Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Justice surveyed all
federal agencies to assess initial compliance with the
accessibility requirements of Section 508 of the
Rehabilitation Act, as amended by the Workforce Investment Act of
1998. Below are answers to some common questions about Section
508, followed by a set of accessibility checklists for computer
software, web pages, information transaction machines, and other
office equipment. Although prepared for federal agencies in
particular, the material provides summary information of general
use to organizations interested in practicing universal design
of technological environments.
----------
>From the web page
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508/508docs.html
United States Department of Education
Q & A
TITLE IV--REHABILITATION ACT AMENDMENTS OF 1998
SECTION 508: ELECTRONIC AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
1) What is Section 508?
Section 508 is a part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which
requires that electronic and information technology developed,
procured, maintained, or used by the Federal government be
accessible to people with disabilities. On August 7, 1998, the
President signed into law the Workforce Investment Act of 1998,
which includes the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998.
Section 508 was originally added to the Rehabilitation Act in
1986; the 1998 amendments significantly expand and strengthen
the technology access requirements in Section 508.
2) How do these changes to Section 508 improve upon the earlier
version?
The old version of Section 508 established non-binding
guidelines for technology accessibility, while the new version
will create binding, enforceable standards and will incorporate
these standards into Federal procurement regulations. Federal
agencies will use these standards in all their electronic and
information technology acquisitions. Consistent government-wide
standards will make it easier for Federal agencies to meet their
existing obligations to make their technology systems accessible
to people with disabilities, and will promote competition in the
technology industry by clarifying the Federal market's
requirement for accessibility in general products. The new
version of Section 508 also establishes a complaint procedure
and reporting requirements, which further strengthen the law.
3) Who does Section 508 apply to?
Section 508 applies to Federal departments and agencies. It does
not apply to recipients of Federal funds, and does not regulate
the private sector. However, states which receive Federal funds
under the Technology Related Assistance for Individuals with
Disabilities Act of 1988, are required by that Act to comply
with Section 508.
4) What does Section 508 require of Federal agencies and
departments?
Section 508 requires that when Federal agencies develop,
procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology,
they must ensure that it is accessible to people with
disabilities, unless it would pose an undue burden to do so.
Federal employees and members of the public who have
disabilities must have access to and use of information and
services that is comparable to the access and use available to
non-disabled Federal employees and members of the public.
New standards will be established to help Federal agencies
determine whether or not a technology product or system is
accessible. Federal agencies must comply with these technology
accessibility standards for all electronic and information
technology acquired on or after August 7, 2000. If a Federal
agency determines that it would pose an undue burden to comply
with the standards, it must still provide information and data
to individuals with disabilities through an alternative means of
access that can be used by the individuals.
5) How will these technology accessibility standards be
developed?
By February 7, 2000 the Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) will issue and publish
standards that will define which electronic and information
technology is covered by Section 508, and will describe what is
meant by 'accessible technology' by setting forth the technical
and functional performance criteria necessary to implement the
accessibility requirements. The Access Board will consult with
the Departments of Education, Commerce, and Defense, the General
Services Administration, the Federal Communications Commission,
the electronic and information technology industry, and
disability organizations; these organizations will sit on an
Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee
(EITAAC) to advise the Access Board as it develops the
standards.
Six months after the Access Board publishes the standards, the
Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council will revise the Federal
Acquisition Regulation and each Federal department or agency
shall revise the Federal procurement policies and directives
under their control to incorporate the standards. The Access
Board will periodically review and update the standards as
necessary.
6) What are Federal agencies required to do in the short-term to
comply with Section 508?
Within six months agencies must evaluate their current
electronic and information technology systems for accessibility
to individuals with disabilities, and submit a report to the
Attorney General containing the results of the evaluation.
7) What other reporting requirements does Section 508 create?
Within eighteen months the Attorney General must submit a report
to the President on the extent to which the electronic and
information technology of the Federal Government is accessible
to individuals with disabilities. In addition, every two years
thereafter the Attorney General must report to the President and
the Congress on Federal agency compliance with the requirements
of the law, and on any actions on individual complaints.
8) Where can Federal agencies go for technical assistance?
The General Services Administration and the Access Board will
provide technical assistance on the requirements of Section 508.
Agencies and individuals may also seek information from the many
public, non-profit, educational, or private institutions and
organizations that specialize in making technology accessible to
people with disabilities. These organizations, along with
companies in the electronic and information technology industry,
can assist agencies in identifying innovative technology or in
developing accessible technology solutions.
9) Are there any exemptions to the technology accessibility
standards?
A Federal agency does not have to comply with the accessibility
standards if it would impose an undue burden to do so. This is
consistent with language used in the Americans with Disabilities
Act (ADA) and other civil rights legislation, where the term
'undue burden' has been defined as "significant difficulty or
expense." However, the agency must explain why meeting the
standards would pose an undue burden for a given procurement
action, and must still provide people with disabilities access
to the information or data that is affected.
Section 508 contains a limited exemption for national security
systems as defined by the Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. These are
systems used for military command, weaponry, intelligence, and
cryptologic activities. The exemption does not apply to routine
business and administrative systems used for other
defense-related purposes or by defense agencies or personnel.
10) How will Section 508 be enforced?
Because the Section 508 standards will be incorporated into the
Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), agencies' procurement of
accessible technology will be subject to the same stringent
compliance and enforcement mechanisms as other parts of the FAR.
There is also an administrative complaint process which becomes
effective on August 7, 2000, two years after the date of
enactment. It enables any individual with a disability to file a
complaint alleging that a Federal department or agency has not
complied with the accessible technology standards in a
procurement made after August 7, 2000. The complaint process is
the same as that used for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act,
for complaints alleging discrimination on the basis of
disability in Federally-conducted programs or activities. It
provides injunctive relief and attorney's fees to the prevailing
party, but does not include compensatory or punitive damages.
11) What is meant by 'electronic and information technology'?
The Access Board will set forth in its standards a definition of
'electronic and information technology' consistent with the
Clinger-Cohen Act of 1996. That Act defines 'information
technology' to include "any equipment or interconnected system
or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic
acquisition, storage, manipulation, management, movement,
control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or
reception of data or information." It includes computer
hardware, software, networks, and peripherals as well as many
electronic and communications devices commonly used in offices.
12) What does the law mean by 'accessible'?
The standards developed by the Access Board will explain the
detailed technical and functional performance criteria that will
determine whether a technology product or system is
'accessible.'
In general, an information technology system is accessible to
people with disabilities if it can be used in a variety of ways
that do not depend on a single sense or ability. For example, a
system that provides output only in audio format would not be
accessible to people with hearing impairments, and a system that
requires mouse actions to navigate would not be accessible to
people who cannot use a mouse because of a dexterity or visual
impairment. Section 508 focuses on the overall accessibility of
electronic and information systems, not on providing
accommodations at individual worksites. Individuals with
disabilities may still need specific accessibility-related
software or peripheral devices to be able to use an accessible
system. For example, in order to use an accessible
word-processing program, a person who is blind may need add-on
software that reads text aloud; if the word-processing program
could not be made compatible with a screen-reading program, it
would not be accessible.
13) How does Section 508 apply to other Federal laws?
Section 508 in no way replaces or otherwise limits the rights or
remedies available under any other existing Federal law that
protects the rights of people with disabilities. As part of the
Rehabilitation Act, it clarifies and strengthens the Federal
government's existing obligation to ensure that technology is
accessible to people with disabilities.
----------
Software Accessibility Checklist
This Checklist should serve as a tool for evaluating the extent
to which software applications are accessible to most people
with disabilities. This document is based on the U.S. Department
of Education's "Requirements for Accessible Software Design,"
including the technical guidance that appears as Appendix A to
the "Requirements." The "Requirements" document and the appendix
are available at:
http://ocfo.ed.gov/coninfo/clibrary/software.htm
More specific recommendations for how to design accessible
software can be obtained from Joe Tozzi or others on the
Assistive Technology Team in the Department of Education's
Office of the Chief Information Officer Technology Center, (202)
708-7298 (voice), (202) 401-8510 (TTY), Internet:
[log in to unmask]
Although the Department of Education's guidelines may differ
from the legally-enforceable standards that the Access Board
will promulgate by February 7, 2000, they are among the most
helpful references currently available to assist your agency in
determining the extent to which your software applications are
accessible to and useable by persons with disabilities.
When evaluating your software applications, be sure to test them
under the same circumstances under which employees or members of
the public with disabilities would be using them. For instance,
if you use off-the-shelf software on a network environment, test
the software on the same network, not in a stand-alone
environment.
NOTE: In addition to filling out this "Software Accessibility
Checklist," you must also test each application by running it
with assistive technologies commonly used by persons with
disabilities, including, at a minimum, screen readers, and, if
possible, alternate input devices, screen enlargement software,
and voice recognition software and devices. Make a note of any
problems encountered during this exercise in the space provided
on page 5.
Person filling out this Checklist:
Component/Agency:
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Fax number:
E-mail address:
Software application under review:
Title/Version:
Developer (give full name, no acronyms):
Customization: choose the most appropriate description:
(a) commercial off-the-shelf software (used "as is")
(b) commercial software, but modified for agency use
(c) custom software developed under contract
(d) custom software developed in-house
Description: choose the most appropriate:
(a) word processor
(b) spreadsheet
(c) database
(d) groupware
(e) e-mail
(f) Internet browser
(g) other Internet access
(h) online database access
(i) other (describe):
Used by approximately [blank] members of the public and [blank]
Federal employees on a weekly basis.
Category
Question Y N N/A
Keyboard Access 1. Does the software provide keyboard
equivalents for all mouse actions, including buttons, scroll
windows, text entry fields, and pop-up windows?
Keyboard Access 2. Does the program provide clear and precise
instructions for use of all keyboard functions as part of the
user documentation?
Keyboard Access 3. Are instructions regarding keyboard use
widely available for all users in your component?
Keyboard Access 4. Does the software have a logical tabbing
order among fields, text boxes, and focal points?
Keyboard Access 5. When navigating screens and dialog boxes
using the keyboard, does the focus follow a logical tabbing
order?
Keyboard Access 6. Is there a well-defined focal point that
moves with keyboard navigation? (e.g., can you use the arrow
keys to navigate through a list followed by pressing the ENTER
key or space bar to select the desired item)?
Keyboard Access 7. Are shortcut keys provided for all
pull-down menus?
Keyboard Access 8. Does the software support existing
accessibility features built into the operating system (e.g.,
sticky keys, slow keys, repeat keys in Apple Macintosh OS or
Microsoft Windows 95)?
Timing 9. If timed responses are present, does the software
allow the user to modify the timing parameters of any required
timed responses?
Screen Elements 10. Are all descriptions or labels for fields
positioned immediately to the left or directly above the
control, and do they end in a colon, so that it is easy for
screen reading software to associate the labels with the
corresponding fields?
Screen Elements 11. Does every window, object, and control
have a clearly named label?
Screen Elements 12. Does the software application use
standard controls rather than owner-drawn or custom controls?
Icons 13. Does the software have a user selectable option to
display text on icons, i.e., text only icons or bubble help?
Icons 14. Is the use of icons consistent throughout the
application?
Icons 15. Are menus with text equivalents provided for all
icon functions or icon selections on menu, tool, and format
bars?
Sounds 16. If there are audio alerts, are visual cues also
provided?
Note: Most operating systems handle this issue in the
client/server environment; the question is most relevant in a
dumb terminal environment.
Sounds 17. Does the software support the "show sounds"
feature where it is built into the operating system?
Sounds 18. Can the user disable or adjust sound volume?
Sounds 19. If information is provided in an audio format, is
it also capable of being displayed by the user in a visual
format?
Display 20. Is the software application free of patterned
backgrounds used behind text or important graphics?
Display 21. Can a user override default fonts for printing
and text displays?
Display 22. Can a user adjust or disable flashing, rotating,
or moving displays?
Color 23. Does the software ensure that color-coding is never
used as the only means of conveying information or indicating an
action?
Color 24. Does the application support user-defined color
settings system-wide?
Color 25. Is highlighting also viewable with inverted colors?
Size 26. If the software application draws its own screen
elements, does it pick up the size settings that the user has
selected in the Control Panel?
Documentation 27. Are all manuals and documentation provided
in electronic format as well as ASCII text files, including text
descriptions of any charts, graphs, pictures, or graphics of any
nature?
Documentation 28. Can a user choose to have any report
generated by the software made available in a "print to ASCII
file" format?
Training 29. Is special training provided for users with
disabilities that will enable them to become familiar with the
software and learn how to use it in conjunction with assistive
technology provided as an accommodation?
30. After you have evaluated this application using the
Checklist, test it by running the application with a sampling of
the common assistive technologies used by persons with
disabilities (including, at a minimum, screen readers, and, if
possible, alternate input devices, screen enlargement software,
and voice recognition software and devices). Describe the
accessibility successes and problems you encountered during
these testing exercises, as well as your plans for addressing
any problems: [space provided for answer]
1. For persons with disabilities, additional copies of this
document are available on computer disk and in alternate formats
including large print, Braille, and audio cassette, by calling
the U.S. Department of Justice at the following numbers:
Section 508 Coordinators:
1-202-305-8304 (voice)
1-202-353-8944 (TTY)
ADA Information Line:
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
Alternate format copies for persons with disabilities may also
be requested via e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
This document is available on the Section 508 Home Page of the
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508
----------
Web Page Accessibility Checklist
This Checklist should help you evaluate the extent to which Web
pages are accessible to most people with disabilities.
This Checklist is based on the September 18, 1998 Working Draft
of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines(2) of the World Wide
Web Consortium's ("W3C") Web Accessibility Initiative ("WAI").
W3C/WAI guidelines are the result of a compilation and technical
upgrading of a number of different Web accessibility guidelines
from around the world. They are developed by a consensus process
through a W3C working Group involving Web industry, disability
organizations, research organizations, and governmental
organizations.
More information about the WAI and its products is available at:
http://www.w3.org/WAI.
The status of this Checklist's source material as a W3C Working
Draft indicates that it is a draft document and may be updated,
replaced or made obsolete by other documents at any time. The
status as a W3C Working Draft means that one should not imply
endorsement by, or the consensus of, either W3C or members of
the WAI Working Group. Likewise, the Department of Justice's Web
Page Accessibility Checklist has not been adopted, endorsed by,
or in any way approved by the WAI, W3C, or any component.
The W3C Working Draft of the Web Content Accessibility
Guidelines can be found at:
http://www.w3.org/TR/1998/WD-WAI-PAGEAUTH-19980918
Users are strongly encouraged to go to that site for guidance on
the appropriate use of and context for the information contained
in this Checklist. The most updated version of the W3C Working
Draft of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines can be found
at:
http://www.w3.org/TR/WD-WAI-PAGEAUTH.
Use of the W3C guidelines does not constitute an endorsement of
the organization or its materials by the U.S. Department of
Justice. The WAI's Web Content Accessibility Guidelines may
differ from the legally-enforceable standards that the Access
Board will promulgate by February 7, 2000. The Department of
Justice is providing this information only as interim guidance
while the Access Board develops the binding standards.
Person filing out this Checklist:
Component/Agency:
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Fax number:
E-mail address:
Web page under review:
URL/URI/other identifier:
Indicate the most appropriate description for the web page:
(a) online form for services or benefits
(b) other online form
(c) instructions for receipt of services or benefits
(d) description of activities
(e) employment postings
(f) inherently graphical content (e.g., map or photograph)
(g) other (describe):
Estimate the average number of times the page is accessed on a
weekly basis: [blank]
Question Y N N/A
1. For all images, is alternative text provided?
Note. This includes images used as spacers, bullets in lists,
and links
2. For all applets, are alternative text and content provided?
3. For all image map links, is alternative text provided?
4. If server-side image maps were used, are text links provided
for each hotspot in the image map?
5. For all graphical buttons, is alternative text provided?
6. Is there an absence of ASCII art, and, instead, are images
and alternative text used?
E.g., use "smile" or an image with alt text instead of: :)
7. If OBJECT was used to incorporate an image, applet, or script
into a page, is the information also conveyed in an alternative
means in cases where the OBJECT cannot be perceived, such as
with "title" or within the body of the OBJECT element?
8. Are long descriptions provided of all graphics that convey
important information?
To do so: use "longdesc."
Until most browsers support "longdesc," also use a d-link
(description link) or invisible d-link.
9. For stand-alone audio files, are textual transcripts of all
words spoken or sung as well as all significant sounds provided?
10. For audio associated with video, are captions -- textual
transcripts of dialog and sounds -- synchronized with the video?
11. Where sounds are played automatically, are visual
notification and transcripts provided?
12. For short animations such as animated "gifs" images, are
alternative text and a long description provided, if needed?
13. For movies, are auditory descriptions provided and
synchronized with the original audio?
14. If color is used to convey information, is the information
also clear from the markup and/or text?
Hint: One way of testing this is to ask yourself whether the
information is available if one is viewing it on a black and
white screen.
15. Are foreground and background color combinations used that
provide sufficient contrast when viewed by someone with color
blindness or when viewed on a black and white screen?
16. For auto-refreshing or timed response pages, is a second
copy of the page provided where refresh only happens after a
link has been selected (until user agents provide this ability
themselves)?
17. Is the Web page free from any blinking or updating of the
screen that causes flicker?
18. Is a fallback page provided for pages that contain frames?
19. For scripts that present critical information or functions,
is an alternative, equivalent presentation or mechanism
provided?
20. For pages that use style sheets, are the contents of each
page ordered and structured so that they read appropriately
without the style sheet?
21. If frames are used, are titles provided so that users can
keep track of frames by name?
22. Do you provide a "text only" alternative page to the
original page?
23. If you provide a "text only" alternative page, does it
contain substantially the same information as the original page?
24. If you provide a "text only" alternative page, is it updated
as often as the original page?
25. After you have evaluated this Web page using the Checklist,
test it by running it with a text-only browser, such as Lynx, a
public domain text browser that is available at
http://lynx.browser.org. Describe the accessibility successes
and problems you encountered during this exercise, including
your plans for addressing any problems: [space provided for
answer]
1. 1For persons with disabilities, additional copies of this
document are available on computer disk and in alternate formats
including large print, Braille, and audio cassette, by calling
the U.S. Department of Justice at the following numbers:
Section 508 Coordinators:
1-202-305-8304 (voice)
1-202-353-8944 (TTY)
ADA Information Line:
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
Alternate format copies for persons with disabilities may also
be requested via e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
This document is available on the Section 508 Home Page of the
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508
2. "The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines" were formerly
known as the "Page Author Guidelines."
----------
ITM Accessibility Checklist
This Checklist should serve as a tool for evaluating the extent
to which Information Transaction Machines -- or "ITM's" -- are
accessible to and usable by most people with disabilities. ITM's
include, but are not limited to, the following:
* ATM's (automated teller machines);
* ticket vending machines;
* computer kiosks;
* electronic building directories;
* fare machines; and
* point of sale customer card payment systems
This Checklist is partly based on the publication, "User Needs,
and Strategies for Addressing Those Needs" (hereinafter,
"Strategies") by the Trace Research and Development Center of
the University of Wisconsin-Madison, which can be found at:
http://www.trace.wisc.edu/world/kiosks/itms/needs.html
The development of the Trace Center's publication was funded by
the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research
("NIDRR") of the U.S. Department of Education under grant number
H133E30012. Use of the Trace Center's materials does not
constitute an
endorsement of the Trace Center or its work by the Department of
Justice. Likewise, the Department of Justice's ITM Accessibility
Checklist has not been adopted, endorsed by, or in any way
approved by the Trace Center, NIDRR, or the Department of
Education.
Note: The Trace Center's "Strategies" may differ from the
legally-enforceable standards that the Access Board will
promulgate by February 7, 2000.
Person filling out this Checklist:
Component/Agency:
Name:
Title:
Telephone:
Fax number:
E-mail address:
ITM application under review:
Type (choose the most appropriate description):
(a) automated teller machine (ATM)
(b) ticket vending machine
(c) information or computer kiosk
(d) electronic building directory
(e) point of sale card payment system
(f) fare machine
(g) other -- describe:
Hardware Manufacturer:
Model:
Software:
Number of units of this model operated or used by component:
Used by approximately [blank] members of the public and [blank]
Federal employees on an average weekly basis.
Hours of availability (choose the most appropriate):
(a) 24 hours a day, seven days a week
(b) normal business hours, weekdays only
(c) normal business hours, 7 days a week
(d) extended business hours, weekdays only
(e) extended business hours, weekdays and some weekend hours
Question
Y
N N/A
1. Can the user change sound settings, such as volume?
2. For all visual information and cues, are there simultaneous
corresponding audible information and cues?
3. Is there sufficient contrast between foreground and
background colors or tones so that a person with low vision can
use the technology, or is it possible for the user to select
foreground and background colors?
4. Is all text information displayed large enough that it can be
read by someone with low vision, or is it possible for the user
to select an enlarged display?
5. Can users select speech input?
6. If speech input is used, is an alternative method available
for inputting information, such as typing on a keyboard or
scanning printed material, so that someone who cannot speak can
use the technology?
7. For all sound cues and audible information, such as "beeps,"
are there simultaneous corresponding visual cues and
information?
8. Is there a headphone jack to enable the user to use an
assistive listening system to access audible information?
9. Can users simultaneously change the visual display settings
and the sound settings?
10. Can the user read displayed output with a tactile display
such as Braille?
11. Does the technology allow the user to use scanning input?
12. Is the technology manufactured such that it allows a person
using a wheelchair to approach the technology, including all
controls, dispensers, receptacles, and other operable equipment,
with either a forward or parallel approach?
13. Is the technology manufactured so that, if the equipment is
properly placed, the highest operable part of controls,
dispensers, receptacles, and other operable parts fall within at
least one of the following reach ranges?
If a forward approach is required, the maximum high
forward reach is 48 inches.
If a side approach is allowed, and the reach is not
over an obstruction, the maximum high side reach is 54
inches; if it is over an obstruction which is no more
than 24 inches wide and 34 inches high, the maximum
high side reach is 46 inches.
14. If electrical and communication system receptacles are
provided, are they mounted no less than 15 inches above the
floor?
15. Are all controls and operating mechanisms operable with one
hand and operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting
of the wrist?
16. Is the force required to operate or active the controls no
greater than 5 lbf?
17. Are instructions and all information for use accessible to
and independently usable by persons with vision impairments?
18. Is the technology manufactured in such a way that it can be
made detectable to persons with visual impairments who use canes
to detect objects in their path?
Note: Objects projecting from walls with their leading edges
between 27 in. and 80 in. above the finished floor should
protrude no more than 4 in. into walks, halls, corridors,
passageways, or aisles. Objects mounted with their leading edges
at or below 27 in. above the finished floor may protrude any
amount. Free-standing objects mounted on posts or pylons may
overhang 12 in. maximum from 27 in. to 80 in. above the ground
or finished floor.
19. After you have evaluated this ITM using the Checklist, have
users with a wide variety of disabilities test it for
accessibility. Describe the accessibility successes and problems
they encountered during these exercises, including any
suggestions for improvement: [space provided for answer]
1. For persons with disabilities, additional copies of this
document are available on computer disk and in alternate formats
including large print, Braille, and audio cassette, by calling
the U.S. Department of Justice at the following numbers:
Section 508 Coordinators:
1-202-305-8304 (voice)
1-202-353-8944 (TTY)
ADA Information Line:
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
Alternate format copies for person with disabilities may also be
requested via e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
This document is available on the Section 508 Home Page of the
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508
----------
IT Equipment Accessibility Checklist
This Checklist should help you evaluate the extent to which your
component's information technology equipment (including -- but
not limited to -- printers, fax machines, and copiers) is
accessible to and usable by most people with disabilities. You
should evaluate each model by each manufacturer, whether or not
there is another type of equipment available that is accessible
to people with disabilities and whether or not reasonable
accommodations are provided to individuals with disabilities.
Person filling out this Checklist:
Component/Agency:
Name:
Title:
Telephone number:
Fax number:
E-mail address:
Equipment under review:
Type (choose one):
(a) printer
(b) fax machine
(c) copier
(d) other -- describe:
Manufacturer:
Model:
Number of units of this model operated or used by component:
Used by approximately [blank] members of the public on a weekly
basis.
Used by approximately [blank] Federal employees on a weekly
basis.
Hours of availability (choose the most appropriate):
(a) 24 hours a day, seven days a week
(b) normal business hours, weekdays only
(c) normal business hours, 7 days a week
(d) extended business hours, weekdays only
(e) extended business hours, weekdays and some weekend hours
Question Y N N/A
1. Can the user change sound settings, such as volume?
2. Are any displays -- including liquid crystal displays --
readable by persons who are in a seated position, such as those
who use wheelchairs?
3. For free-standing equipment, is the highest operable part of
controls, dispensers, receptacles, and other operable equipment
placed within at least one of the following reach ranges?
(a) If a forward approach is required, the maximum
high forward reach is 48 inches.
(b) If a side approach is allowed, and the reach is
not over an obstruction, the maximum high side reach
is 54 inches; if it is over an obstruction which is no
more than 24 inches wide and 34 inches high, the
maximum high side reach is 46 inches.
4. Are status information and cues that are provided in a visual
manner also available in an audible manner for persons with
visual impairments?
5. For fax machines, does the machine provide line status
information (such as notifying the user of a "busy" fax line) in
a visual manner (either text display or status lights) for users
who are deaf or hard of hearing?
6. Is the force required to operate or active controls no
greater than 5 lbf?
7. Can users confirm their selections?
For instance, if a person has limited fine motor control, such
as a person who has a palsy, it is helpful for him or her to
have the opportunity to confirm selections -- such as "number of
copies" selected -- before the operation begins.
8. Are controls and operating mechanisms operable with one hand
and operable without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of
the wrist?
9. Is there a headphone jack for accessing information by users
of assistive listening systems?
10. Are instructions and all information for use accessible to
and independently usable by persons with vision impairments,
such as with recorded information or Braille labels and
directions?
11. Are there alternate operating mechanisms for persons who
cannot use push-style controls?
Ex. For instance, are there alternative methods of control --
such as voice activation -- for routine tasks?
12. After you have evaluated this equipment using the Checklist,
have users with a wide variety of disabilities test it for
accessibility. Describe the accessibility successes and problems
they encountered during these exercises, including your plans
for addressing any problems: [space provided for answer]
1. For persons with disabilities, additional copies of this
document are available on computer disk and in alternate formats
including large print, Braille, and audio cassette, by calling
the U.S. Department of Justice at the following numbers:
Section 508 Coordinators:
1-202-305-8304 (voice)
1-202-353-8944 (TTY)
ADA Information Line:
1-800-514-0301 (voice)
1-800-514-0383 (TTY)
Alternate format copies for persons with disabilities may also
be requested via e-mail to: [log in to unmask]
This document is available on the Section 508 Home Page of the
Civil Rights Division, U.S. Department of Justice:
http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/508
----------
End of Document
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