Operable with complete blindness

Evaluation instructions Source
Documentation   Generate OCR documentation. Verify that printed documentation is "Scanner/OCR-friendly" by using a screen reader or other assistive device to read the documentation.  
Identify any accessibility features. Inspect each aspect of the documentation and verify that documentation on all accessibility features has been provided. If documentation is available, is it easy to find? EITAAC, 1999
Inspect each aspect of the documentation and verify that descriptions, at least for all basic operations, do not require pictures. Perform tasks from the tasks list, and determine whether they can be done strictly from the descriptions.  
Hardware Input/controls Determine whether voice output is available. If so, turn the feature on, and interact with the controls to test the use of voice. Verify that voice output (turned on/off as needed) is available to "speak" the names of keys or buttons (but does not activate them) as they are encountered. Determine whether voice output is descriptive. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(f), 1193.41(a)(3)(g)]
Identify all controls and their shape. Verify that the shapes of controls are associated with their functions.  
Identify all controls and their shape. Verify that the controls can be discriminated by their shape.  
Inspect the keypad and keyboard and verify that tactile landmarks ("nibs") have been placed on the "F" and "J" keys on a keyboard, and on the "5" key on a numeric keypad (thickness changes of at least 1/32" are the most readily detectable). Measure the height, width, and length of any tactile landmarks. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(a) Advisory Guidance]
Verify that sufficient space for easy tactile location, identification, and labeling (e.g., large print (³ 18 point) or Braille) has been provided on all sides of controls.  
Inspect each control. Verify that Braille labels or raised lettering are used to identify controls.  
Press each key type. Verify that snap action feedback ("a gradual increase followed by a sharp decrease in force required to actuate the key, and a subsequent increase in force beyond this point for cushioning" -Force 0.25 to 1.5 N or 28g to 142g) is provided for key presses. Measure the pressure required to activate the function.  
Verify that on/off switch positions are physically different from one another by inspecting such controls in both states. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(g) Advisory Guidance]
Note whether membrane or zero travel keys have been used (they should be avoided). Identify keys which are not membrane or zero travel keys. Measure travel distance for each and verify that it is between 1.3 to 6.4 mm).  
Inspect keyboard and keypad layouts, and verify that they are arranged according to established layouts.  
Identify buttons that are not part of the touch screen display. Verify that buttons are discrete, and can be felt and located by touch by inspecting the controls without vision (diameter changes (gap between buttons) of at least 3/8" and thickness changes of at least 1/32" are the most readily detectable). Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(a) Advisory Guidance]
Test the control panel mapping under different conditions (modes) and verify that it does not change unless adjusted by the user. EITAAC, 1999
Inspect each key and verify that matte, anti-glare, rubbery material is used for keys.  
Inspect each key and measure and verify that keys used for typing tasks have tops of 1.27 sq cm.  
Inspect each key and verify that keycaps are easily interchangeable.  
Inspect each control function and verify that direct keypad input is possible. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(f)(2)(a) Advisory Guidance]
Identify all key and membrane controls. Inspect each control function and verify that all actions are reversible or that non-reversible actions require a confirmation before execution. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(i)(2)(f) Advisory Guidance]
Inspect each control and verify that, where applicable, a rotational or linear stop and tactile or audio detents are provided. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(f) Advisory Guidance]
Inspect each control and verify that speech output (which can be turned on/off) that "reads" or confirms control settings is available. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(f) Advisory Guidance]
Inspect each control and verify that buttons which are activated by the first touch are avoided, and where they cannot be avoided, include a "confirm" function. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(e) Advisory Guidance]
Identify each control, and specify the most important controls. Inspect each aspect of the interface and verify that the size, shape, and texture of controls vary, with the most important controls being larger. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(b) Advisory Guidance]
If the control space has flat panel buttons, verify that there is a raised lip or ridge around each button (thickness changes of at least 1/32" are the most readily detectable). Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(a) Advisory Guidance]
If last key selection algorithms are used, verify that they are coupled with optional acoustic feedback by inspecting each such algorithm.  
Identify tactile and auditory cues for key activation. If a touch screen is used, verify that tactile or auditory cues are available to aid navigation. Mercinelli
If a flat membrane panel cannot be avoided, verify that a stick-on tactile overlay providing tactile demarcation of key locations and functions has been provided or that some type of audio or tactile feedback is available. Section 508, Workforce Investment Act [1194.26(b), 1194.25(c)]
Output/displays Inspect the machine and look for external connection points. Verify that visually displayed information is also available electronically at an external connection point (standard or special port), preferably in an industry or company standard format. Request any related documentation from the manufacturer.  
Manipulations Identify insertable objects. Verify that insertable objects that are not self-orienting have tactile indicators that show the proper insertion orientation. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(d) Advisory Guidance]
Attach external connectors. Verify that additional tactile and acoustic (click) feedback is provided from equipment when external connectors or cards or drawers are properly connected or inserted. Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(d) Advisory Guidance]


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