# Table of Contents

*Updated August 28, 2007*

*Originally provided by the Social Security Administration Section 508
Program*

[**FDA Guide to Completing the Section 508 Evaluation Template**
2](#__RefHeading___Toc132014996)

[**Section 508 Evaluation Template** 5](#__RefHeading___Toc132015003)

[]{#__RefHeading___Toc132014996 .anchor}**FDA Guide to Completing the
Section 508 Evaluation Template**

**Purpose:**

This document provides Vendors with instructions on completing the
Section 508 Evaluation Template for the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA).

**Background:**

In 2001, the Information Technology Industry Council partnered with the
General Services Administration to create a tool that would assist
Federal contracting and procurement officials in fulfilling the market
research requirements specified in Section 508. The result of their
collaboration was the 508 Evaluation Template -- a simple, web-based
checklist that allows Vendors to document how their product
**[did]{.underline}** or **[did not]{.underline}** meet the various
Section 508 Requirements.

[]{#vpat_org .anchor}**How the Section 508 Evaluation Template is
organized:**

*This template is also known as the Voluntary Product Accessibility
Template (VPAT)*

The Section 508 Evaluation Template consists of a long series of tables.
The ***Summary Table*** is used to provide a sense of your product's
***overall*** "level-of-conformance" with the Section 508 Standards.
Subsequently, the ***Section 1194.xx Tables*** contain the detailed
subparagraphs that a Section 508 Standard is composed of. It is within
these ***Section 1194.xx Tables*** that you will define in detail how
your product **[did]{.underline}** or **[did not]{.underline}** comply
with a specific requirement.

***Understanding the columns***

Use the following to understand the use of the three columns in the
Section 508 Evaluation Template's tables:

  --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
  **Summary Table**           

  **Column Name**             **Use**

  **Criteria:**               Describes Subparts B, C, and D of the Section 508
                              Standards.

  **Supporting Features:**    ***[Enter]{.underline}*** information summarizing a
                              product's overall "level-of support" for the
                              corresponding Subpart or, when appropriate, to specify
                              ***Not Applicable***. **DO NOT ENTER REMARKS OR
                              EXPLANATIONS IN THIS COLUMN.**

  **Remarks/Explanations:**   ***[Enter]{.underline}*** general comments regarding a
                              product's overall "level-of-conformance" with the
                              ***Applicable*** Subpart.
  --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------

  --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
  **Section 1194.xx Tables**  

  **Column Name**             **Use**

  **Criteria:**               Describes a specific guideline that a Subpart is
                              composed of.

  **Supporting Features:**    ***[Enter]{.underline}*** information summarizing a
                              product's "level-of-support" for a specific guideline.

  **Remarks/Explanations:**   ***[Enter]{.underline}*** detailed information on how
                              the product **[did]{.underline}** or **[did
                              not]{.underline}** support a specific guideline.
  --------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------

***What information do I enter in columns 2 and 3?***

The ***Supporting Features*** and ***Remarks/Explanations*** columns are
used to document exactly how a product **[did]{.underline}** or **[did
not]{.underline}** meet the Section 508 Standards.

  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------
  **Supporting Features (second  
  column on 508 Evaluation       
  Template)**                    

  **Language**                   **What It Means...**

  **Supports**                   Product **FULLY** **meets** the letter
                                 and intent of the Criteria.

  **Supports with Exceptions**   Product **does not** **ENTIRELY** meet
                                 the letter and intent of the Criteria,
                                 but does provide some level of access.

  **Supports through Equivalent  Product provides *alternative* methods
  Facilitation**                 to **meet** the intent of the Criteria.

  **Does not Support**           Product **does not** meet the letter or
                                 intent of the Criteria.

  **Not Applicable**             The Criteria **does not** apply to the
                                 product.
  ------------------------------ ----------------------------------------

+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Remarks & Explanations     |                                       |
| (third column on 508         |                                       |
| Evaluation Template)**       |                                       |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **If 2^nd^ column            | **Then...**                           |
| states...**                  |                                       |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Supports**                 | List exactly **[what]{.underline}**   |
|                              | features of the product **do** meet   |
|                              | and describe **[how]{.underline}**    |
|                              | they are used to support the          |
|                              | Criteria.                             |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Supports with Exceptions** | List exactly **[what]{.underline}**   |
|                              | features of the product **do** meet   |
|                              | and describe **[how]{.underline}**    |
|                              | they are used to support the          |
|                              | Criteria.                             |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | **AND**                               |
|                              |                                       |
|                              | List exactly **[what]{.underline}**   |
|                              | parts of the product **do not** meet  |
|                              | and describe **[how]{.underline}**    |
|                              | they fail to support the Criteria.    |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Supports through           | List exactly **[what]{.underline}**   |
| Equivalent Facilitation**    | *other* methods exist in the product  |
|                              | and describe **[how]{.underline}**    |
|                              | they are used to support the          |
|                              | Criteria.                             |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Does not Support**         | Describe exactly                      |
|                              | **[how]{.underline}** the product     |
|                              | **does not** support the Criteria.    |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+
| **Not Applicable**           | Describe exactly                      |
|                              | **[why]{.underline}** the criterion   |
|                              | is not applicable to the product.     |
+------------------------------+---------------------------------------+

**Typical Scenario for Completing a Section 508 Evaluation Template:**

To complete the Section 508 Evaluation Template, enlist the services of
your company's **technical specialist** for the product being sought for
purchase. The FDA requires a measure of technical detail in the
responses. Once you have enlisted their assistance:

1)  Determine which sections of the **Technical Standards (Subpart
    B-1194.21-26)** apply to your product**.\*** Keep in mind that you
    **[always]{.underline}** must complete the **Functional Performance
    Criteria (Subpart C -- 1194.31)** and **Information, Documentation,
    and Support (Subpart D -- 1194.41)** sections of the Section 508
    Evaluation Template.

2)  For each section that applies, determine if the product does or does
    not meet the specific Criteria elements.

3)  Using the information found in the [***How the Section 508
    Evaluation Template is organized***](#vpat_org) section, document in
    the ***Section 1194.xx Tables*** exactly **[how]{.underline}** your
    product **[did]{.underline}** or **[did not]{.underline}** meet the
    applicable standard.

    -   If the product **supports** the standard, provide detailed
        examples of **[what]{.underline}** accessibility features exist
        and **[how]{.underline}** they are used to support the standard.

    -   If the product **does** **not support** the standard, remember
        that Section 508 allows products to meet the Access Board
        Standards in innovative, non-traditional ways. The product can
        meet the standard by providing an innovative solution, as long
        as the feature performs in the same manner as it does for any
        other user without a disability.

    -   If the product **does not** possess an ***innovative,
        non-traditional way*** of supporting the standard, provide
        detailed examples of exactly **[how]{.underline}** the product
        **[did not]{.underline}** meet the standard.

4)  Once documented in the ***Section 1194.xx Tables*** exactly how the
    product **[did]{.underline}** or **[did not]{.underline}** meet,
    return to the ***Summary Table*** and document the product's overall
    "level-of-conformance" in each of the applicable sections.

5)  Post the final Section 508 Evaluation Template on your company\'s
    web site or on the [GSA Buy Accessible
    Wizard](http://www.buyaccessible.gov/).

6)  It is the Vendor\'s responsibility to maintain the integrity of the
    data on the Section 508 Evaluation Template. The FDA uses this form
    to complete required Market Research associated with the agency
    complying with Section 508 and may use the form to eliminate this
    product compared to other **more accessible** products that meet the
    FDA\'s business needs.

> **\* Please Note:** Any **[WEB]{.underline}** application being
> purchased by FDA also **[requires]{.underline}** the Vendor to
> complete ***Section 1194.21*** of the Section 508 Evaluation Template
> in addition to ***Sections 1194.22***, ***1194.31***, and
> ***1194.41***.

-   The FDA reserves the right to reject a VPAT if the answers do not
    address the standards. The FDA needs the VPAT in order to evaluate
    it for conformance.

-   Please answer honestly and be prepared to work with the FDA to
    improve accessibility for your product if it is purchased.

-   **[Submission of this documentation constitutes a warrant on behalf
    of the vendor of the conformance of their product. Remediation of a
    product or service to the specified conformance shall be the
    responsibility of the vendor.]{.underline}**

Contact: Sheilah Lynch, FDA IT Section 508 Coordinator for assistance.\
Email: [Sheilah.Lynch@fda.hhs.gov](../Sheilah.Lynch@fda.hhs.gov)\
Phone: 301-827-9372 []{#__RefHeading___Toc132015003 .anchor}Section 508
Evaluation Template

**Date:\
Name of Product:\
Contact for more Information:**

**\*\* Denotes Required**

**Refer to the [ITIC Best
Practices](http://www.itic.org/archives/articles/20040506/faq_voluntary_product_accessibility_template_vpat.php)
for filling out the following form.**

  --------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------
  **Summary Table**                                      

  ***Criteria***                          **Supporting   **Remarks and
                                          Features**     explanations**

  Section 1194.21 [Software Applications                  
  and Operating                                          
  Systems](#softwaredetails)                             

  Section 1194.22 [Web-based internet                     
  information and                                        
  applications](#webdetails)                             

  Section 1194.23 [Telecommunications                     
  Products](#telecommunicationsdetails)                  

  Section 1194.24 [Video and Multi-media                  
  Products](#videodetails)                               

  Section 1194.25[Self-Contained, Closed                  
  Products](#selfcontaineddetails)                       

  Section 1194.26 [Desktop and Portable                   
  Computers](#desktopsdetails)                           

  \*\* Section 1194.31 [Functional                        
  Performance                                            
  Criteria](#functionaldetails)                          

  \*\* Section 1194.41 [Information,                      
  documentation, and                                     
  support.](#documentation)                              
  --------------------------------------- -------------- ------------------

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)\
[]{#softwaredetails .anchor}

+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| **Section 1194.21 Software     |                 |                  |
| Applications and Operating     |                 |                  |
| Systems**                      |                 |                  |
|                                |                 |                  |
| ***\* Refer to (               |                 |                  |
| <http://www.access-board       |                 |                  |
| .gov/sec508/guide/1194.21.htm> |                 |                  |
| ) for details on the           |                 |                  |
| guidelines listed below.***    |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting    | **Remarks and    |
|                                | Features**      | explanations**   |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(a\) When software is         |                 |                  |
| designed to run on a system    |                 |                  |
| that has a keyboard, product   |                 |                  |
| functions shall be executable  |                 |                  |
| from a keyboard where the      |                 |                  |
| function itself or the result  |                 |                  |
| of performing a function can   |                 |                  |
| be discerned textually.        |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(b\) Applications shall not   |                 |                  |
| disrupt or disable activated   |                 |                  |
| features of other products     |                 |                  |
| that are identified as         |                 |                  |
| accessibility features, where  |                 |                  |
| those features are developed   |                 |                  |
| and documented according to    |                 |                  |
| industry standards.            |                 |                  |
| Applications also shall not    |                 |                  |
| disrupt or disable activated   |                 |                  |
| features of any operating      |                 |                  |
| system that are identified as  |                 |                  |
| accessibility features where   |                 |                  |
| the application programming    |                 |                  |
| interface for those            |                 |                  |
| accessibility features has     |                 |                  |
| been documented by the         |                 |                  |
| manufacturer of the operating  |                 |                  |
| system and is available to the |                 |                  |
| product developer.             |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(c\) A well-defined on-screen |                 |                  |
| indication of the current      |                 |                  |
| focus shall be provided that   |                 |                  |
| moves among interactive        |                 |                  |
| interface elements as the      |                 |                  |
| input focus changes. The focus |                 |                  |
| shall be programmatically      |                 |                  |
| exposed so that Assistive      |                 |                  |
| Technology can track focus and |                 |                  |
| focus changes.                 |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(d\) Sufficient information   |                 |                  |
| about a user interface element |                 |                  |
| including the identity,        |                 |                  |
| operation and state of the     |                 |                  |
| element shall be available to  |                 |                  |
| Assistive Technology. When an  |                 |                  |
| image represents a program     |                 |                  |
| element, the information       |                 |                  |
| conveyed by the image must     |                 |                  |
| also be available in text.     |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(e\) When bitmap images are   |                 |                  |
| used to identify controls,     |                 |                  |
| status indicators, or other    |                 |                  |
| programmatic elements, the     |                 |                  |
| meaning assigned to those      |                 |                  |
| images shall be consistent     |                 |                  |
| throughout an application\'s   |                 |                  |
| performance.                   |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(f\) Textual information      |                 |                  |
| shall be provided through      |                 |                  |
| operating system functions for |                 |                  |
| displaying text. The minimum   |                 |                  |
| information that shall be made |                 |                  |
| available is text content,     |                 |                  |
| text input caret location, and |                 |                  |
| text attributes.               |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(g\) Applications shall not   |                 |                  |
| override user selected         |                 |                  |
| contrast and color selections  |                 |                  |
| and other individual display   |                 |                  |
| attributes.                    |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(h\) When animation is        |                 |                  |
| displayed, the information     |                 |                  |
| shall be displayable in at     |                 |                  |
| least one non-animated         |                 |                  |
| presentation mode at the       |                 |                  |
| option of the user.            |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(i\) Color coding shall not   |                 |                  |
| be used as the only means of   |                 |                  |
| conveying information,         |                 |                  |
| indicating an action,          |                 |                  |
| prompting a response, or       |                 |                  |
| distinguishing a visual        |                 |                  |
| element.                       |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(j\) When a product permits a |                 |                  |
| user to adjust color and       |                 |                  |
| contrast settings, a variety   |                 |                  |
| of color selections capable of |                 |                  |
| producing a range of contrast  |                 |                  |
| levels shall be provided.      |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(k\) Software shall 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.          |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+
| \(l\) When electronic forms    |                 |                  |
| are used, the form shall allow |                 |                  |
| people using Assistive         |                 |                  |
| Technology to access the       |                 |                  |
| information, field elements,   |                 |                  |
| and functionality required for |                 |                  |
| completion and submission of   |                 |                  |
| the form, including all        |                 |                  |
| directions and cues.           |                 |                  |
+--------------------------------+-----------------+------------------+

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)\
[]{#webdetails .anchor}

+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| **Section 1194.22 Web-based    |               |                    |
| Internet information and       |               |                    |
| applications**                 |               |                    |
|                                |               |                    |
| ***\* Refer to (               |               |                    |
| <http://www.access-board.      |               |                    |
| gov/sec508/guide/1194.22.htm>) |               |                    |
| for details on the guidelines  |               |                    |
| listed below.***               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting  | **Remarks and      |
|                                | Features**    | explanations**     |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(a\) A text equivalent for    |               |                    |
| every non-text element shall   |               |                    |
| be provided (e.g., via         |               |                    |
| \"alt\", \"longdesc\", or in   |               |                    |
| element content).              |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(b\) Equivalent alternatives  |               |                    |
| for any multimedia             |               |                    |
| presentation shall be          |               |                    |
| synchronized with the          |               |                    |
| presentation.                  |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(c\) Web pages shall be       |               |                    |
| designed so that all           |               |                    |
| information conveyed with      |               |                    |
| color is also available        |               |                    |
| without color, for example     |               |                    |
| from context or markup.        |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(d\) Documents shall be       |               |                    |
| organized so they are readable |               |                    |
| without requiring an           |               |                    |
| associated style sheet.        |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(e\) Redundant text links     |               |                    |
| shall be provided for each     |               |                    |
| active region of a server-side |               |                    |
| image map.                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(f\) Client-side image maps   |               |                    |
| shall be provided instead of   |               |                    |
| server-side image maps except  |               |                    |
| where the regions cannot be    |               |                    |
| defined with an available      |               |                    |
| geometric shape.               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(g\) Row and column headers   |               |                    |
| shall be identified for data   |               |                    |
| tables.                        |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(h\) Markup shall be used to  |               |                    |
| associate data cells and       |               |                    |
| header cells for data tables   |               |                    |
| that have two or more logical  |               |                    |
| levels of row or column        |               |                    |
| headers.                       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(i\) Frames shall be titled   |               |                    |
| with text that facilitates     |               |                    |
| frame identification and       |               |                    |
| navigation                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(j\) Pages shall be designed  |               |                    |
| to avoid causing the screen to |               |                    |
| flicker with a frequency       |               |                    |
| greater than 2 Hz and lower    |               |                    |
| than 55 Hz.                    |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(k\) A text-only page, with   |               |                    |
| equivalent information or      |               |                    |
| functionality, shall be        |               |                    |
| provided to make a web site    |               |                    |
| comply with the provisions of  |               |                    |
| this part, when compliance     |               |                    |
| cannot be accomplished in any  |               |                    |
| other way. The content of the  |               |                    |
| text-only page shall be        |               |                    |
| updated whenever the primary   |               |                    |
| page changes.                  |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(l\) When pages utilize       |               |                    |
| scripting languages to display |               |                    |
| content, or to create          |               |                    |
| interface elements, the        |               |                    |
| information provided by the    |               |                    |
| script shall be identified     |               |                    |
| with functional text that can  |               |                    |
| be read by Assistive           |               |                    |
| Technology.                    |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(m\) When a web page requires |               |                    |
| that an applet, plug-in or     |               |                    |
| other application be present   |               |                    |
| on the client system to        |               |                    |
| interpret page content, the    |               |                    |
| page must provide a link to a  |               |                    |
| plug-in or applet that         |               |                    |
| complies with 1194.21(a)       |               |                    |
| through (l).                   |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(n\) When electronic forms    |               |                    |
| are designed to be completed   |               |                    |
| on-line, the form shall allow  |               |                    |
| people using Assistive         |               |                    |
| Technology to access the       |               |                    |
| information, field elements,   |               |                    |
| and functionality required for |               |                    |
| completion and submission of   |               |                    |
| the form, including all        |               |                    |
| directions and cues.           |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(o\) A method shall be        |               |                    |
| provided that permits users to |               |                    |
| skip repetitive navigation     |               |                    |
| links.                         |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(p\) When a timed response is |               |                    |
| required, the user shall be    |               |                    |
| alerted and given sufficient   |               |                    |
| time to indicate more time is  |               |                    |
| required.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+

Note to 1194.22: The Board interprets paragraphs (a) through (k) of this
section as consistent with the following priority 1 Checkpoints of the
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0 (WCAG 1.0) (May 5 1999)
published by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the World Wide Web
Consortium: Paragraph (a) - 1.1, (b) - 1.4, (c) - 2.1, (d) - 6.1, (e) -
1.2, (f) - 9.1, (g) - 5.1, (h) - 5.2, (i) - 12.1, (j) - 7.1, (k) - 11.4.

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)
[]{#telecommunicationsdetails .anchor}

+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| **Section 1194.23              |               |                    |
| Telecommunications Products**  |               |                    |
|                                |               |                    |
| ***\* Refer to (               |               |                    |
| <http://www.access-board       |               |                    |
| .gov/sec508/guide/1194.23.htm> |               |                    |
| ) for details on the           |               |                    |
| guidelines listed below.***    |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting  | **Remarks and      |
|                                | Features**    | explanations**     |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(a\) Telecommunications       |               |                    |
| products or systems which      |               |                    |
| provide a function allowing    |               |                    |
| voice communication and which  |               |                    |
| do not themselves provide a    |               |                    |
| TTY functionality shall        |               |                    |
| provide a standard             |               |                    |
| non-acoustic connection point  |               |                    |
| for TTYs. Microphones shall be |               |                    |
| capable of being turned on and |               |                    |
| off to allow the user to       |               |                    |
| intermix speech with TTY use.  |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(b\) Telecommunications       |               |                    |
| products which include voice   |               |                    |
| communication functionality    |               |                    |
| shall support all commonly     |               |                    |
| used cross-manufacturer        |               |                    |
| non-proprietary standard TTY   |               |                    |
| signal protocols.              |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(c\) Voice mail,              |               |                    |
| auto-attendant, and            |               |                    |
| interactive voice response     |               |                    |
| telecommunications systems     |               |                    |
| shall be usable by TTY users   |               |                    |
| with their TTYs.               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(d\) Voice mail, messaging,   |               |                    |
| auto-attendant, and            |               |                    |
| interactive voice response     |               |                    |
| telecommunications systems     |               |                    |
| that require a response from a |               |                    |
| user within a time interval,   |               |                    |
| shall give an alert when the   |               |                    |
| time interval is about to run  |               |                    |
| out, and shall provide         |               |                    |
| sufficient time for the user   |               |                    |
| to indicate more time is       |               |                    |
| required.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(e\) Where provided, caller   |               |                    |
| identification and similar     |               |                    |
| telecommunications functions   |               |                    |
| shall also be available for    |               |                    |
| users of TTYs, and for users   |               |                    |
| who cannot see displays.       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(f\) For transmitted voice    |               |                    |
| signals, telecommunications    |               |                    |
| products shall provide a gain  |               |                    |
| adjustable up to a minimum of  |               |                    |
| 20 dB. For incremental volume  |               |                    |
| control, at least one          |               |                    |
| intermediate step of 12 dB of  |               |                    |
| gain shall be provided.        |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(g\) If the                   |               |                    |
| telecommunications product     |               |                    |
| allows a user to adjust the    |               |                    |
| receive volume, a function     |               |                    |
| shall be provided to           |               |                    |
| automatically reset the volume |               |                    |
| to the default level after     |               |                    |
| every use.                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(h\) Where a                  |               |                    |
| telecommunications product     |               |                    |
| delivers output by an audio    |               |                    |
| transducer which is normally   |               |                    |
| held up to the ear, a means    |               |                    |
| for effective magnetic         |               |                    |
| wireless coupling to hearing   |               |                    |
| technologies shall be          |               |                    |
| provided.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(i\) Interference to hearing  |               |                    |
| technologies (including        |               |                    |
| hearing aids, cochlear         |               |                    |
| implants, and assistive        |               |                    |
| listening devices) shall be    |               |                    |
| reduced to the lowest possible |               |                    |
| level that allows a user of    |               |                    |
| hearing technologies to        |               |                    |
| utilize the telecommunications |               |                    |
| product.                       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(j\) Products that transmit   |               |                    |
| or conduct information or      |               |                    |
| communication, shall pass      |               |                    |
| through cross-manufacturer,    |               |                    |
| non-proprietary,               |               |                    |
| industry-standard codes,       |               |                    |
| translation protocols, formats |               |                    |
| or other information necessary |               |                    |
| to provide the information or  |               |                    |
| communication in a usable      |               |                    |
| format. Technologies which use |               |                    |
| encoding, signal compression,  |               |                    |
| format transformation, or      |               |                    |
| similar techniques shall not   |               |                    |
| remove information needed for  |               |                    |
| access or shall restore it     |               |                    |
| upon delivery.                 |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (k)(1) Products which have     |               |                    |
| mechanically operated controls |               |                    |
| or keys shall comply with the  |               |                    |
| following: Controls and Keys   |               |                    |
| shall be tactilely discernible |               |                    |
| without activating the         |               |                    |
| controls or keys.              |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (k)(2) Products which have     |               |                    |
| mechanically operated controls |               |                    |
| or keys shall comply with the  |               |                    |
| following: Controls and Keys   |               |                    |
| shall be operable with one     |               |                    |
| hand and shall not require     |               |                    |
| tight grasping, pinching,      |               |                    |
| twisting of the wrist. The     |               |                    |
| force required to activate     |               |                    |
| controls and keys shall be 5   |               |                    |
| lbs. (22.2N) maximum.          |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (k)(3) Products which have     |               |                    |
| mechanically operated controls |               |                    |
| or keys shall comply with the  |               |                    |
| following: If key repeat is    |               |                    |
| supported, the delay before    |               |                    |
| repeat shall be adjustable to  |               |                    |
| at least 2 seconds. Key repeat |               |                    |
| rate shall be adjustable to 2  |               |                    |
| seconds per character.         |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (k)(4) Products which have     |               |                    |
| mechanically operated controls |               |                    |
| or keys shall comply with the  |               |                    |
| following: The status of all   |               |                    |
| locking or toggle controls or  |               |                    |
| keys shall be visually         |               |                    |
| discernible, and discernible   |               |                    |
| either through touch or sound. |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)\
[]{#videodetails .anchor}

+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| **Section 1194.24 Video and    |               |                    |
| Multi-media Products**         |               |                    |
|                                |               |                    |
| ***\* Refer to (               |               |                    |
| <http://www.access-board       |               |                    |
| .gov/sec508/guide/1194.24.htm> |               |                    |
| ) for details on the           |               |                    |
| guidelines listed below.***    |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting  | **Remarks and      |
|                                | Features**    | explanations**     |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(a\) All analog television    |               |                    |
| displays 13 inches and larger, |               |                    |
| and computer equipment that    |               |                    |
| includes analog television     |               |                    |
| receiver or display circuitry, |               |                    |
| shall be equipped 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, shall be    |               |                    |
| equipped with caption decoder  |               |                    |
| circuitry which appropriately  |               |                    |
| receives, decodes, and         |               |                    |
| displays closed captions from  |               |                    |
| broadcast, cable, videotape,   |               |                    |
| and DVD signals.               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(b\) Television tuners,       |               |                    |
| including tuner cards for use  |               |                    |
| in computers, shall be         |               |                    |
| equipped with secondary audio  |               |                    |
| program playback circuitry.    |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(c\) All training and         |               |                    |
| informational video and        |               |                    |
| multimedia productions which   |               |                    |
| support the agency\'s mission, |               |                    |
| regardless of format, that     |               |                    |
| contain speech or other audio  |               |                    |
| information necessary for the  |               |                    |
| comprehension of the content,  |               |                    |
| shall be open or closed        |               |                    |
| captioned.                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(d\) All training and         |               |                    |
| informational video and        |               |                    |
| multimedia productions which   |               |                    |
| support the agency\'s mission, |               |                    |
| regardless of format, that     |               |                    |
| contain visual information     |               |                    |
| necessary for the              |               |                    |
| comprehension of the content,  |               |                    |
| shall be audio described.      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(e\) Display or presentation  |               |                    |
| of alternate text presentation |               |                    |
| or audio descriptions shall be |               |                    |
| user-selectable unless         |               |                    |
| permanent.                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)\
[]{#selfcontaineddetails .anchor}

+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| **Section 1194.25              |               |                    |
| Self-Contained, Closed         |               |                    |
| Products**                     |               |                    |
|                                |               |                    |
| ***\* Refer to (               |               |                    |
| <http://www.access-board.      |               |                    |
| gov/sec508/guide/1194.25.htm>) |               |                    |
| for details on the guidelines  |               |                    |
| listed below.***               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting  | **Remarks and      |
|                                | Features**    | explanations**     |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(a\) Self contained products  |               |                    |
| shall be usable by people with |               |                    |
| disabilities without requiring |               |                    |
| an end-user to attach          |               |                    |
| Assistive Technology to the    |               |                    |
| product. Personal headsets for |               |                    |
| private listening are not      |               |                    |
| Assistive Technology.          |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(b\) When a timed response is |               |                    |
| required, the user shall be    |               |                    |
| alerted and given sufficient   |               |                    |
| time to indicate more time is  |               |                    |
| required.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(c\) Where a product utilizes |               |                    |
| touchscreens or                |               |                    |
| contact-sensitive controls, an |               |                    |
| input method shall be provided |               |                    |
| that complies with §1194.23    |               |                    |
| (k) (1) through (4).           |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(d\) When biometric forms of  |               |                    |
| user identification or control |               |                    |
| are used, an alternative form  |               |                    |
| of identification or           |               |                    |
| activation, which does not     |               |                    |
| require the user to possess    |               |                    |
| particular biological          |               |                    |
| characteristics, shall also be |               |                    |
| provided.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(e\) When products provide    |               |                    |
| auditory output, the audio     |               |                    |
| signal shall be provided at a  |               |                    |
| standard signal level through  |               |                    |
| an industry standard connector |               |                    |
| that will allow for private    |               |                    |
| listening. The product must    |               |                    |
| provide the ability to         |               |                    |
| interrupt, pause, and restart  |               |                    |
| the audio at anytime.          |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(f\) When products deliver    |               |                    |
| voice output in a public area, |               |                    |
| incremental volume control     |               |                    |
| shall be provided with output  |               |                    |
| amplification up to a level of |               |                    |
| at least 65 dB. Where the      |               |                    |
| ambient noise level of the     |               |                    |
| environment is above 45 dB, a  |               |                    |
| volume gain of at least 20 dB  |               |                    |
| above the ambient level shall  |               |                    |
| be user selectable. A function |               |                    |
| shall be provided to           |               |                    |
| automatically reset the volume |               |                    |
| to the default level after     |               |                    |
| every use.                     |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(g\) Color coding shall not   |               |                    |
| be used as the only means of   |               |                    |
| conveying information,         |               |                    |
| indicating an action,          |               |                    |
| prompting a response, or       |               |                    |
| distinguishing a visual        |               |                    |
| element.                       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(h\) When a product permits a |               |                    |
| user to adjust color and       |               |                    |
| contrast settings, a range of  |               |                    |
| color selections capable of    |               |                    |
| producing a variety of         |               |                    |
| contrast levels shall be       |               |                    |
| provided.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(i\) Products shall be        |               |                    |
| designed to avoid causing the  |               |                    |
| screen to flicker with a       |               |                    |
| frequency greater than 2 Hz    |               |                    |
| and lower than 55 Hz.          |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(j\) (1) Products which are   |               |                    |
| freestanding, non-portable,    |               |                    |
| and intended to be used in one |               |                    |
| location and which have        |               |                    |
| operable controls shall comply |               |                    |
| with the following: The        |               |                    |
| position of any operable       |               |                    |
| control shall be determined    |               |                    |
| with respect to a vertical     |               |                    |
| plane, which is 48 inches in   |               |                    |
| length, centered on the        |               |                    |
| operable control, and at the   |               |                    |
| maximum protrusion of the      |               |                    |
| product within the 48 inch     |               |                    |
| length on products which are   |               |                    |
| freestanding, non-portable,    |               |                    |
| and intended to be used in one |               |                    |
| location and which have        |               |                    |
| operable controls.             |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (j)(2) Products which are      |               |                    |
| freestanding, non-portable,    |               |                    |
| and intended to be used in one |               |                    |
| location and which have        |               |                    |
| operable controls shall comply |               |                    |
| with the following: Where any  |               |                    |
| operable control is 10 inches  |               |                    |
| or less behind the reference   |               |                    |
| plane, the height shall be 54  |               |                    |
| inches maximum and 15 inches   |               |                    |
| minimum above the floor.       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (j)(3) Products which are      |               |                    |
| freestanding, non-portable,    |               |                    |
| and intended to be used in one |               |                    |
| location and which have        |               |                    |
| operable controls shall comply |               |                    |
| with the following: Where any  |               |                    |
| operable control is more than  |               |                    |
| 10 inches and not more than 24 |               |                    |
| inches behind the reference    |               |                    |
| plane, the height shall be 46  |               |                    |
| inches maximum and 15 inches   |               |                    |
| minimum above the floor.       |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| (j)(4) Products which are      |               |                    |
| freestanding, non-portable,    |               |                    |
| and intended to be used in one |               |                    |
| location and which have        |               |                    |
| operable controls shall comply |               |                    |
| with the following: Operable   |               |                    |
| controls shall not be more     |               |                    |
| than 24 inches behind the      |               |                    |
| reference plane.               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage) []{#desktopsdetails
.anchor}

+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| **Section 1194.26 Desktop and  |               |                    |
| Portable Computers**           |               |                    |
|                                |               |                    |
| ***\* Refer to (               |               |                    |
| <http://www.access-board.      |               |                    |
| gov/sec508/guide/1194.26.htm>) |               |                    |
| for details on the guidelines  |               |                    |
| listed below.***               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| ***Criteria***                 | **Supporting  | **Remarks and      |
|                                | Features**    | explanations**     |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(a\) All mechanically         |               |                    |
| operated controls and keys     |               |                    |
| shall comply with §1194.23 (k) |               |                    |
| (1) through (4).               |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(b\) If a product utilizes    |               |                    |
| touchscreens or touch-operated |               |                    |
| controls, an input method      |               |                    |
| shall be provided that         |               |                    |
| complies with §1194.23 (k) (1) |               |                    |
| through (4).                   |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(c\) When biometric forms of  |               |                    |
| user identification or control |               |                    |
| are used, an alternative form  |               |                    |
| of identification or           |               |                    |
| activation, which does not     |               |                    |
| require the user to possess    |               |                    |
| particular biological          |               |                    |
| characteristics, shall also be |               |                    |
| provided.                      |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+
| \(d\) Where provided, at least |               |                    |
| one of each type of expansion  |               |                    |
| slots, ports and connectors    |               |                    |
| shall comply with publicly     |               |                    |
| available industry standards   |               |                    |
+--------------------------------+---------------+--------------------+

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage)\
[]{#functionaldetails .anchor}

  -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------
  **Section 1194.31 Functional                      
  Performance Criteria**                            

  ***Criteria***                   **Supporting     **Remarks and
                                   Features**       explanations**

  \(a\) 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.                                

  \(b\) 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.                       

  \(c\) 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                                 

  \(d\) 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.                        

  \(e\) 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.                   

  \(f\) 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.                       
  -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------

[Return to the top of the page.](#topofpage) []{#documentation .anchor}

  -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------
  **Section 1194.41 Information,                    
  documentation, and support.**                     

  ***Criteria***                   **Supporting     **Remarks and
                                   Features**       explanations**

  \(a\) Product support                              
  documentation provided to                         
  end-users shall be made                           
  available in alternate formats                    
  upon request, at no additional                    
  charge.                                           

  \(b\) 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.                                

  \(c\) Support services for                         
  products shall accommodate the                    
  communication needs of end-users                  
  with disabilities.                                
  -------------------------------- ---------------- ---------------------

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