| Evaluation instructions |
Source |
| Hardware |
Input/controls |
Identify any actions that require simultaneous button presses. Verify that where two buttons must be depressed simultaneously, an option is provided to allow them to be activated sequentially, if necessary. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(d) Advisory Guidance] |
| Verify that programmable function keys or system "default" modes are provided for common command sequences. |
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| Verify that optional voice control is provided. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(c) Advisory Guidance] |
| Verify that controls can be operated using either hand, or with only one hand. |
;Section 508, Workforce Investment Act [1194.23(k)(2)] |
| Verify that controls are shaped to minimize the need for pinching or bending the wrist or body, and can be operated using the side of the hand, an elbow, or a pencil. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(f), 1193.41(e)(2)(g) Advisory Guidance] |
| Use a pen or eraser tip to activate controls. Verify that controls are operable/compatible with prosthetics, and do not require human touch. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.51(c)] |
| Verify that an optional mode is provided where buttons must be depressed for a long period of time before input is accepted (to help separate inadvertent keypresses from desired activation). |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(c) Advisory Guidance] |
| Verify that an optional keyguard or keyguard mounting for keyboards is provided. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(b) Advisory Guidance] |
| Verify that a standard connection point for applicable assistive input devices is provided. |
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| Test each control to verify that controls do not require twisting or complex motions for operation. |
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| Test all touch-operated controls to verify that they do not require body contact or close body proximity. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.51(c) Advisory Guidance] |
| Test all actions to verify that they are reversible. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(e) Advisory Guidance] |
| Measure each keyboard key to verify that there is a distance of at least 1.91 cm between keycap centers, with a minimum of 18 mm clearance around each key. |
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| Inspect the required actions to execute command sequences and verify that required command sequences are simple, requiring minimal steps. |
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| Inspect the control space to verify that controls are spaced, positioned, and sized to facilitate manipulation. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(i) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect the control space to verify that a guard space between controls is provided. Identify any controls that do have a guard space. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(b) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect the control space and verify that textured controls are provided and slippery surfaces or controls are minimized (rubbery texture is preferred by most). |
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| Inspect the control space and verify that buttons activated merely by touch are avoided or that a confirmation request is provided. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(a)(3)(e) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect each key or button to verify that concave and/or non-slip buttons have been used. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(g) Advisory Guidance] |
| Identify actions which require simultaneous input. Inspect each control and verify that where simultaneous actions are required, an alternative method of control is provided. |
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| If keys are located in close proximity, verify that the delay before acceptance of input can be preset and adjusted. |
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| If controls require fine motor control, verify that alternative methods of control are provided. |
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| If a touchscreen is used, verify that on-screen "keyboard" keys are shifted by +0.41 to 0.54 cm by inspecting each key (in this case, error rate can be less than 1% also with on screen keys reduced to 2.27 cm). |
Mercinelli |
| If a touchscreen is used, measure each object to verify that it is 2.6 sq cm or larger, and that on screen "keys" are 2.27 sq cm or larger. |
Mercinelli |
| If a touchscreen is used, inspect each key to verify that last key selection algorithms with optional voice output are used. |
Mercinelli |
| If a flat membrane keypad cannot be avoided, verify that a ridge around each button has been provided (thickness changes of at least 1/32" the most readily detectable). |
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| For keys that repeat when pressed for some interval of time, verify that the interval is adjustable and can be set to a minimum of 2 seconds. |
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| Verify that tilt angle for screen typing is between 30-45°. |
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| Verify that keyboards are adjustable from the horizontal (0-15°). |
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| Manipulations |
Inspect insertable objects and verify that objects to be inserted are rugged and able to take rough handling (nothing is apparently delicate). |
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| Determine actions required to insert and remove objects. Verify that objects can be inserted and removed with minimal user dexterity by inspecting the insertion and removal of each object. |
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| Verify that lids, covers, and other loose objects are hinged or tethered with a cord or wire. |
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| Verify that latches are operable with a closed fist. |
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| Verify that knobs are not required for opening the product. |
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| Verify that cards, external connectors, and drawers can be inserted and retrieved with a single hand. |
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| Inspect each latch and verify that the number of dual latches that must be operated simultaneously is minimized. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(f) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect each insertion point and verify that card or connector slots are surrounded by a bevel. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(h) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect each insertable object and verify that it has a high-friction surface (to ease the grip necessary to maintain hold of the object). |
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| If cards, connectors, or drawers must be inserted, verify that a bevel is provided around the slot/connection area, and/or that the slot/connector is located on the front and near a ledge or open space for easy insertion/connection. |
Section 255, Telecommunications Act [1193.41(e)(2)(h) Advisory Guidance] |
| Inspect each docking station to verify that a simple funneling system or other object self-guidance or orienting mechanism is provided for correct insertion orientation. |
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| Inspect each docking station or recharging base to verify that clear audio, visual, and tactile feedback is provided when objects are properly inserted. |
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| Inspect each docking station and verify that its design prevents the incorrect insertion of external cables or other equipment. |
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| Inspect each docking station and verify that insertion points are clearly distinguished from the rest of the product, both visually and tactilely. |
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| Software |
|
Verify that toolbars are customizable by inspecting each toolbar. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that there is keyboard access to all application features/keyboard equivalents for all mouse actions. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that there are ways for connecting alternative input devices, such as screen keyboards, predictive dictionaries, and speech recognition technologies. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
Verify that there are no conflicts with keyboard accessibility features by testing the following:
- - 5 consecutive clicks of Shift key: turns StickyKeys on/off.
- - Shift key held down for 8 seconds: turns SlowKeys and RepeatKeys on/off.
- - 6 consecutive clicks of Control key: turns screen reader numeric keypads on/off.
- - 6 consecutive clicks of the Alt key: Future Access use.
|
EITAAC, 1999 |
| Verify that the user can navigate with the keyboard and/or mouse without triggering unexpected side effects (this is best evaluated by someone with limited manual dexterity). |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that the selection of multiple objects can be accomplished using the keyboard. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that the number of required clicks to perform mouse functions are minimized by testing each mouse function. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that interface elements can be accessed by alternative software. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that horizontal scrolling can be achieved using the keyboard. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that any command available on toolbars that does not support keyboard access is also available through the menu system or through a documented shortcut key. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that all mouse operations can be cancelled. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Verify that a logical tab order is used for navigating with the keyboard through menu and interface items. |
EITAAC, 1999 |
| Inspect keyboard accessibility features and verify that there are keyboard enhancements that allow more than one method for performing keyboard tasks (e.g., SlowKeys or StickyKeys). |
EITAAC, 1999 |
| Inspect each command in the application and verify that repetitive use of chorded keypresses is not required to perform operations. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Inspect each aspect of the application to verify that requirements to insert disks are minimized. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Inspect all mouse targets and verify that each is large or can be resized. |
Microsoft, 1999 |
| Websites |
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Inspect each aspect of the website and verify that users are not required to click on a small or moving target in order to proceed to another page (e.g., a text version is provided). |
RNIB, 2000 |