We all know that Section 508 relates to making Web sites accessible, but
it is more general than the Web in its concerns for access to electronic
information. EASI has invited Doug Wakefield from the Access Board to talk
about this "other side" of Section 508. Even where the Web provisions of
508 may not apply to some organizations, many groups have been taking 508
concepts to guide them in making accessible Web pages. The other
provisions of 508 should also be of interest in providing such groups with
comprehensive access to electronic information beyond that of access to the
Web.
Below is material from the Access Board Web site that give some insight
into these other aspects of 508. You can hear an explanation by Doug
Wakefield from the Access Board of what this is all about by joining us for
our tuition-based Web conference on April 22. To read more and register,
go to:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
The material below has been extracted from the Access Board Web Page at:
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/summary.htm
Where there are rows of dots, this indicates that some content has been
omitted.
(begin quotation)
The Standards
General (Subpart A)
The standards define the types of technology covered and set forth
provisions that establish a minimum level of accessibility. The application
section (1194.2)
outlines the scope and coverage of the standards. The standards cover the
full range of electronic and information technologies in the Federal sector,
including those used for communication, duplication, computing, storage,
presentation, control, transport and production. This includes computers,
software,
networks, peripherals and other types of electronic office equipment. The
standards define electronic and information technology, in part, as "any
equipment
or interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the
creation, conversion, or duplication of data or information."
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Technical Standards (Subpart B)
The standards provide criteria specific to various types of technologies,
including:
List of 6 items
• software applications and operating systems
• web-based information or applications
• telecommunication products
• video and multimedia products
• self contained, closed products (e.g., information kiosks, calculators,
and fax machines)
• desktop and portable computers
list end
This section provides technical specifications and performance-based
requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered
technologies. This
dual approach recognizes the dynamic and continually evolving nature of the
technology involved as well as the need for clear and specific standards to
facilitate compliance. Certain provisions are designed to ensure
compatibility with adaptive equipment people with disabilities commonly use
for information
and communication access, such as screen readers, Braille displays, and TTYs.
Software Applications and Operating Systems (1194.21)
Most of the specifications for software pertain to usability for people
with vision impairments. For example, one provision requires alternative
keyboard
navigation, which is essential for people with vision impairments who
cannot rely on pointing devices, such as a mouse. Other provisions address
animated
displays, color and contrast settings, flash rate, and electronic forms,
among others.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telecommunications Products (1194.23)
The criteria of this section are designed primarily to ensure access to
people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes compatibility with
hearing
aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and TTYs. TTYs are
devices that enable people with hearing or speech impairments to
communicate over
the telephone; they typically include an acoustic coupler for the telephone
handset, a simplified keyboard, and a visible message display. One requirement
calls for a standard non-acoustic TTY connection point for
telecommunication products that allow voice communication but that do
provide TTY functionality.
Other specifications address adjustable volume controls for output, product
interface with hearing technologies, and the usability of keys and controls
by people who may have impaired vision or limited dexterity or motor control.
Video or Multimedia Products (1194.24)
Multimedia products involve more than one media and include, but are not
limited to, video programs, narrated slide production, and computer
generated presentations.
Provisions address caption decoder circuitry (for any system with a screen
larger than 13 inches) and secondary audio channels for television tuners,
including
tuner cards for use in computers. The standards also require captioning and
audio description for certain training and informational multimedia
productions
developed or procured by Federal agencies. The standards also provide that
display or presentation of alternate text or audio descriptions shall be
user-selectable
unless permanent.
Self Contained, Closed Products (1194.25)
This section covers products that generally have imbedded software but are
often designed in such a way that a user cannot easily attach or install
assistive
technology. Examples include information kiosks, information transaction
machines, copiers, printers, calculators, fax machines, and similar types
of products.
The standards require that access features be built into the system so
users do not have to attach an assistive device to it. Other specifications
address
mechanisms for private listening (handset or a standard headphone jack),
touchscreens, auditory output and adjustable volume controls, and location of
controls in accessible reach ranges.
Desktop and Portable Computers (1194.26)
This section focuses on keyboards and other mechanically operated controls,
touch screens, use of biometric form of identification, and ports and
connectors.
Functional Performance Criteria (Subpart C)
The performance requirements of this section are intended for overall
product evaluation and for technologies or components for which there is no
specific
requirement under the technical standards in Subpart B. These criteria are
designed to ensure that the individual accessible components work together to
create an accessible product. They cover operation, including input and
control functions, operation of mechanical mechanisms, and access to visual
and
audible information. These provisions are structured to allow people with
sensory or physical disabilities to locate, identify, and operate input,
control
and mechanical functions and to access the information provided, including
text, static or dynamic images, icons, labels, sounds or incidental operating
cues.
Information, Documentation, and Support (Subpart D)
The standards also address access to all information, documentation, and
support provided to end users (e.g., Federal employees) of covered
technologies.
This includes user guides, installation guides for end-user installable
devices, and customer support and technical support communications. Such
information
must be available in alternate formats upon request at no additional
charge. Alternate formats or methods of communication, can include Braille,
cassette
recordings, large print, electronic text, Internet postings, TTY access,
and captioning and audio description for video materials.
Doug Wakefield will help us understand how this can effect us and how to
apply these standards in real life.
**** you can register for the April 22 Web Clinic at:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
---------------------------
Check out EASI New Synchronous Clinics:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
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Online courses and Clinics http://easi.cc/workshop.htm
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