| Standards
for Electronic and Information Technology: An Overview
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."
Subpart A also explains what is exempt (1194.3), defines terms
(1194.4), and generally recognizes alternatives to what is required that
provide equal or greater access (1194.5). Consistent with the law, the
standards exempt systems used for military command, weaponry,
intelligence, and cryptologic activities (but not routine business and
administrative systems used for other defense-related purposes or by
defense agencies or personnel). The standards also exempt "back
office" equipment used only by service personnel for maintenance,
repair, or similar purposes.
The standards cover technology procured by Federal agencies under
contract with a private entity, but apply only to those products
directly relevant to the contract and its deliverables. An exception
clarifies that the standards do not apply to technology that
is incidental to a Federal contract. Thus, those products that
are not specified as part of a contract with a Federal agency
would not have to comply with the standards. For example, a
firm that produces a report for a Federal agency under a contract
would not have to procure accessible computers and word processing
software even if they were used exclusively for the contract;
however, compliance would be required if such products were
to become the property of the Federal agency as contract deliverables
or if the Federal agency purchased the products to be used by
the contractor as part of the project. If a Federal agency contracts
with a firm to develop its web site, the standards would apply
to the new web site for the agency but not to the firm's own
web site.
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Technical Standards (Subpart B)
The standards provide criteria specific to various types of technologies,
including:
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
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.
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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.
Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications (1194.22)
The criteria for web-based technology and information are based
on access guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative
of the World Wide Web Consortium. Many of these provisions ensure
access for people with vision impairments who rely on various
assistive products to access computer-based information, such
as screen readers, which translate what's on a computer screen
into automated audible output, and refreshable Braille displays.
Certain conventions, such as verbal tags or identification of
graphics and format devices, like frames, are necessary so that
these devices can "read" them for the user in a sensible
way. The standards do not prohibit the use of web site graphics
or animation. Instead, the standards aim to ensure that such
information is also available in an accessible format. Generally,
this means use of text labels or descriptors for graphics and
certain format elements. (HTML code already provides an "Alt
Text" tag for graphics which can serve as a verbal descriptor
for graphics). This section also addresses the usability of
multimedia presentations, image maps, style sheets, scripting
languages, applets and plug-ins, and electronic forms.
The standards apply to Federal web sites but not to private
sector web sites (unless a site is provided under contract to
a Federal agency, in which case only that web site or portion
covered by the contract would have to comply). Accessible sites
offer significant advantages that go beyond access. For example,
those with "text-only" options provide a faster downloading
alternative and can facilitate transmission of web-based data
to cell phones and personal digital assistants.
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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 viewers be able to turn captioning
or video description features on or off.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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