Software Applications and Operating Systems (1194.21)

Most of the specifications for software pertain to usability for people with vision impairments. For example, one standard requires alternative keyboard navigation, which is essential for people with vision impairments who cannot rely on pointing devices, such as a mouse.

Overview of Software Application and Operating Systems standards:

(a)   Keyboard.  Execute product functions from a keyboard, when software is designed to run on a system with a keyboard and the function or the result of performing the function can be discerned textually.

(b)   Compatibility.  Do not disrupt or disable activated accessibility features of other products, where those features developed and documented according to industry standards. Do not disrupt or disable activated accessibility features of any operating system, where application-programming interface for those features has been documented by the operating system manufacturer and is available to the product developer.

(c)   Visual focus indicators.  Provide well-defined and programmatically exposed visual focus indicator for interactive interface elements as input focus changes so assistive technology can track focus and focus changes.

(d)   User interface element.  Provide information to enable assistive technology to understand the identify, operation, and state of the element. When an image represents a program element, information conveyed by the image must also be available in text.

(e)   Bitmap images.  Must be assigned consistent meaning throughout application's performance when used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements.

(f)   Textual information.  Provide textual information through operating system functions for displaying text, including text content, text input caret location, and text attributes.

(g)   Display aftributes.  Do not override user-selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes.

(h)   Animation.  Display information in at least one non-animated presentation mode at option of user when animation displayed.

(i)   Color coding.  Do not use color coding as only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

(j)   Color and contrast settings.  Provide variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels when a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings.

(k)   Flashing or blinking text.  Do not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 HZ and lower than 55 Hz.

(l)   Electronic forms.  Provide a format that allows access via assistive technology to information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including directions and cues.

When evaluating your software application, be sure to test them under the same circumstances that employees or members of the public with disabilities would be using them. For instance, if you use software on a network environment, test the software on the same network, not in a stand-alone environment.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards. Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

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 (e.g., 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.

Overview of Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications standards:

(a)   Text Equivalent.  Provide text equivalent for every non-text element (e.g., via "alt," "longdesc," or in element content.

(b)   Multimedia presentation.  Synchronize equivalent alternatives for multimedia presentation with presentation.

(c)   Color.  Design web pages so that all information conveyed with color is also available without color (e.g., from contrast or markup).

(d)   Organization.  Organize documents to be readable without requiring an associated style sheet.

(e)   Server-side image maps.  Provide redundant text links for each active region of server-side image maps.

(f)   Client-side image maps.  Provide client-side image maps instead. of server side image maps, except where regions cannot be defined with available geometric shape.

(g)   Data tables.  Identify row and column headers for data tables.

(h)   Multi-logic row or column headers.  Use markup to associate data cells and header cells for data tables with two or more logical levels of row or column headers.

(i)   Frames.  Title frames with text that facilitates identification and navigation.

(j)   Flicker.  Design pages to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

(k)   Text-only equivalent pages.  Provide text-only page, with equivalent information or functionality, to comply with standards when compliance cannot be accomplished in any other way. Update content of text-only page whenever primary page changes.

(l)   Scripting language.  Identify information provided by the script with functional text readable by assistive technology when pages utilize scripting languages to display content or to create interface elements.

(m) Applets and plug-ins.  Provide a link to a plug-in or applet that complies with § 1194.21 (Software Applications and Operating Systems) when web page requires applet, plug-in, or other application to be present on the client system to interpret page content.

(n)   Electronic forms.  Provide a form that allows access via assistive technology to information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including directions and cues.

(o)   Content tracking.  Provide method that permits users to skip repetitive navigation links.

(p)   Timed response.  Alert user when timed response is required and give sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

When evaluating software applications, be sure to test them under the same circumstances that 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.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

When evaluating your web sites, be sure to test them under the same circumstances that employees or members of the public with disabilities would be using them.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

Telecommunications Products (1194.23)

This criteria is to ensure access to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. It includes compatibility with hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and TTYs (devices that enable people with hearing or speech impairments to communicate over the telephone).  

Overview on Telecommunications Products standards:

(a)   Non-acoustic connection point for TTY's.  Provide standard non-acoustic connection point for TTY's for telecommunications products or systems that allow voice communication and do not have a TTY functionality. Microphones must be capable of being turned on and off to allow user to intermix speech with TTY use.

(b)   TTY signs.  Support all commonly used cross-manufacturer non-proprietary standard TTY signal protocols when telecommunication products include voice communication functionality.

(c)   TTY compatibility with voice response systems.  Make voice mail, auto-aftendant, and interactive voice response telecommunications systems usable with TTY's.

(d)   Timed response.  Give an alert that time interval is about to run out when voice mail, messaging, auto-aftendant, and interactive voice response telecommunications systems require a response from user within a time interval, and provide sufficient time for user to indicate that more time is required.

(e)   Caller Identification.  Make caller identification and similar functions available for TTY users and users who cannot see displays where caller identification is provided.

(f)   Volume control.  Provide a gain adjustable up to a minimum of 20 dB for transmitted voice signals, and at least one intermediate step of 12 dB of gain for incremental volume control.

(g)   Default volume level reset.  Provide a function to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use if the telecommunications product allows user to adjust the receive volume.

(h)   Audio transducer.  Provide a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling to hearing technologies where telecommunications product delivers output by audio transducer normally held up to the ear.

(i)   Interference reduction.  Reduce interference to hearing technologies (e.g., hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening systems) to the lowest possible level that allows user of hearing technologies to utilize the telecommunications product.

(j)   Pass through standard codes.  Pass through cross-manufacturer, non-proprietary, industry-standard codes, translation protocols, formats, or other information necessary to provide information in usable format in products that transmit or conduct information or communication. Do not remove information needed for access or restore it upon delivery when technologies use encoding, signal compression, format transformation, or similar techniques.

(k)   Mechanically operated controls.  Provide controls and keys that are tactilely discernable without activating the controls or keys, and that are operable with one hand and do not require tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist.  Force to activate controls or keys must be 5 lbs. (22.2 N) maximum. If key repeat is supported, delay before repeat must be adjustable to at least 2 seconds and key repeat rate must be adjustable to 2 seconds per character. Status of all locking or toggle controls or keys must be visually discernable, and discernable through touch or sound.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

Video or Multimedia Products (1194.24)

Multimedia products 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.

Overview on Video or Multimedia Products standards:

(a)   Television displays.  Equip analog television displays 13 inches and larger, and computer equipment that includes analog television receiver or display circuitry, with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. As soon as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2002, widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, and stand alone DTV tuners, whether or not they are marketed with display screens, and computer equipment that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry must be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals.

(b)   Television tuners.  Equip television tuners, including tuner cards for use in computers, with secondary audio program playback circuitry.

(c)   Captioning.  Provide open or closed captions on all training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio necessary for comprehension of content.

(d)   Audio description.  Provide audio description for all training and informational video and multimedia productions which support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for comprehension of content.

(e)   User control.  Make display or presentation of alternate text presentation or audio descriptions user-selectable unless permanent.

When evaluating your video and multimedia, be sure to test them under the same circumstances that employees or members of the public with disabilities would be using them.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

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.

Overview on Self Contained, Closed Products standards:

(a)   Usability.  Make self-contained products usable by people with disabilities without attaching assistive technology. Personal headsets for private listening are not assistive technology.

(b)   Timed response.   Alert user when timed response is required and give sufficient time to indicate more time is required.

(c)   Voice output.  Provide input method that complies with § 1194.23-(k) (1) through (4) where product utilizes touch screens or contact-sensitive controls.

(d)   Biometric identification.  Provide alternative form of identif ication or activation, which does not require user to possess particular biological characteristics when biometric forms of user identification or control are used.

(e)   Auditory output.  Provide audio signal at a standard signal level through an industry standard connector that will allow for private listening when products provide auditory output. Provide ability to interrupt, pause, and restart audio at any time.

(f)   Volume control.  Provide incremental volume control with output amplification up to a level of 65 dB when products deliver voice output in a public area. Where ambient noise level is above 45 dB, volume gain of at least 20 dB above the ambient level must be user selectable. Provide function to automatically reset volume to default level after every use.

(g)   Color coding.  Do not use color coding as only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

(h)   Color and contrast.  Provide a range of color selections capable of producing a variety of contrast levels when a product permits user to adjust color and contrast settings.

(i)   Flicker.  Design products to avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.

(j)   Reach ranges.  Make operable controls comply with reach ranges in § 1194.25 0) (1) through (4) when products have operable controls and are free-standing, non-portable, and intended to be used in one location.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

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.

Overview on Desktop and Portable Computers standards:

(a)   Vision.  Provide mechanically operated controls and keys that comply with § 1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).

(b)   Touch screens.  Provide input method that complies with § 1194.23 (k) (1) through (4) if product utilizes touch screens or touch operated controls.

(c)   Biometric identification.  Provide alternative form of identification or activation, which does not require user to possess particular biological characteristics when biometric forms of user identification or control are used.

(d)   Expansion joints.  Make at least one of each type of expansion slots, ports and connectors provided comply with publically available industry standards.

When evaluating your desktops and portable computers, be sure to test them under the same circumstances that employees or members of the public with disabilities would be using them.

Below is a draft sample format used by the USPTO to internally evaluate standards.  Responses are not restricted just to the space provided.

Subpart C.  Functional Performance Criteria

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.

Overview on Functional Performance Criterias:

(a)   Vision.  Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision, or support for assistive technology.

(b)   Visual acuity.  Provide audio output and enlarged print output working together or independently at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity above 20/70, or support for assistive technology.

(c)   Hearing.  Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require hearing, or support for assistive technology.

(d)   Audio information.  Provide at least one mode of operation and information retrieval in enhanced auditory fashion where audio information is important for use of a product, or support for assistive technology

(e)   Speech.  Provide at least one mode of operation and infon-nation retrieval that does not require speech, or support for assistive technology.

(f)   Motor skills/ coordination.  Provide 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.

Subpart D.  Information, Documentation, and Support Documentation Requirements.

The standards also address access to all information, documentation, and support provided to end users 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, large print, electronic text, TTY access, and captioning and audio description for video materials.  However, the easiest solution for this requirement is to have the vendor provide the USPTO the information in an electronic format (e.g., CD).  It is not acceptable that information is available on the vendor’s web-site. 

(a)   Product support documentation.  Make product support documentation provided to end-users available in alternate formats upon request for no additional charge.

(b)   Accessibility and compatibility features.  Provide end-users access to a description of accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate modes upon request at no additional charge.

(c)   Support services.  Accommodate communication needs of end users with disabilities when providing support services for products.