# *1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers*

##### ***Overview***

These Section 508 technical requirements apply to keyboards, keypads,
and other controls on the desktop and laptop computers that need to be
activated during the normal operation of the system. Examples of other
controls that are covered, but not found on the keyboard, are: on/off
switches, reset buttons, unlocking controls for docking stations, and
release buttons for expansion cards and drives.

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Desktop and portable computers have become an enabling tool in our
society. The computer has evolved from a desktop machine, to a laptop
machine, and now in many cases to a notebook or hand-held device. They
can be used to perform a wide range of tasks, from information
gathering, processing, and retrieval to real-time facility environment
control or machine operation.

Computers use Operating Systems to operate and may provide
telecommunication, multimedia, and Web functionality. Those functions
would also have to comply with applicable standards as well. Standard
input and output interfaces are important to all computer users. They
allow the user to connect a variety of software and peripherals to
address the wide range of applications. The ability of computers to link
to other devices via standard ports, connectors, and interfaces provides
significant capability and cost benefits. These interconnection points
are standard for most desktop and portable computers.

***Remember That...***

-   Multiple technical standards will often apply to procured Desktop or
    notebook systems. Some standards to consider when reviewing a
    computer product for compliance are all of the Software Applications
    and Operating Systems requirements, Video and Multimedia
    standards (a) and (b), as well as all of the Information,
    Documentation, and Support requirements found in Subpart D

####### Reference for 1194.26

-   Guide to the Section 508 Standards for Electronic and Information
    Technology, Desktop and Portable Computers (1194.26), Updated:
    August 1, 2001,
    <http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.26.htm#(a>)

-   National Institute for Standards and Technology Biometrics Resource
    Center: <http://www.itl.nist.gov/div895/biometrics>

-   PCMCIA Standard Release 2.1/JEIDA 4.2 -- July 1993, PCMCA (Personal
    Computer Memory Card International Association)
    http://www.pcmcia.org

-   IEEE Standard 1394b, \"High-Performance Serial Bus, 2002, IEEE
    Standards Association (IEEE-SA)
    http://www.ieee.org/products/onlinepubs/stand/standards.html

-   Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0 April 27, 2000,
    Compaq Computer Corporation, Hewlett-Packard Company, Intel
    Corporation, Lucent Technologies Inc., Microsoft Corporation, NEC
    Corporation, Kominklijke Phillips Electronics N.V.
    http://www.usb.org/developers/data/usb_20.zip

-   4.27.4 of the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and
    Facilities (ADAAG), Updated September 2002,\
    <http://www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag.htm#4.27.4>

-   Market Research Guidelines for Desktop and Portable computers\
    <http://www.section508.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Content&ID=142>

***1194.26 (a) All mechanically operated controls and keys shall comply
with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4).***

###### *In other words* 

The controls and keys on a desktop or portable computer (e.g., power and
reset buttons) must be set so that they are tactilely discernible
without activating the function. Mechanically operated controls must be
operable with one hand. The strength to activate any control or key has
to be less than 5 pounds of effort. If key repeat is supported, it must
be adjustable to at least 2 seconds per character. The status of all
locking or toggle controls or keys must be visually discernable and
through touch or sound.

**Note:** This standard covers keyboards, keypads and other controls on
desktop and laptop computers that need to be activated during the normal
operation of the system.

###### *Determining compliance* 

To ensure that controls and keys are tactilely discernable,

-   Keyboards must have navigational bumps on the keys (e.g., the F and
    J keys on a standard keyboard, or the 5 key on a numeric pad)

-   You must be able to locate controls or keys with your eyes shut and
    without activating the function of the keys

-   Although not required by the law similar keys such as arrow keys,
    numeric keypad, and function keys should be grouped together

For determining whether controls or keys can be operated with one hand,

-   Attempt to operate the computer with one hand. Pay particular
    attention to controls such as laptop screen latches, which must also
    be compliant

-   Examine the user manual for function keys (e.g. the "Fn" key on
    notebook computers) and attempt to perform all documented features

-   No function should require tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the
    wrist, or more than five pounds of pressure to operate a control or
    key

To check that all locking or toggle controls and keys are visually
discernable

-   While determining for operation with one hand, visually inspect or
    review the product documentation for visual indication of function
    activation (e.g., power light, caps lock)

If a computer supports key repeat features (e.g. in the BIOS)

-   The delay before a key being pressed is repeated, must be adjustable
    to at least 2 seconds

-   The rate at which the key is repeated must be able to be set to 2
    seconds

**Note:** Please see 1194.23 (k), standards (1) through (4)

1194.26 (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).

###### *In other words* 

An input method other than touch-responsive controls are required for
devices using touchscreens or touch-operated controls (e.g.
non-mechanical).

**Note:** This provision does not prohibit the use of touchscreens and
contact sensitive controls, but requires a redundant set of controls
that can be used by persons who have access problems with touchscreens

###### *Determining compliance* 

For all controls related to normal system operation,

-   The product must provide an alternative set of controls aside from
    touch operated controls for touch screen devices

To ensure that controls and keys are tactilely discernable,

-   Keyboards must have navigational bumps on the keys (e.g., the F and
    J keys on a standard keyboard, or the 5 key on a numeric pad)

-   You must be able to locate controls or keys with your eyes shut and
    without activating the function of the keys

-   Although not required by the law similar keys such as arrow keys,
    numeric keypad, and function keys should be grouped together

For determining whether controls or keys can be operated with one hand,

-   Attempt to operate the computer with one hand. Pay particular
    attention to controls such as laptop screen latches, which must also
    be compliant

-   Examine the user manual for function keys (e.g. the "Fn" key on
    notebook computers) and attempt to perform all documented features

-   No function should require tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the
    wrist, or more than five pounds of pressure to operate a control or
    key

To check that all locking or toggle controls and keys are visually
discernable

-   While determining for operation with one hand, visually inspect or
    review the product documentation for visual indication of function
    activation (e.g., power light, caps lock)

If a computer supports key repeat features (e.g. in the BIOS)

-   The delay before a key being pressed is repeated, must be adjustable
    to at least 2 seconds

-   The rate at which the key is repeated must be able to be set to 2
    seconds

**Note:** Please see 1194.23 (k), standards (1) through (4)

## 1194.26 (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.

###### *In other words* 

If a system uses biometrics for identification (e.g. retinal scanning or
fingerprint identification) or for system operation, the system must
also provide a means of equivalent, alternative access independent of
any particular biological feature (e.g., entering a password).

###### *Term*

*Biometric controls* Controls that are activated by a particular
biological feature or physical characteristic.

###### *Determining compliance*

Determine all user identification or controls that require particular
user biometrics

-   Provide an alternative means for user identification or operation of
    a control. This can often be done through the implementation of
    passwords

**Notes:**

-   When providing a biometric-independent control or form of user
    identification, ensure that it complies with the applicable Section
    508 standards. Some standards to consider are Software Applications
    and Operating Systems, and Web-based Intanet and Internet
    Information and Applications

-   See 1194.25 (d) for related information

***1194.26 (d) Where provided, at least one of each type of expansion
slots, ports and connectors shall comply with publicly available
industry standards.***

###### *In other words* 

All expansion slots, ports, or connectors on a computer must be industry
standard (e.g., USB, serial, parallel)

###### *Term*

*Industry standard* -- a specification that is made available by the
manufacturer to the public, so that third party and cross-manufacturer
developers may build compatible connections.

###### *Determining compliance*

Consult the user manual or manufacturer for all expansion slots, ports,
or connectors

-   For each expansion type, ensure that it complies with an industry
    standard

**Notes:**

-   Some examples of expansion technologies used by AT can be found
    below, from top-left clockwise: Parallel ports, PCMCIA, serial, USB
    1 and 2, PS/2 for mice and keyboards. Not shown: PCI slots, SCSI,
    wireless RF and infrared, bluetooth.

-   Products may provide more than one connection point of each type
    that is standard.

-   Docking stations, PDA cradles, and modular component 'bays' are
    examples of connections for which no publicly available industry
    standards currently exist.

-   ![](media/image1.jpeg){width="1.875in"
    height="1.2215277777777778in"}Satisfying this requirement supports
    interoperability with assistive technology that uses standard
    expansion slots, ports and connectors, such as alternative input and
    output devices.