction with computer systems. Biometric controls are used for two primary purposes: security (i.e., user identification and authentication) and non-security commands or user input. One example is a high security computer system or information transaction machine that uses retinal scanners or fingerprint identification controls to identify users before providing them access to personal or sensitive data. Another example is a portable computer that offers an optional voice command feature to allow the user access to various applications or data stored on the computer. In the latter example, the voice commands are a benefit because they help the user make selections or provide input more quickly or in a "hands-free" mode.
While biometric controls offer many benefits, they can present significant barriers to people with various disabilities. This requirement addresses this problem by requiring that when biometric controls are used, an alternate access method must be provided that does not compromise security and that does not require specific biological features (e.g., voiceprint, fingerprint, retinal scan) to activate or operate the controls.
When biometric forms of user identification or control are used, an alternative access method that does not require the user to possess particular biological characteristics must be provided.
Some examples include:
• A shared desktop computer located in a plant management office uses a fingerprint scanner to provide secure access to highly confidential files for a select group of Postal Service employees. As an alternative to the fingerprint scan, the system provides an alternate access method by allowing the user to enter a password and answer some additional verification questions. This alternative access method is also beneficial for all users, either as a redundant check or in situations where the primary method is inadequate (e.g., when the fingerprint scanner ceases to work properly, when users have a temporary disability such as a broken hand that is in a cast.
• A portable computer uses voice commands to allow users to activate key applications such as a contact database or calendar. As an alternative to the voice commands, the user can enter input using the computer keyboard.
a. Inspect the product to determine if it uses biometric controls that require users to possess specific biological features (e.g., voice, retinal image, fingerprint, etc.).
b. For each biometric control, determine if there is at least one alternative access method directly in the product that allows the user to perform the same functions that the biometric control supports.
c. If the provision of an alternative access method directly in the product would compromise security, and if there are no other commercial products available that would meet business needs, an exception may need to be taken and documented (see chapter 4). If an exception is taken, an alternate format or alternate access method must be provided for people who cannot readily use the product (i.e., indirect access).
The following references are applicable to the specific requirements stated here:
• Biometrics Resource Center Web site at the National
Institute for
Standards and Technology
http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/biometrics
• Guide to the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and
Information
Technology, Desktop and Portable Computer Products (1194.26),
Updated: June 21, 2001
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.26.htm
• Open Directory Project: Biometrics Links
http://dmoz.org/Computers/Security/Biometrics/
Where provided, at least one of each type of expansion slots, ports, and connectors must comply with publicly available industry standards. (§1194.26, Provision d)
Slots refer to the openings in a computer where you can insert a printed circuit board. Slots are often called expansion slots because they allow you to expand the capabilities of a computer. The boards you insert in expansion slots are called expansion boards or add-on boards. Slots are typically in the back of the computer.
Ports consist of an interface on a computer to which you can connect a device. Personal computers have various types of ports, such as USB, SCSI, parallel, and serial. Ports are the external connection points on computers that permit the use of such devices as modems, printers, keyboards, mice, and audio components.
Connectors are plugs and sockets that link two devices together, either by wire or wirelessly. Although taken for granted and rarely in the limelight, these components are more critical than most people would imagine. When not designed or constructed properly, they can prevent peripherals, such as assistive technology (AT), from interacting with a user's computer system.
An industry standard is one that is published and made available by the manufacturer, so that third party and cross-manufacturer developers may build compatible connections. Some examples are listed in the 508 technical assistance material. This provision requires connection points on a computer system to comply with an industry standard technical specification that is available to other manufacturers. This assures that the developers of assistive technology will have access to information concerning the design of system connections and thus be able to produce products that can use those connections.
Examples of publicly available industry standards may include USB, PS/2, Serial, ADB, SCSI interfaces, RS-232, Centronics (parallel), SCSI interfaces, and PCMCIA. This requirement essentially implies that a manufacturer cannot have all connection ports that are proprietary where standard ports are available.
All expansion slots, ports and connectors on desktop and portable computers must comply with publicly available cross-manufacturer, non-proprietary, industry standards.
Connection points on a computer system must comply with an industry standard technical specification that is available to other manufacturers. Examples of publicly available industry standards may include RS-232, Centronics, SCSI interfaces, PCMCIA, or USB.
a. Conduct an inspection of the product to inventory the expansion slots, ports and connectors.
b. For each expansion slot, port or connectors, is at least one of each type (slot, port or connector) compliant with a publicly available industry standard?
The following references are applicable to the specific requirements stated here:
• Guide to the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and
Information
Technology, Desktop and Portable Computer Products (1194.26),
Updated: June 21, 2001
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.26.htm
• EIA232E, "Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange", EIA (Electronic Industries Association)
http://global.ihs.com/doc_detail.cfm?currency_code=USD&customer_id=212543484D0A&shopping_cart_id=27274833254B3020495A2020280A&country_code=US&lang_code=ENGL&item_s_key=00125234&item_key_date=020231&input_doc_number=&input_doc_title=interface%20data%20terminal%20equipment%20serial%20binary%20data
• IEEE Std.1284-1994, "Standard Signaling Method for a Bi-directional Parallel Peripheral Interface for Personal Computers", IEEE (Institute
of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers)
http://global.ihs.com/doc_detail.cfm?currency_code=USD&customer_id=21254C4A4B0A&shopping_cart_id=27274833254B3020495A2020270A&country_code=US&lang_code=ENGL&item_s_key=00151636&item_key_date=991231&input_doc_number=1284&input_doc_title=&org_code=IEEE
• Small Computer System Interface (SCSI), a set of
ANSI-standard
electronic interfaces that allow personal computers to communicate
with peripheral hardware
http://global.ihs.com/search_res.cfm?currency_code=USD&customer_id=21254A4A4B0A&shopping_cart_id=27274833254B3020495A2020270A&country_code=US&lang_code=ENGL&input_doc_title=scsi&org_code=ANSI
• PCMCIA Standard Release 2.1/JEIDA 4.2 - July 1993,
PCMCIA
(Personal Computer Memory Card International Association)
http://www.pcmcia.org
• Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0
April 27, 2000,
Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Intel
Corporation, Lucent Technologies Inc., Microsoft Corporation, NEC
Corporation, Kominklijke Phillips Electronics N.V.
http://www.usb.org/developers/data/usb_20.zip
• IrDA SIR Data Specification for an interoperable
universal two way
cordless infrared light transmission data port: IrDA Serial Infrared
Physical Layer Link Specification (IrPHY), IrDA Serial Infrared Link
Access Protocol (IrLAP) and IrDA Serial Infrared Link Management
Protocol (IrLMP), IrDA Tiny TP (1,331KB)and IrDA Point and Shoot
Profile and Test Specification
http://www.irda.org/standards/specifications.asp
• IEEE Standard 1394b, "High-Performance Serial Bus, 2002, IEEE Standards Association" (IEEE-SA)
http://www.ieee.org/products/onlinepubs/stand/standards.html
Appendix 10-A
Desktop
and Portable Computers
Accessibility Checklist
Use this as a tool for high-level guidance in determining if a desktop or portable computer is compliant or accessible.
| Requirement Number and Summary | Yes, No, or N/A | Comments | |
| 10-2 | Mechanical
or Touch-Operated Controls,
Keys and Touch Screens.
Desktop and portable computer products that have mechanically operated
controls and keys must comply with Section 7-12 in the Chapter 7: Telecommunications
Products (§1194.26, Provision a and
§1194.26, Provision b): 1. Controls and keys must be tactilely discernible without activating the controls or keys. 2. Controls and keys must be operable with one hand and must not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys must be 5 lbs. (22.2 N) maximum. 3. If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat must be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate must be adjustable to 2 seconds per character. 4. The status of all locking or toggle controls or keys must be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound. |
blank | blank |
| 10-3 | Biometric User Identification and Controls. When biometric forms of user identification or control are used, an alternative form of identification or activation, which does not require the user to possess particular biological characteristics, must also be provided (§1194.26, Provision c). | blank | blank |
| 10-4 | Industry-Standard
Expansion Slots, Ports
and Connectors. Where
provided, at least one of each type of expansion slots, ports and
connectors
must comply with publicly available industry standards. (§1194.26, Provision d) |
blank | blank |