Section 508 Reference Guide
Appendix A: Subparts C and D of Section 508
Subpart C - 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria
Overview
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 1194.21-1194.26 in Subpart B. These requirements are designed to ensure that the individual accessibility components work together to create an accessible product. The requirements cover operation - including input and control functions, operation of mechanisms, and access to visual and audible information.
1194.31(a) blind
"At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided."
1194.31(b) visually impaired
"At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for assistive technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided."
1194.31(c) deaf
"At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided."
1194.31(d) hearing impaired
"Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided."
1194.31(e) speech impaired
"At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for assistive technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided."
1194.31(f) motor impaired
"At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided."
Subpart D - 1194.41 Information, Documentation, and Support
Overview
The standards address access to all information, documentation, and support provided to end users of EIT. 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, large print, electronic text, TTY access, and captions and audio descriptions for video materials. However, the easiest solution for documentation is to have the vendor provide the information in an electronic format (e.g., CD). Documentation that is available on the vendor's website may be valuable, but it is not sufficient.
1194.41(a) product support documentation
"Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge."
1194.41(b) accessibility information
"End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge."
1194.41(c) product support services
"Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities."
Question to Improve Understanding
Which of the following statements are correct? (two correct answers)
- Subpart C is only used when Subpart B categories (1194.21-1194.26) are not applicable.
- Subpart D is only applicable when Subpart C is used.
- All standards in a category are applicable and must be complied with.
- More than one category of standard can be applicable for a product.
