The GTRI HSEB Accessibility Library
Welcome to the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) Accessibility Library, developed by GTRI's Human Systems Engineering Branch (HSEB). On this page, you will find downloadable documents and links to other websites developed by GTRI on the topic of accessibility.
Websites
The Accessibility Assistant
The Accessibility Assistant is an online tool that supports the design and procurement of accessible electronic and information technology; more specifically, technology that conforms to the accessibility standards defined in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires Federal departments and agencies that develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology to ensure that Federal employees and members of the public with disabilities have access to and use of information and data, comparable to that of the employees and members of the public without disabilities - unless it is an undue burden to do so. The Accessibility Assistant offers detailed background information about the Section 508 law and its technical standards, and organizes mission critical information by user role and by type of product.
Accessibility Evaluation Methodology
The accessibility evaluation methodology documented in this report was developed by GTRI as a method of measuring the functional and physical accessibility of a product. This methodology is summative in nature and is, therefore, suitable for the evaluation of existing products or products nearing the end of their design cycle. The accessibility evaluation methodology contained in this report is suitable for the evaluation of hardware, software, documentation, and customer support.
Accessibility Evaluation Facility
The GTRI Accessibility Evaluation Facility (AEF) supports industry and government through the measurement of the ease of use of devices, services and packaging, the development of design solutions targeted at improving ease of use for all users, and research into the application of emerging technologies to universal design.
State IT Database
The State Information Technology (IT) Database provides an overview of state accessibility laws, policies, standards, and other resources concerning the development and procurement of accessible electronic and information technology.
Documents
In the list below, documents marked with the Microsoft Word icon 
are available for download in the Microsoft Word format. Documents not marked with the Microsoft Word icon are only available in HTML format.
Digital Multi-function Copiers: Monograph #1 (3584 kb)
A study of accessibility issues and potential design solutions associated with digital multi-function copiers for designers, procurement officials, and consumers.
Desktop All-in-One Devices: Monograph #2 (3695 kb)
A study of accessibility issues and potential design solutions associated with desktop all-in-one devices for designers, procurement officials, and consumers.
Laptop Computers: Monograph #3 (4235 kb)
A study of accessibility issues and potential design solutions associated with laptop computers for designers, procurement officials, and consumers.
Georgia Tech Universal Design Survey Results: Monograph #4 (2017 kb)
An analysis of a survey of 402 participants with disabilities focusing on universal design features found in common consumer products.
Point of Sale Machines: Monograph #5 (7736 kb)
A study of accessibility issues and potential design solutions associated with point of sale machines for designers, procurement officials, and consumers.
Kiosks: Monograph #6 (5975 kb)
A study of accessibility issues and potential design solutions associated with kiosks for designers, procurement officials, and consumers.
Point of Sale Bulletin (460 kb)
This document outlines best practices for the design and installation of accessible point of sale (POS) machines.
Universal Design Instruction in Undergraduate ID Programs (1124 kb)
This document presents the results of a national survey to determine the status of universal design instruction in industrial design education. Representatives of 26 industrial design programs took part in the survey.
Accessible Design: Problems and Solutions - A Literature Review to Support the ITTATC Needs Assessment
The primary goal of this literature review is an understanding of the major issues in accessible design as well as documentation of proposed and attempted solutions to particular problems related to accessible design. A secondary goal of this literature review is to provide information that would be useful in the development of training materials. This report documents the literature review portion of the needs assessment for the ITTATC.
Structured Interviews of Accessibility Visionaries
The experts interviewed in this effort were identified by their peers as visionaries in the field of accessible design and accessibility. The interviewees came from diverse occupational domains, including human factors, computer science, engineering, sales, marketing, and mathematics. In addition, these individuals have diverse job environments, including private sector industry, research/education, and consulting. This report documents the results of the structured interviews. For each question, majority and minority opinions are discussed. In addition, summaries of each of the respondent's answers are also included.
Section 508 Overview for Consumers: Electronic and Information Technology
A brief overview of Section 508 from the perspective of the consumer.
Section 508 Overview for Managers: Electronic and Information Technology
A brief overview of Section 508 from the perspective of a manager of a company that intends to sell or lease electronic and information technology to federal departments and agencies.
ITTATC Web Accessibility Course
This course is written for web developers to teach techniques for creating accessible web sites, in particular, web sites that comply with the Section 508 standards for accessible web content, Paragraph 1194.22 (a) through (p). A familiarity with HTML basics will ensure the best possible foundation for success with this course. A knowledge of JavaScript and Cascading Style Sheets may be helpful; however, these more advanced sections begin with some introductory material.
ITTATC Software Accessibility Course
This course is written for software developers and other interested parties to teach techniques for creating accessible software applications, in particular, software that complies with the Section 508 standards for accessible software and operating systems, Paragraph 1194.21 (a) through (l). This tutorial demonstrates the Section 508 Standards in functional, rather than technical, terms.