## SECTION 508 APPLICABLE STANDARDS

## 

## 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems

Most of the specifications for software pertain to usability for people
with vision impairments. For example, one provision requires alternative
keyboard navigation, which is essential for people with vision
impairments who cannot rely on pointing devices, such as a mouse. Other
provisions address animated displays, color and contrast settings, flash
rate, and electronic forms, among others.

## 1194.22 Web-based Intranet and Internet Information and Applications

The criteria for web-based technology and information are based on
access guidelines developed by the Web Accessibility Initiative of the
World Wide Web Consortium. Many of these provisions ensure access for
people with vision impairments who rely on various assistive products to
access computer-based information, such as screen readers, which
translate what\'s on a computer screen into automated audible output,
and refreshable Braille displays. Certain conventions, such as verbal
tags or identification of graphics and format devices, like frames, are
necessary so that these devices can \"read\" them for the user in a
sensible way. The standards do not prohibit the use of web site graphics
or animation. Instead, the standards aim to ensure that such information
is also available in an accessible format. Generally, this means use of
text labels or descriptors for graphics and certain format elements.
(HTML code already provides an \"Alt Text\" tag for graphics which can
serve as a verbal descriptor for graphics). This section also addresses
the usability of multimedia presentations, image maps, style sheets,
scripting languages, applets and plug-ins, and electronic forms.

The standards apply to Federal web sites but not to private sector web
sites (unless a site is provided under contract to a Federal agency, in
which case only that web site or portion covered by the contract would
have to comply). Accessible sites offer significant advantages that go
beyond access. For example, those with \"text-only\" options provide a
faster downloading alternative and can facilitate transmission of
web-based data to cell phones and personal digital assistants.

## 1194.23 Telecommunications Products

The criteria of this section are designed primarily to ensure access to
people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This includes compatibility with
hearing aids, cochlear implants, assistive listening devices, and TTYs.
TTYs are devices that enable people with hearing or speech impairments
to communicate over the telephone; they typically include an acoustic
coupler for the telephone handset, a simplified keyboard, and a visible
message display. One requirement calls for a standard non-acoustic TTY
connection point for telecommunication products that allow voice
communication but that do provide TTY functionality. Other
specifications address adjustable volume controls for output, product
interface with hearing technologies, and the usability of keys and
controls by people who may have impaired vision or limited dexterity or
motor control.

## 1194.31 Functional performance criteria.

\(a\) 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.