#  Draft Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines 

PDF version
 Related Document:  ANPRM Preamble (published discussion of the proposed draft text) 

###  Table of Contents 

-  508 Chapter 1:  Application and Administration 
-  255 Chapter 1:  Application and Administration 
-  Chapter 2:  Functional Performance Criteria 
-  Chapter 3:  Common Functionality 
-  Chapter 4:  Platforms, Applications, and Interactive Content 
-  Chapter 5:  Electronic Documents 
-  Chapter 6:  Synchronized Media  Content and Players 
-  Chapter 7:  Hardware Aspects of ICT 
-  Chapter 8:  Audio Output from Hardware 
-  Chapter 9:  Conversation  Functionality and Controls 
-  Chapter 10:  ICT Support  Documentation and ICT Support Services 
-  Amendments to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines 

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##  508 Chapter 1:  Application and  Administration 

- E101  Purpose 
- E102  General Requirement 
- E103  Application 
- E104  Undue Burden 
- E105  General Exceptions 
- E106  Equivalent Facilitation 
- E107  WCAG 2.0 Harmonization 
- E108  Best Meets 
- E109  Provision of Support Services and Materials 
- E110  Conventions 
- E111  Definitions 
- E112  Referenced Standards or Guidelines 

###  E101 Purpose 

 This part provides requirements for electronic and information  technology, also referred to as “information and communication  technology” (ICT), necessary to implement the requirements for Federal  departments and agencies (“Agencies”), including the United States Postal  Service, set forth in section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended  (29 U.S.C. 794d).

###  E102 General Requirement 

**E102.1 General.**  Federal agencies shall apply the provisions of this part in  order to ensure that:

**E102.1.1 Federal Employees.**     Individuals with disabilities who are Federal employees have access to and use    of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of the    information and data by Federal employees who are not individuals with    disabilities; and
**E102.1.2 Members of the Public.**  Individuals with disabilities who are members of the    public seeking information or services from a Federal agency have access to and    use of information and data that is comparable to the access to and use of the    information and data by such members of the public who are not individuals with    disabilities.

###  E103 Application 

**E103.1 General.**  The requirements in this part  apply to ICT that is procured, developed, maintained, or used by or on behalf  of agencies.

**E103.2 Covered Agencies.**  This part applies to agencies,  as defined in 44 U.S.C. 3502, as well as the United States Postal Service. 

**Advisory E103.2 Covered Agencies.**  Section 508 of    the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. 794d) applies to Federal departments and    agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service.
 The term “agency” under this part shall include the U.S.    Postal Service and “agency” as defined by 44 U.S.C. 3502.  That section defines    agency to  mean any executive department, military department, Government    corporation, Government controlled corporation, or other establishment in the    executive branch of the Government (including the Executive Office of the    President), or any independent regulatory agency, but does not include (a) the    General Accounting Office; (b) Federal Election Commission; (c) the governments    of the District of Columbia and of the territories and possessions of the    United States, and their various subdivisions; or (d) Government-owned    contractor-operated facilities, including laboratories engaged in national    defense research and production activities.

**E103.3 Covered Information and Communication Technology.**   This part applies to ICT as defined in E111 of this chapter.

**E103.3.1 Electronic Content.**.  Electronic    content shall conform to E103.3.1.  When Federal agencies communicate using    electronic content regardless of transmission or storage method,such    electronic content shall conform to applicable provisions when the    communication is:  (a) an official communication by the agency or a    representative of the agency to Federal employees which contains information    necessary for them to perform their job functions; or (b) an official    communication by an agency or a representative of the agency to a member of the    public, which is necessary for them to conduct official business with the    agency as defined by the agency’s mission.
**Exception:**     Electronic content stored solely for archival purposes or retained solely to    preserve the exact image of the original hard copy is not required to conform    to applicable provisions. 
**Advisory      E103.3.1 Electronic Content.**  An official communication of the agency      supports the agency’s mission, and is limited to those communications which      contain information necessary for Federal employees to perform their job      functions; or, when communicated to a member of the public, are necessary for      them to conduct official business with the agency as defined by the agency’s      mission.
 Electronic      content may include, but is not limited to, documents or synchronized media      regardless of format or storage method.  Examples of such content may include      reports, invoices, or synchronized media containing promotional materials      related to the agency mission or upcoming agency events or deadlines.  
 Examples of      official communication by an agency or representative to Federal employees      include announcements containing information necessary for Federal employees to      perform their job functions, which are broadly disseminated to agency      employees.  These may include information about working conditions or policies,      such as information on agency IT policies, security, or personnel information.       This may also include general announcements of upcoming agency events in      furtherance of the agency mission (such as the upcoming tax season at IRS, for      example).  
 Examples of      official communications by the agency or representative to a member of the      public, which are necessary for the conduct of official business with the      agency as defined by the agency’s mission may include technical assistance      provided by agency employees on agency regulations to members of the public,      content posted on the agency website for public information, and information      about benefits or programs administered or provided by the agency as part of      the agency mission.
**Advisory      E103.3.1 Electronic Content Exception.**  The necessity for storing      exact replicas of hard copy content generally relates to the need to accurately      preserve or represent certain characteristics of the document, such as watermarks,      signatures, dates, or other indicia relevant to the document's authenticity and      application.
 Where this      content originates as electronic content covered by this part prior to becoming      hard copy, it is a best practice to make such electronic content conformant      with the standards.  It is important then to retain text-based electronic      copies of content prior to hard copy production and subsequent storage as an      image.  This will ensure, for example, that the text of a memo which is      stored as an image to retain the signature of an agency official will be      available for distribution as accessible text upon request.

**E103.3.1.1 Location.**  Electronic content procured or      developed by an agency shall be covered by this part, even if the content is      not located on a Federal website or at a Federal location.  
**Advisory      E103.3.1.1 Location.**  A Federal video posted on a social media website is      required to conform to this part.  For example, under this part, a video      developed by a Federal agency must be compliant without regard to whether it is      posted on the agency’s website or on a non-Federal third party site, without      charge to the agency.  
**E103.3.1.2 Medium.**  This part applies to Federal      electronic content regardless of medium.
**Advisory      E103.3.1.2 Medium. **Electronic documents, for example, are covered      regardless of whether posted on a website, attached to an email, or saved on a      CD, flash drive, office server, or other medium.
**E103.3.1.3 Email.**  Email produced by or on behalf of      an agency, whether transmitted to agency employees or to recipients not      employed by the agency, is required to conform to the provisions of this part.  
**Advisory      E103.3.1.3 Email.**  This provision covers email sent by an agency, not      email received.  This provision applies to e-mail sent internally as well as transmitted      to recipients outside the agency.  This applies to different forms of email,      such as webmail.  An example would be a web-push notification sent by a third      party contractor to Federal employees within the agency. 

**E103.3.2 Components of an ICT System.**  When ICT is a    system of interoperable components, the provisions of this part shall apply to    each interoperable component that has a user interface, or transmits    information.
**Exception:**  When ICT is a component of a system where the principal function is not ICT,    then the provisions of this part shall only apply to the ICT components which    have a user interface or transmit information.
**Advisory      E103.3.2 Components of an ICT System.**  An example of ICT that is a system      of interoperable components is a personal computer.  In this example, the      interoperable components are the CPU, the display monitor, the keyboard, the      mouse, and any attachments (such as an external hard drive, removable flash      drive, and printer).  Each of these interoperable components is required to      conform to the applicable provisions of this part.
 An example of an      ICT component that is not required to conform to the provisions of this part is      the motherboard inside the CPU, because it does not have a user interface.
 The covered      components may not necessarily be in the same physical location.  An example of      an ICT system required to conform to the provisions of this part is a service      that provides for telephone callers to adjust a thermostat or turn on a building      security system and lights.
**Advisory      E103.3.2 Components of an ICT System Exception.**  Vehicles, such as cars,      boats and planes, are not ICT because the principal function is not ICT.  Some      ICT found in vehicles would be covered where the principal function is ICT.       Examples of covered ICT components in vehicles include:  laptops fixed inside a      vehicle used by a Federal uniformed security officer, car phones, and video      players mounted in vehicles.  Electronics used in the operation of a vehicle      are not ICT.  An example of electronics that are not covered is the dashboard      of a car.

**E103.4 Covered Activities.**  Covered activities  under this part include the procurement, development, maintenance, or use of  ICT by or on behalf of Federal agencies on or after the effective date of this  part.

**E103.4.1 Pre-existing ICT.**  Covered ICT that was    procured, developed, maintained, or used prior to the effective date of this    part, remains subject to the accessibility standards in effect at the time of    the covered action.
**Advisory      E103.4.1 Pre-existing ICT.**  If an agency is acquiring "patches"      to fix minor software errors on a system that is not near the end of its life      expectancy and software that meets the applicable technical provisions of the      standards would not operate with the system, the agency might experience a      significant difficulty or expense if it had to prematurely replace its system      to accommodate the new software.  Thus, the acquisition might fall within the      undue burden exception. 
 By contrast, a      finding of undue burden may be difficult to justify if a system is near the end      of its life expectancy, and the purpose of the "maintenance" is to      significantly upgrade and update the system or its operating software (such as      moving from a very old generation software to a much newer generation      software), and the agency has the resources for such an upgrade. 

**E103.4.2 Federal Contracts.**     This part applies to ICT procured, developed, maintained, or used by a    contractor under a contract with an agency that requires the use of such ICT in    the performance of specifications or deliverables under the contract.
**Exception:**  This part does not apply    to ICT procured, developed, maintained, or used by a contractor that is not used    for the performance of the contractor’s duties under the contract or for    meeting deliverables under the contract.

**E103.5 Identifying Applicable Provisions.**   Agencies should first look to the provisions in Chapters 3 through 9 to  determine if there are specific technical provisions that apply to the ICT need  they are seeking to satisfy.

**E103.5.1 Relation of Functional    Performance Criteria to Technical Provisions.**  If there are applicable    provisions in Chapters 3 through 9 that fully address the product or service    being procured, then the agency need not look to Chapter 2 (Functional    Performance Criteria).  Acquired products that meet the specific technical    provisions set forth in Chapters 3 through 9 will also meet the broader    functional performance criteria in Chapter 2. 
**E103.5.2 ICT Not Addressed by    Technical Provisions.**  If an agency’s procurement needs are not fully    addressed by Chapters 3 through 9, then the agency must look to Chapter 2 for    applicable functional performance criteria.
**E103.5.3 Evaluation of Failures    Against Technical Provision.**  If any of the technical provisions in    Chapters 3 through 9 are not met, the functional performance criteria in Chapter    2 must be used to evaluate if access is provided in another way through E106    Equivalent Facilitation.

###  E104 Undue Burden 

**E104.1 General.**  When procuring, developing, maintaining, or using ICT, each  agency shall ensure that the ICT conforms to all applicable provisions of this  part, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

**E104.2 Basis.**  In determining whether compliance  with all or part of the provisions in this part would impose an undue burden,  an agency shall consider the difficulty or expense of compliance and agency  resources available to its program or components for which the ICT is procured,  developed, maintained, or used.

**E104.3 Documentation.**  The responsible official  shall document in writing the basis for an undue burden decision, including an  explanation of why and to what extent compliance with each such provision in  the procurement, development, maintenance, or use of ICT creates an undue  burden, as well as how the agency will meet the general requirement expressed  in E102.

**E104.4 Alternative Means.**  When an agency  determines that conformance to the provisions of this part imposes an undue  burden, the agency shall provide individuals with disabilities with the  information and data involved by an alternative means of access that allows the  individual to use the information and data.

###  E105 General Exceptions 

**E105.1 Fundamental Alteration.**  This part shall not  require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the ICT.  When an agency  determines that conformance to a particular provision of this part would result  in a fundamental alteration, the ICT shall conform to the remaining applicable provisions  of this part.

**Advisory E105.1 Fundamental Alteration.**  A determination by an agency that conformance to a  particular provision would result in a fundamental alteration does not exempt  the ICT in its entirety from coverage under this part.

**E105.2 National Security Systems.**  This part does  not apply to any ICT operated by agencies as part of a national security  system, as defined by 40 U.S.C. 11103(a).

**Advisory    E105.2 National Security Systems.**  The term National Security System means    any telecommunication, or information system operated by the United States    government, the function, operation, or use of which involves:
-  Intelligence activities; 
-  Cryptologic activities related to national security; 
-  Command and control of military forces; 
-  Equipment that is an integral part of a weapon or weapons system; or 
-  Systems which are critical to the direct fulfillment of military or      intelligence missions. 
 Systems that are    critical to the direct fulfillment of military or intelligence missions do not    include systems that are used for routine administrative and business    applications.  Examples of routine administrative and business applications are    payroll, finance, logistics, and personnel management applications.  Routine    administrative and business applications are covered by this part. 

###  E106 Equivalent Facilitation 

 Nothing in this part is intended to prevent the use of  designs or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed in this part,  provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater access to and use  of ICT for people with disabilities.

###  E107 WCAG 2.0 Harmonization 

 Web pages as defined by WCAG 2.0,  that are Level AA conformant to WCAG 2.0, as defined in that standard, (that  is, all Level A and Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements 1 -  4) shall be deemed to be in conformance with the following chapters of this  part, so long as they also meet the enumerated sections of this part: 

 Chapter 4, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements plus sections 409 and 413 of this part;  

 Chapter 5, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements; 

 Chapter 6, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements plus sections 604.4, 604.5, 607, and 608 of this part. 

**Advisory E107 WCAG 2.0 Harmonization.**  The WCAG    2.0 definition for web page is available via the Internet at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#webpagedef. 
 The WCAG 2.0 definition for conformance is available via    the Internet at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#conformance. 

###  E108 Best Meets 

 When procuring ICT, each agency shall procure ICT which  complies with the provisions in this part when such ICT is available in the  commercial market place or when such ICT is developed in response to a government  solicitation.  If ICT is commercially available that meets some, but not all of  the provisions, the agency must procure the product that best meets the  provisions of this part, consistent with the business needs of the agency.

**Advisory E108 Best Meets.**  Nothing in this part  should be construed to require agencies to procure ICT which does not meet the  business needs of the agency.

###  E109 Provision of Support  Services and Materials 

**E109.1 General.  Agencies  shall apply the provisions of E109 and Chapter 10 when providing support  services and materials. **

**E109.2 Alternate Methods of Communication.**  Help  desk and technical support services shall provide alternate methods of  communication.

**Advisory E109.2 Alternate Methods of Communication.**     Help desk and technical support services include but are not limited to: agency    help desks, support services outsourced by agencies, and help line assistance    provided by product manufacturers and vendors.
 Alternate methods of communication include both in-person    and remote communication.  Examples include, but are not limited to: sign    language interpreters, assistive listening systems, TTYs, real-time captioning,    and telecommunications relay services, such as TTY, speech-to-speech, or video    relay services.
 People with disabilities may use a variety of communication    technologies in addition to using alternate methods of communication.  Examples    of such communication technologies include: Internet posting (such as message    boards and website blogs); cellular telephones; e-mail; fax; postal mail;    texting, and instant messaging.

**E109.3 Alternate Formats.**  Help desk and technical  support services shall provide materials in alternate formats for users with  disabilities.

**Advisory E109.3 Alternate Formats.**  Alternate  formats usable by people with disabilities include, but are not limited to:  braille,  ASCII text, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats that conform to this  part.

**E109.4 Accessibility and Compatibility Features of Products.**   Agencies shall provide access to a description of the accessibility and  compatibility features of products to users. 

###  E110 Conventions 

**E110.1 Dimensions.**  Dimensions that are not stated  as “maximum” or “minimum” are absolute.

**E110.2 Figures.**  Unless specifically stated  otherwise, figures are provided for informational purposes only.

**E110.3 Units of Measurement.**  For usability  purposes, length is provided in both United States customary units (e.g.,  inches) as well as metric units (e.g., millimeters).

###  E111 Definitions 

**E111.1 General.**  For  the purpose of this document, the terms defined in 111.5 have the indicated  meaning. 

**E111.2 Terms Defined in Referenced Standards.**  Terms not defined in 111.5 but specifically defined  in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced  standard unless otherwise stated.

**E111.3 Undefined Terms.**  The meaning of terms not specifically defined in 111.5 or in referenced  standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the  context implies.

**E111.4 Interchangeability.**  Words, terms, and phrases used in the singular include the plural and  those used in the plural include the singular.

####  E111.5 Defined Terms. 

**Alternate Formats.**  Alternate  formats usable by people with disabilities may include, but are not limited to,  braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded audio and electronic formats that conform  to this part.

**Assistive Technology (AT).**  Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or system,  whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used  to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with  disabilities.  As used in this part, the term includes traditional assistive  technology hardware and software along with mainstream technology used for  assistive purposes, virtual assistive technology delivered as a web service and  integration of products into a system that provides assistive technology  functions that allow individuals with disabilities to access information and  communication technology.

**Authoring Tool.**  Any software intended to  create or modify electronic content for publication in one or more formats that  support compliance with the user interface and content provisions.  Simple text  editors that can only create or modify content in conforming formats by  directly editing the code are not considered authoring tools under this  definition. 

**CAPTCHA.**  “Completely  Automated Public Turing Test to tell Computers and Humans Apart."  A  Turing test is any system of tests designed to differentiate a human from a  computer.  CAPTCHA tests often involve asking the user to type in text that is  presented in an obscured image or audio file.

**Content.**  Information  or sensory experience to be communicated to the user by means of software,  including but not limited to: text, images, sounds, videos, controls, and  animations, as well as the encoding that defines the structure, presentation,  and interactions associated with those elements.  Examples include word  processing files, presentation files, spreadsheet files, text files, and  portable document files.

**Content Format.**  An encoding  mechanism for storing information, such as HTML, JPEG, SMIL, and PDF.

**Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).**  Equipment  employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate,  route, or terminate telecommunications or interconnected VOIP service.

**Decoration.**  Sensory experience to be communicated to the user  that does not convey relevant information, does not have a function, and is  included only for aesthetic purposes.

**Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT).  This is also referred to as Information and  Communication Technology (ICT**).  This  includes information technology and is any equipment or interconnected system,  or subsystem of equipment, which is used in the creation, conversion,  duplication, automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation,  management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission,  reception, or broadcast of data or information.

 ICT includes, but is not  limited to: electronic content, including email, electronic documents and Internet  and Intranet web sites; telecommunications products, including video  communication terminals; computers and ancillary equipment, including  external  hard drives; software, including operating systems and applications;  information kiosks and transaction machines; videos; IT services; and  multifunction office machines that copy, scan and fax documents.

**Free-standing.**  Standing  independently of attachment or support.

**Images of Text.**  Text  that has been rendered in a non-text form, such as an image, in order to  achieve a particular visual effect.  Images of text may appear on a screen or  in print or be embossed on hardware.  This does not include text that is part  of a picture that contains significant other visual content.  

**Information and Communication Technology (ICT).**  Also referred to as electronic and information  technology.

**Information Technology.**  Any equipment or  interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic  acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement,  control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or  information.  The term information technology includes computers, ancillary  equipment, including external hard drives, software, firmware and similar  procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

**Keyboard.**  A set of systematically arranged keys by which a machine or device is  operated and alphanumeric input is provided such as a computer keyboard, a  cell-phone keypad, or a television remote control that can generate  alphanumeric input.  Tactilely discernible keys that are used in conjunction  with the main cluster of keys are included in the definition of keyboard as  long as their function also maps to keys on any keyboard interfaces.

**Keyboard Interface.**   A means for accepting input from a keyboard.  For software, this would be the  ability to accept keyboard input from the operating system including on-screen  keyboards.  For hardware this would be the ability to connect a keyboard via  wired or wireless connection.

**Label.**  Text or  other component with a text alternative that is presented to a user to identify  a component within content.  In many cases the name and the label are the same.   A label is presented to all users, unlike a name, which may be hidden and only  exposed by assistive technology.

**Large Scale Text.**  Text that appears in  at least 18 point type, or 14 point type if bolded.

**Menu.**  Set of selectable options.

**Name.**  Text by which software can identify a component  within Web or other content to the user.  The name may be hidden and only  exposed by assistive technology, whereas a label is presented to all users.  In  many cases, the label and the name are the same.  This is unrelated to the name  attribute in HTML.

**Non-text Content.**  Any  content that is not a sequence of characters that can be programmatically  determined or where the sequence is not expressing something in human language.   Examples include ASCII art (which is a pattern of characters), emoticons, “leetspeak”  (which uses character substitution of numbers for letters), and images  representing text.

**Operable Part.**  A  component of ICT used to activate, deactivate, or adjust the ICT*.*

**Platform Accessibility Services.**  Services  provided by a platform enabling interoperability with assistive technology, such  as but not limited to accessibility Application Programming Interfaces (API) or  Document Object Model (DOM).

**Platform Software.**   Collection of software components that run on an underlying software or hardware  layer and that provide a set of software services to applications that allows  them to be isolated from the underlying software or hardware layer.

**Product.**  The term  “product”, as used in this document, is equivalent to ICT.

**Programmatically Determinable.**   Determined by software from author-supplied data provided in a way that  different user agents, including assistive technologies, can extract and  present the information to users in different modalities. 

**Real-time Text (RTT).**  Communications that employ the transmission of text where  the characters are transmitted by a terminal within a maximum of 1 second of  character input.  This would typically be for conversational purposes but also  may be used in voicemail, Interactive Voice Response and other similar  applications.

**Specialized Customer Premises Equipment.**  Equipment employed on the premises of a person  (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or terminate telecommunications or  VoIP services, which is commonly used by individuals with disabilities to  achieve access.

**Synchronized Media.**  Audio or video displayed at the same time as other time-based  content that is required for understanding of the complete presentation.  The  other content that the audio or video is synchronized with to meet this definition  does not include equivalents such as captions, subtitles, or video description.

**Telecommunications.**  The transmission, between or among points specified  by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form  or content of the information as sent and received. 

**Telecommunications Equipment.**  Equipment, other than  customer premises equipment, used by a carrier to provide telecommunications  services, and includes software integral to such equipment (including  upgrades). 

**Telecommunications Manufacturer.**  A manufacturer of telecommunications or VoIP  equipment or customer premises equipment that sells to the public or to vendors  that sell to the public; a final assembler.

**Telecommunications Service.**  The offering of  telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of  users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the  facilities used.

**Terminal.**  Device or software with which the end user directly  interacts and that provides the user interface.  For some systems, the software  that provides the user interface may reside on more than one device such as a  phone and a server.

**Text.**  A sequence of characters that can be  programmatically determined, where the sequence is expressing something in  human language.

**TTY.**  An abbreviation for teletypewriter.  Machinery or  equipment that enables interactive text based communications through the  transmission of frequency-shift-keying audio tones across the public switched  telephone network according to TIA-825-A (A Frequency Shift Keyed Modem for Use  on the Public Switched Telephone Network).  As used in this part, the term TTY  includes devices for text-to-text communications along with voice and text intermixed  communications such as voice carry over and hearing carry over.  TTYs may  include computers with special modems.  TTYs are a subset of devices called  text telephones.

**Typically Held to the Ear.**  A product that is positioned immediately adjacent to the ear, either by  hand or by a strap or holder of some kind.

**Undue Burden.**  Undue  burden means significant difficulty or expense.  

**Video Description.**   The insertion of verbal or auditory descriptions of on-screen visuals intended  to describe important visual details that are not contained in, or that cannot  be understood from, the main audio output alone.  Video descriptions supplement  the regular audio track of a program and are usually inserted between dialogue  narrations to provide information about actions, characters, and on-screen text  that appear without verbalization.  Video descriptions are a way to let people  who are blind or have low vision know what is happening on-screen.

**Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service.**  A service that enables real-time, two-way voice  communications, requires a broadband connection from the user’s location,  requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment, and permits  users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched  telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone  network.

###  E112 Referenced Standards or Guidelines 

**E112.1 General.**  The standards listed in E112.2 are  incorporated by reference in this document and are part of the requirements to  the prescribed extent of each such reference.  The Director of the Federal  Register has approved these standards for incorporation by reference in  accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.  Copies of the referenced  standards may be inspected at the Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000,  Washington, DC  20004; or at the National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA).  For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call  202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html

**E112.2 Referenced Standards or Guidelines.**  The  specific editions of the standards or guidelines listed below are referenced in  this document.  Where differences occur between this document and the  referenced standards or guidelines, this document applies.

**E112.2.1 ATSC.**  Copies of the referenced standard    may be obtained from the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), 1776 K    Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC  20006-2304 http://www.atsc.org/standards/a53.php
 A/52 Standard for Digital Audio Compression (AC-3) 1995; A/53      Digital Television Standard, Parts 1-6, 2007 (see 606.2.2.2); and A/65 Program      and System Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable 2006. 

**Advisory E112.2.1    ATSC.**  The ATSC/ A/52, A/53, and A/65 Digital Television Standards    describe the transmission system characteristics of the advanced television    (ATV) system.  The document and its normative parts provide detailed    specification of the parameters of the system including the video encoder input    scanning formats and the preprocessing and compression parameters of the video    encoder, the audio encoder input signal format and the pre-processing and    compression parameters of the audio encoder, the service multiplex and    transport layer characteristics and normative specifications, and the VSB    RF/Transmission subsystem.
**E112.2.2 ANSI/IEEE.**  Copies of the referenced standards    may be obtained from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers    (IEEE), 10662 Los Vaqueros Circle, P.O. Box 3014, Los    Alamitos, California 90720-1264 http://www.ieee.org
 ANSI/IEEE Std C63.19-2007 American National Standard for      Methods of Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communications Devices      and Hearing Aids (see 803.6).

**Advisory E112.2.2    ANSI/IEEE.**  ANSI C63.19-2007 American National Standard for Methods of    Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communications Devices and    Hearing Aids provides a uniform method of measurement for compatibility between    hearing aids and wireless communications devices.
**E112.2.3 ANSI/EIA.**  Copies of the referenced    standards may be obtained from Information Handling Services, 15 Inverness Way    East, Englewood, Colorado 80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 for analog telephones (see 803.2).
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991 for digital telephones (see 803.2).

**Advisory E112.2.3    ANSI/EIA.**  ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 specifies the baseline volume in    telecommunications products for analog telephones.  ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991    specifies the baseline volume in telecommunications products for digital    telephones.
**E112.2.4 ITU-T.**  (International Telecommunication    Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector).  Copies of the referenced    standards may be obtained from International Telecommunication Union    Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Place des Nations CH-1211, Geneva 20,    Switzerland http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/
 ITU-T G.722 (11/88):  7 kHz Audio-Coding within 64 kbits/s      (see 903.4 and 906.2).
 Recommendation ITU-R BT.470-7, Conventional Analog Television      Systems (1988) also known as National Television System Committee (NTSC)      Standard video output (see Advisories 905.3.2.3.1 and 905.3.2.3.3).
 ITU-T H.261 (3/93):  Video Codec for Audiovisual Services at      p x 64 kbits/s (see 905.3.2.1).

**Advisory E112.2.4 ITU-T.** G.722 is an ITU standard      coder-decoder program that provides 7 kHz wideband audio at data rates from 48,      56, and 64 kbits/s.  This standard offers a significant improvement in speech      quality over earlier standards.
 National Television System Committee standard video output      (NTSC) is the standard for the analog television system in the United States.       It has been replaced in the United States for full service television stations as      of June 12, 2009 with the ATSC A/52 Standard for Digital Audio Compression      (AC-3).  A/53 Digital Television Standard; and A/65Program and System      Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable.  The Advanced      Television Systems Committee (ATSC) developed the ATSC Standards for digital      television in the United States.
 H.261 is an ITU standard which describes Common Intermediate      Format (CIF), which standardizes pixel resolution in video signals and is      commonly used in video conferencing systems.  The resolution is 352×288 pixels.

**E112.2.5 MTS/BTSC.**     Copies of the referenced standard may be obtained from IHS (Information Handling    Services) 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado 80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 Broadcast Television Systems Committee (BTSC) Multichannel      Television Sound standard (1984) (see 606.2.2.1).

**Advisory E112.2.5 MTS/BTSC.**  Multichannel    television sound, better known as MTS (often still as BTSC, for the Broadcast    Television Systems Committee that created it), is the method of encoding three    additional channels of audio into an NTSC-format audio carrier.  It was adopted    by the FCC as the U.S. standard for stereo analog television transmission in    1984.
**E112.2.6 TIA 825-A and 1083.**  Copies of the referenced standard may be obtained from IHS (Information    Handling Services) 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado 80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 TIA 825-A (2003) A Frequency Shift Keyed Modem for Use on the      Public Switched Telephone Network (see 902.4.1).
 TIA 1083 (2007) Telephone Terminal Equipment Handset Magnetic      Measurement Procedures and Performance Requirements (see 803.6).

**Advisory E112.2.6 TIA.**  TIA 825-A is the standard    for TTY signals on the publicly switched telephone network interface.  TIA 1083    defines measurement procedures and performance requirements for the handset    generated audio band magnetic noise of wire line telephones.  This standard addresses    magnetic interference issues not covered by Part 68 of the Federal    Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. 
**E112.2.7 Web    Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.**     Copies of the referenced guidelines may be obtained from the Massachusetts    Institute of Technology, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-G515, Cambridge,    Massachusetts 02139 http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20
 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 2.0 (2008) (see 401.1,      501.1, and 601.1).

**Advisory E112.2.7 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines    (WCAG) 2.0.**  The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines offer a series of    recommendations to make web content more accessible to all users, including    persons with disabilities.

----

##  255 Chapter 1:  Application and  Administration 

- C101  Purpose 
- C102  General Requirement 
- C103  Application 
- C104  Information, Documentation, and Training 
- C105  Equivalent Facilitation 
- C106  WCAG 2.0 Harmonization 
- C107  Product Design, Development, and Evaluation 
- C108  Conventions 
- C109  Definitions 
- C110  Referenced Standards or Guidelines 

###  C101 Purpose 

 This part provides requirements for accessibility,  usability, and compatibility of telecommunications and interconnected Voice over  Internet Protocol (VoIP) products and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) covered  by the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (47 U.S.C. 255).

###  C102 General  Requirement 

**C102.1 General.**  Manufacturers of  telecommunications products shall apply the provisions of this part in order to  ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be  accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, if readily  achievable. 

**Advisory C102.1 General.**  Some cellular telephones  may fall outside of the thresholds or benchmark dates established by the FCC  for meeting hearing aid compatibility (HAC) requirements in Chapter 9  (Conversation Functionality and Controls), but they shall still meet other  applicable provisions from this document.

###  C103 Application 

**C103.1 General.**  This part applies to  telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE.

**Advisory C103.1 General.**  This part applies to basic and special    telecommunications services, including call waiting, speed dialing, call    forwarding, computer-provided directory assistance, caller identification, call    tracing, and repeat dialing.
 This part applies to interactive    voice response (IVR) systems and voice mail.
 This part applies to other    products that support two-way voice communication, such as intercoms and 2-way    radios.
 A range of products are    addressed beyond those typically thought of as telecommunications devices.  For    example, telecommunications systems, such as VoIP, may involve use of web    interfaces, thus evoking both electronic content design provisions and the    associated electronic content exceptions.
 Products such as instant    messaging that support real-time conversation in other modes are also covered,    and addressed, in Chapter 9 (Conversation Functionality and Controls).

**C103.2 Covered Entities.**  This part applies to  manufacturers of telecommunications products.

**C103.3 Covered Information and Communication Technology.**   New telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE manufactured or  sold on or after the effective date of this part, as well as telecommunications  and interconnected VoIP products and CPE that undergo substantial change or  upgrade, or for which new releases are distributed, shall be accessible to and  usable by individuals with disabilities, either directly or through  compatibility with devices attached to the telecommunications and  interconnected VoIP devices and specialized CPE commonly used by individuals  with disabilities.

**C103.3.1 Minor Changes Not Affecting Functionality.**     This document does not apply to minor or insubstantial changes to existing    telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE that do not affect    functionality.

**C103.4 Direct Accessibility.**  Telecommunications  and interconnected VoIP products and CPE shall conform directly to all  functional performance criteria and applicable technical design provisions in  this part when readily achievable.

**C103.4.1 Compatibility Design.**  When    telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE are unable to    conform to C103.4, accessibility shall be provided, when readily achievable, through    compatibility with peripheral devices and specialized CPE commonly used by    individuals with disabilities to achieve access.
**Advisory C103.4.1    Compatibility Design.**  In determining whether    an accessibility feature is readily achievable, weigh the nature and cost of    that feature with the overall financial resources of the telecommunication    service provider or manufacturer, including such factors as the type, size, and    nature of that company’s operation.

**C103.5 Prohibited Reduction of Accessibility.**  No  change shall be undertaken that decreases accessibility, usability, or  compatibility of telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE.

**Exception:**  Discontinuation of a product shall not be prohibited.

**C103.6 Identifying Applicable  Provisions.**  A manufacturer should first look to the provisions in  Chapters 3 through 9 to determine if there are specific technical provisions  that apply to the ICT need they are seeking to satisfy. 

**C103.6.1 Relation of Functional    Performance Criteria to Technical Provisions.**  If there are applicable    provisions in Chapters 3 through 9 that fully address the product being    designed, developed, or fabricated, then the manufacturer need not look to    Chapter 2 (Functional Performance Criteria).  Products that meet the    specific technical provisions in Chapters 3 through 9 will also meet the    functional performance criteria in Chapter 2. 
**C103.6.2 ICT Not Addressed by    Technical Provisions.**  If a manufacturer is not able to ensure that its    equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable    by individuals with disabilities by following the provisions of Chapters 3    through 9, then the manufacturer must look to Chapter 2 for applicable    functional performance criteria.
**E103.6.3 Evaluation of Failures    Against Technical Provision.**  If any of the technical provisions in    Chapters 3 through 9 are not met, the functional performance criteria in Chapter    2 must be used to evaluate if access is provided in another way through E105    Equivalent Facilitation.

###  C104 Information, Documentation, and Training 

**C104.1 General.**  Manufacturers  of telecommunications products shall apply the provisions of C104, and Chapter  10.

**C104.2 Access to Information, Documentation, and  Training.**  Telecommunications manufacturers shall ensure access to  information, documentation, and training they provide to their customers.

**Advisory C104.2 Access to Information, Documentation,  and Training.**  Covered entities must provide access to the following kinds  of information, documentation, and training: user guides, installation guides  for end-user installable devices, and product support communications, regarding  both the product in general and the accessibility features of the product.

**C104.3 Alternate Methods of  Communication.**  Help desk and support services shall provide alternate  methods of communication.

**Advisory C104.3 Alternate Methods of Communication.**     Telecommunications manufacturers are required to accommodate the communication    needs of users with disabilities.  These accommodations shall be available at    no additional charge to users with disabilities. 
 Help desk and technical support services include, but are    not limited to, help line assistance provided by product manufacturers and    vendors.
 Alternate methods of communication include both in-person    and remote communication.  Examples include, but are not limited to:  sign    language interpreters, assistive listening systems, TTYs, real-time captioning,    and telecommunications relay services, such as TTY, speech-to-speech, or video    relay services.  Alternate forms of written material may include braille, large    print, or electronic audio. 
 People with disabilities may use a variety of communication    technologies in addition to using alternate methods of communication.  Examples    of such communication technologies include:  Internet posting (such as message    boards and website blogs), cellular telephones, two-way radios, e-mail, fax,    postal mail, texting, and instant messaging.

**C104.3.1 No Additional Charge for Customer Support.**     Help desk and technical support services shall be provided to users with    disabilities at no additional charge to those users.
**C104.3.2 Alternate Formats.**  Help desk and technical    support services shall provide materials in alternate formats to users with    disabilities.
**Advisory C104.3.2    Alternate Formats.**  Alternate formats usable by people with disabilities    may include, but are not limited to: braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded    audio, and electronic formats that conform to this part.
**C104.3.2.1 No Additional Charge for Alternate Formats.**       Help desk and technical support services shall provide materials in alternate      formats to users with disabilities at no additional charge to those users.

###  C105 Equivalent Facilitation 

 Nothing in this part is intended to prevent the use of  designs or technologies as alternatives to those prescribed in this part,  provided they result in substantially equivalent or greater access to and use  of a product for people with disabilities.

###  C106 WCAG 2.0  Harmonization 

 Web pages as defined by WCAG 2.0, that are Level AA  conformant to WCAG 2.0, as defined in that standard, (that is, all Level A and  Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements 1 - 4) shall be deemed  to be in conformance with the following chapters of this part, so long as they  also meet the enumerated sections of this part: 

 Chapter 4, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements plus sections 409 and 413 of this part;  

 Chapter 5, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements; 

 Chapter 6, all corresponding WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria and  Conformance Requirements plus sections 604.4, 604.5, 607, and 608 of this part. 

**Advisory C106 WCAG 2.0 Harmonization.**  The WCAG    2.0 definition for web page can be found at http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#webpagedef
 The WCAG 2.0 definition for conformance can be found at:  http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#conformance

###  C107 Product  Design, Development, and Evaluation 

**C107.1 General.**  When designing, developing and fabricating  products, manufacturers of telecommunications products shall comply with the  provisions of C107.

**C107.2 Evaluation of Accessibility.**  Manufacturers  shall evaluate the accessibility, usability, and compatibility of  telecommunications and interconnected VoIP products and CPE.

**C107.2.1 Incorporation of Evaluation.**  Manufacturers    shall incorporate such evaluation throughout product design, development, and    fabrication, as early and consistently as possible.
**C107.2.2 Identification of Barriers.**  Manufacturers    shall identify barriers to accessibility and usability as part of such a    product design and development process.

**C107.3 Inclusion of People with Disabilities.**  In  developing an accessible product design and evaluation process, manufacturers  shall consider C107.3.1 through C107.3.3. 

**C107.3.1 Market Research.**  When market research is    undertaken, manufacturers shall include individuals with disabilities in target    populations of such research.
**C107.3.2 Product Design, Testing, Demonstration, Trials.**     When product design, testing, pilot demonstrations, and product trials are    conducted, manufacturers shall include individuals with disabilities in such    activities.
**Advisory    C107.3.2 Product Design, Testing, Demonstration, Trials.**  In determining    how and whom to enlist in assisting with design, training, demonstrating, or    participation in product trials, manufacturers may consider advertising in    advocacy organizations’ periodic communication, with membership or    demographically similar public or private groups, Federal Advisory Committees,    or other associated entities.
**C107.3.3 Work Cooperatively with Disability    Organizations.**  Telecommunication manufacturers shall work cooperatively    with appropriate disability-related organizations and make reasonable efforts    to validate any unproven accessibility solutions through testing with    appropriate disability-related organizations that have established expertise    with individuals with disabilities.

###  C108 Conventions 

**C108.1 Dimensions.**  Dimensions that are not stated  as “maximum” or “minimum” are absolute.

**C108.2 Figures.**  Unless specifically stated  otherwise, figures are provided for informational purposes only.

**C108.3 Units of Measurement.**  For usability  purposes, length is provided in both United States customary units (e.g.,  inches) as well as metric units (e.g., millimeters).

###  C109 Definitions 

**C109.1 General.**  For  the purpose of this document, the terms defined in 109.5 have the indicated  meaning. 

**C109.2 Terms Defined in Referenced Standards.**  Terms not defined in 109.5 but specifically defined  in a referenced standard, shall have the specified meaning from the referenced  standard unless otherwise stated.

**C109.3 Undefined Terms.**  The meaning of terms not specifically defined in 109.5 or in referenced  standards shall be as defined by collegiate dictionaries in the sense that the  context implies.

**C109.4 Interchangeability.**  Words, terms, and phrases used in the singular include the plural and  those used in the plural include the singular.

####  C109.5 Defined Terms. 

**Alternate Formats.**  Alternate  formats usable by people with disabilities may include, but are not limited to,  braille, ASCII text, large print, recorded audio, and electronic formats that conform  to this part.

**Assistive Technology (AT).**  Assistive technology is any item, piece of equipment, or system,  whether acquired commercially, modified, or customized, that is commonly used  to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of individuals with  disabilities.  As used in this part, the term includes traditional assistive  technology hardware and software along with mainstream technology used for  assistive purposes, virtual assistive technology delivered as a web service and  integration of products into a system that provides assistive technology  functions that allow individuals with disabilities to access information and  communication technology.

**Authoring Tool.**  Any software intended to create  or modify electronic content for publication in one or more formats that  support compliance with the user interface and content provisions.  Simple text  editors that can only create or modify content in conforming formats by  directly editing the code are not considered authoring tools under this  definition. 

**CAPTCHA.**  “Completely  Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart."  A  Turing test is any system of tests designed to differentiate a human from a  computer.  CAPTCHA tests often involve asking the user to type in text that is  presented in an obscured image or audio file.

**Content.**  Information  and sensory experience to be communicated to the user by means of software,  including but not limited to: text, images, sounds, videos, controls, and  animations, as well as the encoding that defines the structure, presentation,  and interactions associated with those elements.  Examples include word  processing files, presentation files, spreadsheet files, text files, and  portable document files.

**Content Format.**  An encoding  mechanism for storing information, such as HTML, JPEG, SMIL, and PDF.

**Customer Premises Equipment (CPE).**  Equipment  employed on the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate,  route, or terminate telecommunications or interconnected VOIP service.

**Decoration.**  Sensory experience to be communicated to the user  that does not convey relevant information, does not have a function, and is  included only for aesthetic purposes.

**Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT).  This is also referred to as Information and  Communication Technology (ICT**).  This  includes information technology and is any equipment or interconnected system,  or subsystem of equipment, which is used in the creation, conversion,  duplication, automatic acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation,  management, movement, control, display, switching, interchange, transmission,  reception, or broadcast of data or information.

 ICT includes, but is not  limited to: electronic content, including email, electronic documents and Internet  and Intranet web sites; telecommunications products, including video  communication terminals; computers and ancillary equipment, including  external  hard drives; software, including operating systems and applications;  information kiosks and transaction machines; videos; IT services; and  multifunction office machines that copy, scan and fax documents.

**Free-standing.**  Standing independently of attachment or support.

**Images of Text.**  Text that has been rendered in a non-text form, such as an image, in order to  achieve a particular visual effect.  Images of text may appear on a screen or  in print or be embossed on hardware.  This does not include text that is part  of a picture that contains significant other visual content. 

**Information and Communication Technology (ICT).**  Also referred to as electronic and information  technology.

**Information Technology.**  Any equipment or  interconnected system or subsystem of equipment, that is used in the automatic  acquisition, storage, analysis, evaluation, manipulation, management, movement,  control, display, switching, interchange, transmission, or reception of data or  information.  The term information technology includes computers, ancillary  equipment, including external hard drives, software, firmware and similar  procedures, services (including support services), and related resources.

**Keyboard.**  A set of  systematically arranged keys by which a machine or device is operated and  alphanumeric input is provided such as a computer keyboard, a cell-phone  keypad, or a television remote control that can generate alphanumeric input.  Tactilely  discernible keys that are used in conjunction with the main cluster of keys are  included in the definition of keyboard as long as their function also maps to  keys on any keyboard interfaces.

**Keyboard Interface.**   A means for accepting input from a keyboard.  For software, this would be the  ability to accept keyboard input from the operating system including on-screen  keyboards.  For hardware this would be the ability to connect a keyboard via  wired or wireless connection.

**Label.**  Text or  other component with a text alternative that is presented to a user to identify  a component within content.  In many cases the name and the label are the same.   A label is presented to all users, unlike a name, which may be hidden and only  exposed by assistive technology.

**Large Scale Text.**  Text that appears in  at least 18 point type, or 14 point type if bolded.

**Menu.**  Set of selectable options.

**Name.**  Text by which software can identify a  component within Web content to the user.  The name may be hidden and only  exposed by assistive technology, whereas a label is presented to all users.  In  many cases, the label and the name are the same.  This is unrelated to the name  attribute in HTML.

**Non-text Content.**  Any  content that is not a sequence of characters that can be programmatically  determined or where the sequence is not expressing something in human language.   Examples include ASCII art (which is a pattern of characters), emoticons, “leetspeak”  (which uses character substitution of numbers for letters), and images  representing text.

**Operable Part.**  A component of ICT used to activate, deactivate, or adjust the ICT*.*

**Peripheral Devices.**  Devices  employed in connection with telecommunications equipment or customer premises  equipment (CPE) to translate, enhance, or otherwise transform  telecommunications into a form accessible to individuals with disabilities. 

**Platform Accessibility Services.**  Services  provided by a platform enabling interoperability with assistive technology,  commonly in the form of accessibility APIs (application programming interfaces.)

**Platform Software.**   Collection of software components that runs on an underlying software or  hardware layer and that provides a set of software services to applications  that allows them to be isolated from the underlying software or hardware layer.

**Product.**  The term  “product”, as used in this document, is equivalent to ICT.

**Programmatically Determinable.**  Determined by software from author-supplied data  provided in a way that different user agents, including assistive technologies,  can extract and present the information to users in different modalities.

**Readily achievable.**  Easily  accomplishable and able to be carried out without much difficulty or expense.

**Real-time Text (RTT).**  Communications that employ the transmission of text  wherein the characters are transmitted by a terminal within a maximum of 1  second of character input.  This would typically be for conversational purposes  but also may be used in voicemail, Interactive Voice Response and other similar  applications.

**Specialized Customer Premises Equipment.**  Equipment employed on  the premises of a person (other than a carrier) to originate, route, or  terminate telecommunications or VoIP services, which is commonly used by  individuals with disabilities to achieve access.

**Synchronized Media.**  Audio or video displayed at the same time as other  time-based content that is required for understanding of the complete  presentation.  The other content that the audio or video is synchronized with  does not include equivalents such as captions, subtitles, or video description.

**Telecommunications.**  The transmission, between or among points specified  by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, without change in the form  or content of the information as sent and received. 

**Telecommunications Equipment.**  Equipment, other than customer premises equipment  (CPE), used by a carrier to provide telecommunications services, and includes  software integral to such equipment (including upgrades).

**Telecommunications Manufacturer.**  A manufacturer of telecommunications or VoIP equipment or customer  premises equipment (CPE) that sells to the public or to vendors that sell to  the public; a final assembler.

**Telecommunications Service.**  The offering of telecommunications for a fee  directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively  available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.

**Terminal.**  Device or software with which the end user directly interacts and that provides  the user interface.  For some systems, the software that provides the user  interface may reside on more than one device such as a phone and a server.

**Text.**  A sequence of  characters that can be programmatically determined, where the sequence is  expressing something in human language.

**TTY.**  An abbreviation for teletypewriter.  Machinery or equipment that enables  interactive text based communications through the transmission of  frequency-shift-keying audio tones across the public switched telephone network  according to TIA-825-A (A Frequency Shift Keyed Modem for Use on the Public  Switched Telephone Network).  As used in this part, the term TTY includes  devices for text-to-text communications along with voice and text intermixed  communications such as voice carry over and hearing carry over.  TTYs may  include computers with special modems.  TTYs are a subset of devices called  text telephones.

**Typically Held to the Ear.**  A product that is positioned immediately adjacent to  the ear, either by hand or by a strap or holder of some kind, in typical use.

**Video Description.**  The insertion of verbal or auditory description(s) of on-screen visuals  intended to describe important visual details that are not contained in, or  that cannot be understood from, the main audio output alone.  Video  descriptions supplement the regular audio track of a program and are usually  inserted between dialogue narrations to provide information about actions,  characters, and on-screen text that appear without verbalization.  Video  descriptions are a way to let people who are blind or have low vision know what  is happening on screen.

**Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Service.**  A service that enables real-time, two-way voice  communications, requires a broadband connection from the user’s location,  requires Internet protocol-compatible customer premises equipment (CPE), and  permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched  telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone  network.

###  C110 Referenced Standards or Guidelines 

**C110.1 General.**  The standards listed in C110.2 are  incorporated by reference in this document and are part of the requirements to  the prescribed extent of each such reference.  The Director of the Federal  Register has approved these standards for incorporation by reference in  accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.  Copies of the referenced  standards may be inspected at the Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000,  Washington, DC  20004 or at the National Archives and Records Administration  (NARA).  For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call  202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html

**C110.2 Referenced Standards or Guidelines.**  The  specific editions of the standards or guidelines listed below are referenced in  this document.  Where differences occur between this document and the  referenced standards or guidelines, this document applies.

**C110.2.1 ATSC.**  Copies of the referenced standard may    be obtained from the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), 1776 K    Street, NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC  20006-2304 http://www.atsc.org/standards/a53.php
 A/52 Standard for Digital Audio      Compression (AC-3) (1995); A/53 Digital Television Standard, Parts 1-6, 2007      (see 606.2.2.2); and A/65 Program and System Information Protocol for      Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable (2006). 

**Advisory C110.2.1    ATSC.**  The ATSC/ A/52, A/53, and A/65 Digital Television Standards    describe the transmission system characteristics of the advanced television    (ATV) system.  The document and its normative parts provide detailed    specifications of the parameters of the system including the video encoder    input scanning formats and the preprocessing and compression parameters of the    video encoder, the audio encoder input signal format and the pre-processing and    compression parameters of the audio encoder, the service multiplex and    transport layer characteristics and normative specifications, and the VSB    RF/Transmission subsystem.
**C110.2.2 ANSI/IEEE.**  Copies    of the referenced standards may be obtained from the Institute of Electrical    and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Publications Office, 10662 Los Vaqueros    Circle, P.O. Box 3014, Los Alamitos, California  90720-1264  http://www.ieee.org
 ANSI/IEEE STD C63.19-2007 American      National Standard for Methods of Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless      Communications Devices and Hearing Aids (see 803.6).

**Advisory C110.2.2    ANSI/IEEE.**  ANSI C63.19-2007 American National Standard for Methods of    Measurement of Compatibility between Wireless Communications Devices and    Hearing Aids provides a uniform method of measurement for compatibility between    hearing aids and wireless communications devices.
**C110.2.3 ANSI/EIA.**  Copies    of the referenced standards may be obtained from Information Handling Services,    15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado 80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 for analog      telephones (see 803.2).
 ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991 for digital      telephones (see 803.2).

**Advisory C110.2.3    ANSI/EIA.**  ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 specifies the baseline volume in    telecommunications products for analog telephones.  ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991    specifies the baseline volume in telecommunications products for digital    telephones.
**C110.2.4 ITU-T.**     International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization    Sector.  Copies of the referenced standards may be obtained from International    Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Bureau, Place des    Nations CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland http://www.itu.int/ITU-T/
 ITU-T G.722 (11/88):  7 kHz      audio-coding within 64 kbits/s (see 902).
 Recommendation ITU-R BT.470-7,      Conventional Analog Television Systems (1988) also known as National Television      System Committee (NTSC) standard video output (see Advisories 905.3.2.3.1      and 905.3.2.3.3).
 ITU-T H.261 (3/93):  Video Codec for      Audiovisual Services at p x 64 kbits/s (see 905.3.2.1).

**Advisory C110.2.4 ITU-T.**  G.722 is an ITU standard      coder-decoder program that provides 7 kHz wideband audio at data rates from 48,      56, and 64 kbits/s.  This standard offers a significant improvement in speech      quality over earlier standards.
 National Television System Committee standard video output      (NTSC) is the standard for the analog television system in the United States.       It has been replaced in the United States for full service television stations as      of June 12, 2009 with the ATSC A/52 Standard for Digital Audio Compression      (AC-3).  A/53 Digital Television Standard; and A/65Program and System      Information Protocol for Terrestrial Broadcast and Cable.  The Advanced      Television Systems Committee (ATSC) developed the ATSC Standards for digital      television in the United States.
 H.261 is an ITU standard which describes Common      Intermediate Format (CIF), which standardizes pixel resolution in video signals      and is commonly used in video conferencing systems.  The resolution is 352×288 pixels.

**C110.2.5 MTS/BTSC.**  Copies    of the referenced standard may be obtained from IHS (Information Handling    Services) 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO  80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 Broadcast Television Systems      Committee (BTSC) Multichannel Television Sound standard (1984) (see 606.2.2.1).

**Advisory C110.2.5    MTS/BTSC.**  Multichannel television sound, better known as MTS (often still    as BTSC, for the Broadcast Television Systems Committee that created it), is    the method of encoding three additional channels of audio into an NTSC-format    audio carrier.  It was adopted by the FCC as the U.S. standard for stereo analog    television transmission in 1984.
**C110.2.6 TIA/TIA.**  Copies    of the referenced standard may be obtained from IHS (Information Handling    Services) 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, Colorado  80155-6800 http://global.ihs.com
 TIA TIA-825-A (2003) A Frequency      Shift Keyed Modem for Use on the Public Switched Telephone Network (see 902.4.1).
 TIA 1083 (2007) Telephone Terminal      Equipment Handset Magnetic Measurement Procedures and Performance Requirements      (see 803.6).

**Advisory C110.2.6    TIA/TIA.**  TIA 825-A is the standard for TTY signals on the publicly    switched telephone network interface.  TIA 1083 Telephone Terminal Equipment    Handset Magnetic Measurement Procedures and Performance Requirements.  This    standard defines measurement procedures and performance requirements for the    handset generated audio band magnetic noise of wire line telephones.  This    standard addresses magnetic interference issues not covered by Part 68 of the Federal    Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.
**C110.2.7 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.**  Copies of the referenced guidelines may be obtained from    MIT, 32 Vassar Street, Room 32-G515, Cambridge, Massachusetts  02139http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20
 Web Content Accessibility Guidelines      2.0 (2008) (see 401.1, 501.1, and 601.1).

**Advisory C110.2.7    Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.**  The Web Content    Accessibility Guidelines offer a series of recommendations to make web content    more accessible to all users, including persons with disabilities.

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##  Chapter 2:  Functional Performance  Criteria 

- 201  General 
- 202  Functional Performance Criteria 

###  201 General 

**201.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply to ICT covered under E103.3 and C103.3. 

###  202 Functional Performance Criteria 

**202.1 General.**  ICT shall provide access to all  functionality, either directly or by supporting the use of assistive  technology, and shall conform to E202 where applicable.

**202.2 Without Vision.**  At least one mode  of operation using non-visual access shall be provided.

**202.3 With Limited Vision.**  When a visual mode of operation is provided, at least one visual mode of  operation that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/200 or a field of vision greater than 20 degrees shall be  provided.

**Advisory 202.3 With Limited Vision.**  The term    "blindness" means central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the    better eye with the use of a correcting lens.  An eye which is accompanied by a    limitation in the fields of vision such that the widest diameter of the visual    field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees is considered as having a    central visual acuity of 20/200 or less.  
 Visual acuity of 20/200 is comparable to adjusting the    optical viewing distance to 10 times the viewing distance for unimpaired    vision.  In North America, legal blindness is defined as visual acuity of    20/200.  Many people with even this degree of low vision prefer a visual mode    of operation. 

**202.4 Without Perception of Color.**  At least one  mode of operation that does not require user perception of color shall be  provided.

**202.5 Without Hearing.**  At least one mode of  operation that does not require user hearing shall be provided.

**202.6 With Limited Hearing.**  When an auditory mode  of operation is provided, at least one mode of operation which improves  clarity, reduces background noise, or allows user control of volume shall be  provided.

**Advisory 202.6 With Limited Hearing.**  This  provision requires ICT that offers an auditory mode of operation to provide at  least one mode of operation in an enhanced auditory fashion by reducing background  noise, improving clarity, and providing user control of amplification.

**202.7 Without Speech.**  At least one mode of  operation that does not require user speech shall be provided.

**202.8 With Limited Manipulation.**  At least one mode  of operation shall be provided that does not require the user to have fine  motor control or to operate more than one control at the same time. 

**202.9 With Limited Reach and Strength.**  At least  one mode of operation that is operable with limited reach and limited strength  shall be provided.

**202.10 Without Physical Contact.**  At least one mode of operation that does not require physical  contact shall be provided.

**Exceptions:  1.** This provision only  applies after the initial connection, configuration, and setup of any customized  interface device.

**2.**  This provision does not apply to providing  power to ICT.

**3.**  This provision does not apply to  changing consumables or providing physical maintenance.

**Advisory 202.10 Without Physical Contact.**  The use    of a standard interface or protocol that allows users to control a product    using software or hardware via a wired or wireless network connection conforms    to this provision.
 Examples of wired connections include Ethernet, USB, and    IEEE 1394.  Examples of wireless, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and wireless USB adaptors.     The use of an infra-red (“IR”) remote control provided with consumer    electronics products also conforms to this provision.
**Advisory 202.10 Without Physical Contact Exception 1.**     An initial connection includes any physical connections to attach the user’s customized    interface device.  An example of physical connection is connecting an    augmentative communication device to a kiosk via a USB cable.
 A customized interface device may not be part of the    default configuration.  A customized interface device could be assistive    technology or it could be information technology.  Examples of customized    interface devices are voice recognition software or an IR port.
**Advisory 202.10 Without Physical Contact Exception 2.**     The accessibility features of many products require that all the hardware be    “powered up” and in standby mode.  Providing power may require physically    switching a circuit breaker.
**Advisory 202.10 Without Physical Contact Exception 3.**     An example of changing consumables is replacing batteries.  Pneumatic switches    are an example of adaptive technology which requires routine physical    maintenance.

**202.11 Minimize Photosensitive Seizure Triggers.**  ICT  shall provide at least one mode of operation that minimizes the potential for  triggering photosensitive seizures. 

**Advisory 202.11 Minimize Photosensitive Seizure Triggers.**     ICT that emits light in flashes at any time may visually induce seizures for    people who have photosensitive seizure disorders.
 For further clarification of this requirement, consult WCAG    2.0 Success Criteria 2.3.1 Three Flashes or Below Threshold and Success    Criteria 2.3.3 Three Flashes.
 See also the WCAG 2.0 definitions for “general flash and    red flash thresholds”.  These are found at:  http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#general-thresholddef. 

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##  Chapter 3:  Common Functionality 

- 301  General 
- 302  Closed Functionality 
- 303  Biometrics 
- 304  Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility 
- 305  Color 
- 306  Flashing 
- 307  Operable Parts 

###  301 General 

**301.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply where required by Chapter 1 or where referenced by a requirement in this  document.

###  302 Closed Functionality 

**302.1 General.**  ICT that has closed functionality  shall conform to 302. 

**Advisory 302.1 General.**  ICT has closed    functionality for many reasons.  These reasons include design or policy.  ICT    may have closed functionality in practice even though the manufacturer did not    design or develop ICT to be closed.  Computers which are “locked down” to the    extent that end users cannot adjust settings are functionally closed.
 Information kiosks and most hand held calculators have    closed functionality because their functionality is self-contained.  By design,    no provision is made to add peripherals to them.  Examples of peripherals    include alternative input and output devices.
 An example of ICT that has closed functionality is an    electronic “book” that is “locked” by the publisher.  The “lock” prevents the    content from being converted into alternate formats.
 As a result of using Digital Rights Management (DRM)    technology, publishers sometimes prevent visual content from being played in    audio form (or audio content from being displayed in visual form).  A best    practice is for publishers not to implement DRM technology which creates    barriers to accessibility.  An alternative best practice for publishers is to    provide an alternate format which is compatible with assistive technology.
 Electronic content, including “e-books”, holds great    promise for people who have limited cognitive ability, limited or no vision, or    limited manipulation.  Electronic copy is much more flexible and adaptable than    hard copy paper, and includes the ability to be read in alternate formats such    as large print or braille.

**302.2 Without Attachment of Assistive Technology.**   ICT that has closed functionality shall be usable by people with disabilities  without requiring assistive technology other than personal headsets for private  listening, to be attached. 

###  303 Biometrics 

**303.1 General.**  When biometric forms of user  identification or control are provided, ICT shall conform to 303.

**Exception:**  When the biometric form  of user identification or control employs biological characteristics possessed  by all people, conformance to 303 shall not be required.

**Advisory 303.1 Biometrics General Exception.**   Examples of biological characteristics that all people possess are DNA and  circulatory systems.

**303.2 Alternate Identification or Control.**  ICT shall  provide an alternate form of user identification or control that conforms to  either 303.2.1 or 303.2.2.

**Advisory 303.2 Alternate Identification or Control.**     Biometrics use biological characteristics for user identification or control.     Examples of biometrics used for identification or control include but are not    limited to:  fingerprints, retinal scans, iris patterns, voice prints, facial    recognition, and hand veins.  However, people with disabilities might not    possess all biological characteristics.
 Biometrics that are restricted to a single biological    characteristic pose a significant barrier to people with disabilities who do    not possess that specific biological characteristic.
 This provision requires ICT that uses biometrics either to provide    for two (or more) dissimilar biological characteristics, or to offer an    alternate mode for user identification or control.

**303.2.1 Alternate Biometric.**  An alternate biometric    that uses a biological characteristic dissimilar to the biological characteristic    of the default biometric shall be provided.
**Advisory 303.2.1      Alternate Biometric.**  Examples of biometrics that rely upon dissimilar      biological characteristics are voice recognition and face recognition.  Biometric      methods based on dissimilar biological characteristics increase the likelihood      that people with disabilities possess at least one of the specified biological      characteristics.  Examples of dissimilar biological characteristics are:  fingerprints,      eye retinal patterns, voice, and face.
 Examples of      biometrics that rely upon similar biological characteristics are finger      printing and thumb scans. 

**303.2.2 Non-Biometric Alternative.**  A non-biometric    alternative that does not require the user to possess any specific biological    characteristics shall be provided.
**Advisory 303.2.2    Non-Biometric Alternative.**  An example of a non-biometric form of user identification    or control is entering a pass code.

###  304 Preservation of Information Provided for Accessibility 

**304.1 General.**  ICT that transmits or converts information  or communication shall conform to 304.

**304.2 Encoding, Compression, or Transformation.**   ICT that transmits or converts information or communication, shall not remove  non-proprietary information provided for accessibility or shall restore it upon  delivery.

**Advisory 304.2 Encoding, Compression, or    Transformation.**  This provision applies to ICT using industry-standard    codes, translation protocols, or formats.  It applies to conversion techniques,    such as encoding, signal compression, and format transformation.
 Examples of ICT that encode, compress, or transform    include firewalls, routers, and gateways.
 An example of ICT preserving information provided for    accessibility is a media player that displays embedded captions from a    captioned video and does not strip out the captioning.
 Another example of preserving information provided for    accessibility is converting a document into a new format while retaining    information about the identity, operation, and state of the interface elements.
 This provision does not require the addition or    translation of information.  For example, this is not a requirement to change    voice mail to text or to vocalize captions. 

###  305 Color 

**305.1 Not Only Color.**  ICT shall not use color as  the only visual means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting  a response, or distinguishing a visual element.

**Advisory 305.1 Not Only Color.**  This requirement    allows color to be used.  An example is an electronic form with required and    optional fields.  Instructions at the beginning of the form explain that    required fields are both labeled with an asterisk and appear in red text.  In    this example, the asterisk is the non-color dependent visual means of conveying    information.
 This provision only addresses the ability to distinguish color.     Other forms of perception are addressed by **503.2 Information, Structure, and Relationships** which includes programmatically determinable access to information conveyed by visual    presentation.

###  306 Flashing 

**306.1 Flash Threshold.**  When ICT emits lights in  flashes, there shall be no more than three flashes in any one second period.

**Exception:**  Flashes that do not  violate the general flash or red flash thresholds are not required to conform  to 306.  

**Advisory 306.1 Flash Threshold.**  For further    clarification of this requirement, consult WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria 2.3.1 “Three    Flashes or Below Threshold”.
 See also the WCAG 2.0 definition for “general flash and red    flash thresholds” found at: http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#general-thresholddef.

###  307  Operable Parts 

**307.1 General.**  ICT with operable parts shall conform  to 307.

**307.2 Clear Floor Space.**  A clear floor or ground  space conforming to 36 CFR Part 1191 Appendix D, Section 305 shall be provided  for ICT with operable parts.

**307.3 Height.**  ICT with operable parts shall be  placed so that the operable parts are within one or more of the reach ranges conforming  to 36 CFR Part 1191 Appendix D, Section 308.

**Advisory 307.3 Height.**  This provision applies to  reach ranges applicable to both forward and side approaches.  Diagrams appear  in ABAAG/ADAAG (36 CFR Part 1191).

**307.4 Operation.**  ICT with operable parts shall be  operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, or  twisting of the wrist. 

**307.4.1 Activating Force.**  The  force required to activate operable parts shall be 5 pounds (22.2 N) maximum.

**307.5 Touch-Operated Controls.**  ICT with controls  that are designed to be operated by touch using the fingers, including but not  limited to keys, buttons, switches, and touch pads, shall conform to 307.5.1  through 307.5.3.

**307.5.1 Tactilely Discernible.**     Controls shall be tactilely discernible without activating the controls.
**307.5.2 Locking or Toggle    Controls.**  When ICT has locking or toggle controls, the status of all locking    or toggle controls shall be visually discernible and discernible through touch    or sound.  
**Advisory 307.5.2      Locking or Toggle Controls.**  Locking or toggle controls are those controls      that can only have two or three values and that keep their value while being      used.
 An example of      locking or toggle controls is the “Caps Lock” key found on most keyboards.       Another example is the volume button on a pay telephone which is set at normal,      loud, or extra loud volume.  An example of making a control discernible is when      a sound is emitted when a user runs a mouse over a control.  

**307.5.3 Key Repeat. **When    key repeat is supported by a keyboard interface, the delay before key repeat    shall be adjustable to at least two seconds.
**307.5.3.1 Adjustability.**  Key      repeat shall be adjustable to two seconds per character.
**Advisory 307.5.3      Key Repeat.**  Key repeat is the keyboard feature in which a typed character      is repeated by holding down a single key.  Key repeat can pose a problem for      accessibility.  If the repeating starts too soon, or if the repeat happens too      quickly, slow typists can end up with lots of extra characters which are      cumbersome to remove.  Use of the backspace delete key also relies upon delay      before repeat and repeat rate being controllable.

**307.6 Non-Mechanical Controls.**  ICT that utilize non-mechanical  controls shall provide an alternate mode of operation by touch, voice control  or gesture input that conforms to 307.6.1 or 307.6.2, as applicable.

**Advisory 307.6 Non-Mechanical Controls.**  Examples    of alternate modes of operation include touch screens, keyboards, virtual keyboards,    and buttons.
 Examples of non-mechanical controls that are touch operated    include touch screens, touch pads, gesture input devices, and membrane    keyboards.
 Examples of non-mechanical controls that can be operated    without physical contact are user interfaces that operate by voice or    in-the-air gestures.

**307.6.1 Touch Operation.**  ICT with controls that are    operated by touch shall conform to 307.6.1.1 or 307.6.1.2.
**307.6.1.1 Alternate Controls.**  Touch-operated      controls that conform to 307.5 shall be provided.
**307.6.1.2 Without User Vision.**  A mode of operation      for the controls that does not require user vision for interaction shall be      provided.

**307.6.2 Operation Without Physical Contact.**  When    ICT is designed for use without physical contact, a mode of operation without    touch shall be provided that does not require user vision for interaction. 

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##  Chapter 4:  Platforms, Applications, and Interactive Content 

- 401  General 
- 402  Non-Text Content 
- 403  Distinguishable Content 
- 404  Keyboard Operation 
- 405  Time Limits 
- 406  Navigation 
- 407  Predictability 
- 408  Input Assistance 
- 409  User Preferences 
- 410  Interoperability with Assistive Technology 
- 411  Compatible Technologies 
- 412  Assistive Technology Function 
- 413  Authorizing Tools 

###  401 General 

**401.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall apply to  platforms, applications, and interactive content and where required by Chapter 1  or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

**Exception:**   Platforms, applications, and interactive content complying with the WCAG 2.0  Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements and, where applicable, 409  and 413 of this chapter shall not be required to comply with other requirements  of this chapter.  

**Advisory 401.1    Scope.**  Examples of platforms include, but are not limited to,    desktop, mobile, or embedded operating systems, web browsers, plug-ins to web    browsers which render a particular media or format, or a set of components    which allow other applications to execute.
 Examples of applications include, but are not limited to,    web-based and traditional applications, such as an email client, word    processor, help desk system, content management system, e-learning course, or    terminal emulator.
 When applications provide accessibility services that other    applications use, they are also considered to be platforms.  Accessibility    services are an application programming interface (API) or other mechanism for    software to interact with assistive technology.
 Electronic content can also function as a platform.  Some    formats provide for the inclusion of interactive user interface elements and a    set of accessibility services.
 Examples of electronic content formats that are a platform include,    but are not limited to, interactive forms, spreadsheets, web-based content    which includes user inputs, and other content which includes user input    functionality.
 Interactive elements written only using HTML according to    specification are known to meet the provisions of this part.
 When scripting is used to produce web-based interactive    user interface elements all requirements from this chapter and from Chapter 5    (Electronic Documents) apply.
 Additional requirements for non-interactive electronic content    are identified in Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents).  Those requirements are    applicable to applications or interactive electronic content which includes    non-interactive content.

###  402 Non-Text Content

**402.1 Non-Text Content.**  When  applications contain non-text content, the non-text content shall conform to 502.

**402.2 Audio and Video Content.**   When an application contains audio and video content, the audio and video  content shall conform to Chapter 6  (Synchronized Media Content and Players).

**402.3 Alternate CAPTCHA.**  When a CAPTCHA is  provided, an alternative form of CAPTCHA using an output mode for a different  type of sensory perception shall be provided.

###  403 Distinguishable Content

**403.1 General.**  ICT that contains audio  or text content shall conform to 403.

**Advisory 403.1 General.**  Many individuals    with visual and hearing disabilities have difficulty separating foreground and    background information.  A best practice to make it easier for users to see and    hear content is to separate foreground from background.
 For visual presentations, this involves making sure that    information presented on top of a background contrasts sufficiently with the    background.  For audio presentations, this involves making sure that foreground    sounds are sufficiently louder than the background sounds.

**403.2 Audio Control.**  ICT containing audio that  plays automatically for more than three seconds shall conform to either 403.2.1  or 403.2.2.

**Advisory 403.2 Audio Control.** A best practice is  for ICT to conform to both 403.2.1 and 403.2.2.

**403.2.1 Pause or Stop Audio.**  A mode    of operation shall be available to pause or stop audio.
**403.2.2 Independent Volume Control.**  A mode of    operation shall be available to control audio volume independently from the    overall platform volume.
**Advisory    403.2.2 Independent Volume Control.**  Individuals who use screen reading    software can find it hard to hear the speech output if there is other audio    playing at the same time.  This difficulty is made worse when the screen reader’s    speech output is software based and is controlled by the same volume control as    the sound.  Therefore, it is important that the user be able to turn off the    background sound.  Having control of the volume includes being able to reduce    its volume to zero (also called “mute”).

**403.3 Resizable Text.**  ICT shall support the  ability to resize text content up to 200 percent without loss of content or functionality  and without relying upon assistive technology.

**Exception:**  Images of text, including  text used for captioning, are not required to support the ability to be  resized.

**Advisory 403.3 Resizable Text.**  A best practice is  to use text rather than images of text wherever text can be used to achieve the  desired visual presentation.

###  404 Keyboard Operation

**404.1 General.**   ICT that accepts user input shall conform to 404.

**404.2 Keyboard Interface.**  All functionality  of the ICT shall be operable through a keyboard interface without requiring  specific timings for individual keystrokes.

**Exceptions:  1.**  When the underlying function requires input that depends on the path of a  user’s movement and not just the endpoints of the movement, a keyboard  interface shall not be required.

**2.**  When the underlying function  requires voice input, and voice operation that does not require user vision is  provided, a keyboard interface shall not be required.

**Advisory    404.2 Keyboard Interface.**  This provision refers to the underlying function    of the input method.  This provision does not prohibit and should not    discourage providing for mouse input or other input methods in addition to    providing for keyboard operation.
 An    example of ICT that requires a keyboard interface is a product which by default    provides for handwriting as a means to enter text.  The default input technique    (handwriting) requires path-dependent input, but the underlying function (text    entry) does not.  Therefore, Exception 1 is not applicable.
 The    phrase “without requiring specific timings” is included so that end users can    enter keystrokes through a keyboard interface at their preferred pace.
 Examples    of “specific timings for individual keystrokes” include situations where a user    would be required to repeat or execute multiple keystrokes within a short    period of time or where a key must be held down for an extended period before    the keystroke is registered.
 The    use of “MouseKeys” would not satisfy this provision because “MouseKeys” is not    a keyboard equivalent to the application; it is a mouse equivalent (that is, it    looks like a mouse to the application).
**Advisory    404.2 Keyboard Interface Exception 1.**  The phrase “underlying function    requires input that depends on the path of the user’s movement, and not just    the endpoints” is included as an exception to distinguish operations that    cannot reasonably be controlled from a keyboard.
 This    exception refers to the underlying function, not to the default input    technique.
 An    example of an underlying function that uses path dependent input is a    watercolor painting program.  The brush strokes (the user’s input in this    example) vary depending on the speed and duration of the movements, therefore a    keyboard interface is not required. 
 Another    example where the exception might appear to apply but does not apply, involves    the use of drag and drop functionality.  Although performing a drag and drop    function with a mouse would require path-dependent movement and would thus seem    not to require keyboard access, here again, the underlying function, moving    items from one location to another or selecting an item from one list while    another item is highlighted in another list of items would in fact require    keyboard access, since the moving or selecting of data can be accomplished    through non-path-dependent keyboard mechanisms such as select boxes and other    similar controls.
**Advisory    404.2 Keyboard Interface Exception 2.**  An example of a product that does    not require a keyboard interface is a voice operated speaker telephone that    does not have a screen and that provides for all dialing and on/off hook    functions to be executed through voice commands.

**404.3 No Trapping of the Keyboard Focus Cursor.**   When the keyboard focus can be moved to a component of ICT using a keyboard  interface, a mode of operation shall be provided to move the keyboard focus  away from that component using only a keyboard interface.

**Advisory 404.3 No Trapping of the Keyboard Focus Cursor.**  This requirement ensures mobility of  the keyboard focus.  The intent of this provision is to ensure that a product  does not “trap” the keyboard focus cursor within a subsection of content.  This  is a common problem that can occur when multiple formats are combined within  content or embedded applications.

**404.3.1 Exit Method.**     The ICT shall provide an exit method that conforms to either 404.3.1.1 or    404.3.1.2 for moving the keyboard focus away from a component.
**404.3.1.1 Standard Exit Method.**  ICT shall use      the standard exit method or standard navigation keys for the platform.
**Advisory 404.3.1.1 Standard Exit Method. **The      unmodified arrow or tab keys are the standard navigation keys for software used      on personal computers.
**404.3.1.2 Non-standard Exit Method.**  The ICT shall provide      instruction of the non-standard exit method to the user.
**Advisory 404.3.1.2 Non-standard Exit Method.**  There      may be times when it is appropriate to temporarily restrict the keyboard focus      cursor to a subsection of the content, as long as the user is provided      instruction on how to leave that state and “untrap” the focus.

**404.4 Presentation of Keyboard  Shortcuts.**  ICT shall provide at least one mode of operation where all  keyboard shortcuts associated directly with user interface controls are  presented to the user.

**Advisory 404.4 Presentation    of Keyboard Shortcuts.**  Keyboard shortcuts include keystroke commands such    as those used to activate a menu item or button, for example, the “S” of a    “Save File” menu item.
 An example of one mode of operation is a help screen that    lists keyboard commands.
 A best practice is for the keyboard shortcuts to be    available directly as part of the live user interface.
 This provision does not require adding keyboard shortcuts    beyond those usually associated with a platform.
 There are many common conventions that do not require a    visual indication of keyboard shortcuts because they are not associated with    specific visual elements of the user interface.  Examples include the command    to switch windows (such as Alt-Tab) and the command to advance the caret in    text (such as Ctrl-Arrow).
 User-configurable keyboard shortcuts are not considered to    be directly tied to interface elements and thus are not required to be    displayed.  However, a best practice is to display user-configurable keyboard    shortcuts.

**404.5 Visible Keyboard Focus Indicator.**  A mode of  operation shall be provided so the keyboard focus indicator is visible.

**Advisory 404.5 Visible Keyboard Focus Indicator.**  An    example of a visible keyboard focus indicator is an I-beam cursor.
 The focus indicator may be provided by the interface itself    or by the interface in combination with accessibility services provided by the    platform.
 For a text area, the presence of the default text insertion    point indicator (for example, an I-beam cursor) is sufficient for most    platforms to conform to this provision.
 When a user relies on the keyboard to interact with    content, this provision requires a visible cursor so that the user can visually    determine the component with which keyboard operations will interact at any    point in time.
 People with low vision (but who are not using assistive    technology), attention limitations, short term memory limitations, or    limitations in executive processes benefit by being able to determine where the    focus is visually located.

**404.6 Focus, Text Cursor, and Attributes.**   Programmatically determinable object information shall include information  necessary to track and modify: focus, text insertion point, and selection  attributes of user interface components.

###  405 Time Limits

**405.1 General.**   ICT that contains time based content shall conform to 405.

**405.2 Control Over Time Limits.**  ICT shall provide a mode of  operation that conforms to one of 405.2.1 through 405.2.3.

**Exceptions:  1.**  When the time limit  is essential and user modification of the time limit would invalidate the  activity, no user control over the default time limit is required.

**2.**  When the time limit is a required  part of a real-time event and no alternative to the time limit is possible, no  user control over the default time limit is required.

**3.**  When the time limit is at least  eight hours, no user control over the default time limit is required.

**Advisory 405.2 Control Over    Time Limits Exception 1.**  A server time out, even for security reasons, is    not a situation when user modification of the time limit would invalidate the    activity.  Therefore, a server time out is not an appropriate use of Exception    1.
**Advisory 405.2 Control Over Time Limits Exception 2.**     An example is an on-line ticket-purchasing site which gives the user two    minutes to confirm a purchase before the seats are returned to the general    pool.  Because tickets on such sites can sell out quickly, this is a case in    which the time limit is a required part of a real-time event.  A best practice    is for the site to move as much of the process out of the time-limited period    as possible, allowing users to provide necessary information like name, payment    method, etc., before entering the time-limited period.
**Advisory 405.2 Control Over Time Limits Exception 3.**     A best practice is to provide the option to turn off, adjust, or extend the    time limit even when the time limit is at least eight hours.

**405.2.1 Turn Off.**  Before encountering a time limit, a mode of    operation shall be provided for the user to turn off the time limit.
**405.2.2 Adjust.**  Before    encountering a time limit, a mode of operation shall be provided for the user    to adjust the time limit to at least ten times the length of the default time    limit.
**405.2.3 Extend.**     A mode of operation shall be provided for the user to extend a time limit with    a simple action that conforms to 405.2.3.1 and 405.2.3.2.
**Advisory 405.2.3 Extend.**  An example of a simple action to extend the    time limit is a prompt to “press the space bar for more time.”
**405.2.3.1 Expiration Warning.**  The user shall be warned at least      twenty seconds before a time limit expires.
**405.2.3.2 Multiple Extensions.**  The user shall be able to extend a time      limit at least ten times.

**405.3 Control  Over Moving, Blinking, or Scrolling Information, and Automatic Updates.**   Moving, blinking, or scrolling information, and automatically updating  information shall conform to 405.3.1 or 405.3.2 as applicable.

**Exceptions:  1.** Moving, blinking, or scrolling  information, and automatically updating information that is an essential part  of an activity shall not be required to conform to 406.4.

**2.**  Moving, blinking, or scrolling information,  and automatically updating information that does not start automatically shall  not be required to conform to 405.3.

**3.**  Moving, blinking, or scrolling information,  and automatically updating information that is not presented at the same time  and in the same location as other content shall not be required to conform to 405.3.

**Advisory 405.3 Control Over Moving, Blinking,    or Scrolling Information, and Automatic Updates.**  Content that is    streamed, or otherwise automatically updated periodically, might not be    preserved when paused.  Preservation might not be technically possible, and in    many situations might be misleading.
 Examples of moving, blinking, scrolling, or automatically updating    information include:
-  A Web site helps users understand “how things work” through      animations that demonstrate processes.  Animations have “pause” and “restart”      buttons. 
-  An advertisement blinks to get viewers attention but stops after      five seconds. 
-  A form blinks an arrow near the submit button if a user finishes      filling out the form but does not activate the submit button.  The blinking      stops after five seconds. 
-  An animation runs in the upper portion of the page but has a      “freeze animation” button near the bottom of the animation. 
**Advisory 405.3 Control Over Moving, Blinking,    or Scrolling Information, and Automatic Updates Exception 1.**  An example    of essential moving content is animation that occurs as part of a preloading    phase, when interaction cannot occur during that phase for all users.  In this    situation, not indicating progress would likely confuse users or cause them to    think that content was frozen or broken.
**Advisory 405.3 Control Over Moving, Blinking, or    Scrolling Information, and Automatic Updates Exception 2.**     Automatically updating information does not start automatically when users have    to activate a control to start the update and are advised of the behavior    before the automatic update starts.
**Advisory 405.3 Control Over Moving, Blinking,    or Scrolling Information, and Automatic Updates Exception 3.**  An    example is animation that is shown on a web page which requires a certain    percentage of a large video file to be downloaded before video play can begin.     The animation is the only content on the web page.  The user has to wait while    the video loads.  Because the moving content is not presented at the same time    and in the same location as other content, no mode of operation to pause, stop,    or hide the animation is required, even though the animation may run for more    than five seconds for users with slower connections.
 Another example is a web site that requires all users to view    a fifteen second advertisement before they can access free content available    from the site.  Because the advertisement is not presented in parallel with    other content, a mode of operation to pause, stop, or hide the advertisement is    not required.

**405.3.1 Pause, Stop, or Hide.**  When moving,    blinking, or scrolling information lasts for more than five seconds, a mode of    operation shall be provided for the user to pause, stop, or hide the moving,    blinking, or scrolling information.
**405.3.2 Pause, Stop, Hide, or Control Frequency.**  When    information updates automatically, a mode of operation shall be provided for the    user to pause, stop, hide, or to control the frequency of the update.

###  406 Navigation 

**406.1 General.**  ICT shall conform to 406.

**Advisory 406.1 General.**  A best practice is for  developers to provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine  where they are within an ICT product.

**406.2 Bypass Blocks of Content.**  A mode of  operation shall be provided for the user to bypass blocks of content that are  repeated within an ICT product.

**Advisory 406.2 Bypass Blocks of Content.**  The    ability to bypass blocks of content is used to jump focus (or “reading”) to get    to other portions of content.
 An example is when the start of the content of an onscreen    interface includes a set of menu options.  A user may choose to bypass this set    of menu options by jumping focus to the main content.
 A best practice that meets this provision is consistently    providing headings within content.  Assistive technologies often allow users to    navigate from heading to heading.  Therefore, consistently providing headings    is providing a mode of operation that provides users the ability to bypass    blocks of content.
 Use of tables of content and internal “same page” links can    be used to meet this requirement as they allow navigation to specific content    without requiring lengthy sequential “skimming”.

**406.3 Focus Order.**  When content can be navigated  sequentially and the navigation sequences affect meaning or operation,  components that are capable of receiving focus shall receive focus in an order  that preserves meaning and operation.

**406.4 Multiple Ways to  Locate Content.**  More than one way shall be provided for a  user to locate content within ICT.

**Exception:**  When the content is the  result of, or a step in a process, more than one way for a user to locate  content is not required.

**Advisory 406.4 Multiple Ways to Locate Content.**   Examples of ways to meet this provision include providing a site map, index,  table of contents, or flexible search features.

###  407 Predictability

**407.1 General.**  ICT shall conform to 407.

**Advisory 407.1 General.**  A best practice is for  interfaces to appear and to operate in predictable ways.

**407.2 No Change of Context from Focus.**   When any component receives focus, the component shall not initiate a change of  context.

**Advisory 407.2 No Change of Context from Focus.**  A    change of context is a major change in the content that, if made without user    awareness, can disorient users who are not able to view the entire page simultaneously.
 This provision does not prohibit changes of context.     Changes of context are an expected consequence of the user actively interacting    with components.  This provision prohibits changes of context that are    triggered by the user only moving the focus around the user interface.
 Users of assistive technology move the focus around the    user interface in order to explore and read the web page or screen.  This    provision prohibits components from activating because the component receives    focus.
 Focus can be indicated by keyboard, mouse-over cursor, or    through other input devices.  Any component that is able to trigger an event    when it receives focus must not change the context.
 Examples of automatically changing context when a component    receives focus which are prohibited by this provision include, form submission    without a submit button, new windows opening without activation of a link    (pop-over and pop-under), and changing (jumping) focus from the current    component to another (perhaps on the same screen or in the same document).

**407.3 No Change of Context from Change of Settings.**   Changing the setting of any user interface component shall not automatically  cause a change of context.

**Exception:**  When advance notice of a  potential change in context is provided before a user activates any component  which will change user interface settings, conformance with 407.3 shall not be  required. 

**Advisory 407.3 No Change of  Context from Change of Settings Exception.**  An example is a form which  contains an auto-advance feature, which is described to the user at the  beginning of the form.  The form requires the user to enter a series of  identification numbers.  After the user enters a certain number of digits in  each field, the focus automatically moves to the next field, without requiring  the user to press enter or tab.

**407.4 Consistent Navigation Order.**  When navigation  mechanisms are repeated within an ICT product, they shall occur in the same  relative order each time they are repeated.

**Exception:**  When a change to the  navigation mechanism is initiated by the user, conformance to 407.4 shall not  be required.

**407.5 Consistent Identification.**   Components that have the same functionality within an ICT product shall be  identified consistently.

###  408 Input Assistance

**408.1 General.**  ICT shall conform to 408.

**408.2 Input Error Identification and Description.**   When an input error is automatically detected, the item that is in error shall  be identified, and the error shall be described to the user in text.

**Advisory 408.2 Input Error Identification and    Description.**  The intent of this provision is to ensure that users are    aware that an error has occurred and can determine what is wrong.
 A best practice is for the error identification and    description to be as specific as possible.

###  409 User Preferences

**409.1 General.**   Applications, including web applications, shall conform to 409.

**409.2 User Preferences.**   Applications shall provide a mode of operation that uses user preferences for  platform settings for color, contrast, font type, font size, and focus cursor.

**409.2.1 Underlying Platform Settings.**     Applications that are also platforms shall provide a mode of operation that    uses the underlying platform’s settings for color, contrast, font type, font    size, and focus cursor.
**Advisory 409.2.1    Underlying Platform Settings.**  An example of an application that is also a    platform is a web browser.  

###  410 Interoperability with Assistive Technology

**410.1 General.**  Platforms, including  applications which are also platforms, and software toolkits for those  platforms shall conform to 410.

**Exception:**  Platforms, including  applications which are also platforms, and software toolkits for those  platforms, that have closed functionality, shall not be required to conform to 410.

**Advisory 410.1 General Exception.**  Requirements  for ICT that has closed functionality are found in 302 (Closed Functionality).

**410.2 Accessibility  Services.**  Platforms and software toolkits for those platforms shall  provide a set of accessibility services that support a mode of operation for  applications running on the platform to interoperate with assistive technology.

**410.3 Documented  Accessibility Usage.**  Platforms and applications that have platform  documentation available to application developers shall conform to both 410.3.1  and 410.3.2.

**410.3.1 User Control of Accessibility Features.**     Platforms shall provide a mode of operation for end-user control over platform    features that are defined in the platform documentation as having an    accessibility usage.
**410.3.2 No Disruption of Accessibility    Features.**  Applications shall not disrupt platform features that are    defined in the platform documentation as having an accessibility usage.

**410.4 Object  Information.**  Information about components, interactive elements, and  other objects shall be programmatically determinable using platform accessibility  services.

**Advisory 410.4 Object Information.**  Object    information must be exposed to assistive technologies using information from    content, application, or platform accessibility services as is most appropriate    for the ICT.  When access to remote graphical user interfaces is provided    by software, such software must expose the object information from the remote    system to the assistive technology for use.  
 Delivering the object information to the assistive    technology from a remote graphical user interface is not equivalent to    operating the assistive technology remotely.  
 Operation of assistive technology remotely does not meet    the requirements for providing the objective information via content, or    application or platform accessibility services.  While remote operation of    assistive technology can provide functional access in some circumstances,    currently such solutions are not scalable to a general solution for more than    very small environments, and are limited only to specific assistive    technologies.  
 Additionally, it is a best practice for platform software    and accessibility services to include keyboard shortcuts and implicit    designators in the object information that is exposed.

###  411 Compatible  Technologies

**411.1 General.**  ICT content shall conform to  411.

**Advisory 411.1 General.**     ICT content includes information and sensory experience communicated to the    user and encoding that defines the structure, presentation, and interactions    associated with those elements.  Examples of content are text, images, sounds,    videos, controls, and animations.
 A best practice is to maximize compatibility with current    and future technologies, including assistive technology.

**411.2 User Interface Components.**  User  interface components found in content shall conform to 411.2.1 through 411.2.4.

**Advisory 411.2 User Interface Components. **Providing role, state, and value information on all user interface components    enables compatibility with assistive technology.  Examples of assistive    technology that can make use of role, state, and value information include screen    readers, screen magnifiers, and speech recognition software.
 This provision is primarily aimed at content providers who    develop or script their own user interface components and includes but is not    limited to form elements, links, and components generated by scripts.
 For example, standard HTML controls and form elements    conform to this requirement when used according to specification.
 A best practice is for the information which is    programmatically determinable to be descriptive.  Examples include:
-  Any possible value ranges, including any minimum or maximum. 
-  Any relationship a component has as a label for, or how it is labeled      by, another component. 
-  The name of any parent or containing component, and a list of any      children components (nesting). 
-  Boundary information, including size and coordinates. 
-  Whether the component can accept focus. 
-  Whether the component can be used for “drag-and-drop” operations, either      as object or target.

**411.2.1 Name and Role.**  For all user interface components, the    name and role shall be programmatically determinable.
**411.2.2 States, Properties,    and Values.**  States, properties, and values shall conform to 412.2.2.1 and    412.2.2.2.
**411.2.2.1 Programmatically Determinable.**       When states, properties, and values are conveyed to the user, they shall be      programmatically determinable.
**411.2.2.2 Set Programmatically.**  When states,      properties, and values can be set by the user, they shall be capable of being      set programmatically.

**411.2.3 Change Notification.**  Notification of changes to states,    properties, and values shall be available to user agents, including assistive    technologies.
**411.2.4 Tables.**  Components in a table    shall conform to 411.2.4.1 and 411.2.4.2.
**411.2.4.1 Row and Column.**  A component’s object      information shall include row and column location within the table.
**411.2.4.2 Headers.**  When the table has row or      column headers, a component’s object information shall include the headers      associated with the row or column.

**411.3 Use of Platform Accessibility Services.**   Applications shall use platform accessibility services to make information  about components, interactive elements, and other objects programmatically  determinable.

**Advisory 411.3 Use of Platform Accessibility Services. **Platform accessibility services define the rules for interaction between    assistive technology, other applications, content, and the platform.
 This provision requires the use by assistive technology of    the information exposed through platform accessibility services to deliver the    alternate interface to the user with a disability.  This ensures that electronic    content designed to be accessible is available to the end-user.  An example is    an alternate text description of an image, which is invisible, but which a    screen reader vocalizes.
 This provision is not intended to limit the creativity of assistive    technology developers or to limit methods of delivering alternate user    interfaces.  This provision requires that when a platform provides    accessibility services, such services must be used to provide accessibility.

###  412 Assistive Technology Function 

**412.1 General.**   Applications providing an alternate user interface that functions as assistive  technology shall use, at a minimum, platform accessibility services to make information  about components, interactive elements, and other objects programmatically  determinable.

### 413 Authoring Tools

**413.1 General.**  Applications that are used for  creating documents or otherwise used for authoring shall conform to 413.

**Exception:**  When content formats do  not support the provisions of Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents), applications  shall not be required to conform to 413 when working with files of those  formats.

**Advisory 413.1 General.**  Applications that are    used to create documents or otherwise used for authoring content are called    “authoring tools”.
 An example of an authoring tool is a web application that    allows users to create new web pages.
 Another example is an application for editing video.
 Authoring tools can also be used to create and publish    content for use with telecommunications products or services.  An example is an    interactive voice response system (IVR) that includes software for the creation    of content used to populate menu choices.  These requirements for authoring    tools enable this content to be accessible.

**413.2 Authoring Tools.**  For all formats  supported by the authoring tool, authoring tools shall provide a mode of  operation to create or modify content that conforms to Chapter 5 (Electronic  Documents).

**Exceptions:  1.** Simple text editors  that can only create or modify content in conforming formats by directly  editing raw source code shall not be required to conform to 413.2.

**2.**  The author shall retain the  ability to override information required for accessibility.

**Advisory 413.2 Authoring Tools.**  Content includes    information and sensory experience communicated to the user and encoding that    defines the structure, presentation, and interactions associated with those    elements.  Examples of content are text, images, sounds, videos, controls, and    animations.
 Content includes materials derived from programmatic    sources.
 Examples of content formats include, but are not limited    to:  word processing files, presentation files, spreadsheet files, text files,    PDFs, and HTML files.
 Authoring tools which remove information required for    accessibility do not conform to this provision.  For example, if a video    editing tool is used to edit a captioned movie, the tool must not remove the    captioning.
**Advisory 413.2 Authoring Tools Exception 1.**     Examples of content formats that do not support the provisions of Chapter 5    include image-only formats, such as JPEG, and audio-only formats, such as MP3    or audio tape.
 Some audio formats do support the provisions of Chapter 5    (Electronic Documents).  An example is Daisy or National Instructional    Materials Accessibility Standards (NIMAS) digital talking books.  An example of    a simple text editor is an ASCII text editor such as Windows Notepad.
**Advisory 413.2 Authoring Tools Exception 2.** Authoring    tools which automatically provide information required for accessibility can    make mistakes.  As with automated spelling or grammar checking, which also can    make mistakes, it is important for authors to retain control of the process    with authoring tools.

**413.2.1 Preservation of    Accessibility Information in Format Conversion.**  When    authoring tools include the ability to convert from one format to another or to    save content in multiple formats, these authoring tools shall preserve the    information required for accessibility to the extent that information is    supported by the destination format.
**Advisory 413.2.1    Preservation of Accessibility Information in Format Conversion.** When    converting from one format to another, a best practice is for authors to have    control over how information required for accessibility is handled in the destination    format to ensure consistent use of the information required for accessibility in    both formats.

**413.3 Prompts.**  When programmatically  determinable, authoring tools shall provide a mode of operation that prompts  authors to create content that conforms to Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents).

**Advisory 413.3 Prompts.**  Prompts do not need to be  provided for every element in the content.  Overuse of prompts can decrease  usability.

**413.4 Templates.**  When templates are provided with  authoring tools, at least one template for each template type supported by the  authoring tool shall conform to Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents).

----

##  Chapter 5:  Electronic Documents 

- 501  General 
- 502  Non-Text Content 
- 503  Adaptable Presentation of Content 
- 504  Distinguishable Presentation of Text Content 
- 505  Navigation and Orientation 
- 506  Readability 
- 507  Input Assistance 
- 508  Compatible Technologies 

###  501 General

**501.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall apply  where required by Chapter 1 or where referenced by a requirement in this  document.

**Exception:**  Electronic  documents complying with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA Success Criteria and Conformance  Requirements shall not be required to comply with other requirements of this  chapter. 

**Advisory 501.1 Scope.**     The provisions of this chapter apply to electronic documents, which are mostly    static, read-only, non-interactive electronic content.  Examples include Word    files, PDFs, PowerPoint presentations, Excel spreadsheets, and simple web pages    (which do not contain Flash).  However, electronic documents may also contain    interactive content, such as hypertext links, buttons, and form elements or    fields.  All of these elements are covered in this chapter.  Electronic content    covered by this chapter includes most non-paper documents and web content,    regardless of format.
 This chapter is oriented towards document authors, rather    than developers.  
 Provisions relevant to more robust user interaction,    including scripting, are found in Chapter 4 (Platforms, Applications, and    Interactive Content).
 Additional requirements for audio and video content are    found in Chapter 6 (Synchronized Media Content and Players).

###  502 Non-Text Content 

**502.1 General.**   When ICT provides non-text content, the non-text content shall conform to 502.

**502.2 Text Alternatives.**  When non-text content is  provided, text alternatives for the non-text content shall conform to 502.2.1  or 502.2.2.

**Advisory 502.2 Text Alternatives.**  The intent of  this provision is to provide text alternatives for any non-text content so that  the non-text content can be changed into alternate formats that people with  disabilities can use.  Some text alternatives shall identify the purpose of the  non-text content, as in 502.2.1.  Some text alternatives shall describe the  non-text content, as in 502.2.2. 

**502.2.1 Equivalent    Purpose.**  When non-text content is provided, text    alternatives for the non-text content shall serve the equivalent purpose.
**Advisory 502.2.1  Equivalent Purpose.** Examples of text alternatives that serve      the equivalent purpose include:
-  A        search button uses an image of a magnifying glass.  An appropriate text        alternative for the button is “search” and not “magnifying glass”. 
-  A        picture shows how a knot is tied including arrows showing how the ropes go to        make the knot.  An appropriate text alternative for the picture describes how        to tie the knot, not “picture of ropes being tied into a knot.” 
-  An        animation shows how to change an ink cartridge.  A short text alternative for        the animation identifies what the animation is about.  A long text alternative        for the animation describes how to change an ink cartridge. 
-  A        logo of the TechTron Company appears next to each of their products in a list.         A short text alternative for this logo is “TechTron”. 
-  A        chart shows sales for October of Acme Co.  A short text alternative for the        chart is “Acme Co. October sales chart”.  A long text alternative for the chart        provides all of the information on the chart. 
-  A        heading contains an image of the words, “The History of War” in elaborately        stylized text.  The alternative text for the image is “The History of War”.
-  An        image of a series of books on a shelf contains interactive areas that provide        links to a web page about each book.  The text alternative for the image is        “Books available in this section.  Select a book for more details about that        book.” 

**502.2.1.1 Images of      Text.**  When non-text content is images of text, the text      alternative shall be the text in the image.
**Advisory 502.2.1.1      Images of Text.**  A best practice is to use text instead of images of text.
**502.2.1.2 Controls or      Inputs.**  When non-text content is a control or accepts user      input, the non-text content shall have a name that describes its purpose.
**Advisory 502.2.1.2      Controls or Inputs.**  A “name” is programmatically determinable text by      which software can identify a component within content to the user.  While the      name might not be visually presented to users, it must be programmatically      determinable by assistive technology.
**502.2.1.3 Decoration,      Formatting, or Invisible.**  When non-text content is pure      decoration, is used only for visual formatting, or is not presented to users,      the non-text content shall be implemented in a way that can be ignored by      assistive technology.
**Advisory 502.2.1.3      Decoration, Formatting, or Invisible.**  An example of a text alternative      that is implemented in a way that can be ignored by assistive technology is      using alt="" on an HTML image that does not convey information.

**502.2.2 Descriptive Identification.**  When non-text    content is provided, text alternatives for the non-text content shall conform    to 502.2.2.1 through 502.2.2.4, as applicable to the type of non-text content.
**502.2.2.1 Audio or Video.**       When non-text content is audio or video content, text alternatives shall      provide descriptive identification of the non-text content.
**502.2.2.2 Test or Exercise.**       When non-text content is a test or exercise that would be invalidated if      presented in text, text alternatives shall provide descriptive identification      of the non-text content.
**Advisory 502.2.2.2      Test or Exercise.**  An example of a test or exercise that would be      invalidated if presented in text is an audio-only spelling quiz.  For this      example, the text alternative might be “audio-only spelling quiz”.
**502.2.2.3 Sensory      Experience.**  When non-text content is primarily intended to      create a specific sensory experience, text alternatives shall provide      descriptive identification of the non-text content.
**Advisory 502.2.2.3        Sensory Experience.**  An example of non-text content that is primarily        intended to create a specific sensory experience is an audio-only recording of        an orchestra.  For this example, the text alternative might be “recording of        city orchestra”.
 Another example        is an unattended and automatically updating weather satellite photo.  For this        example, the text alternative might be “photo from weather satellite updated        every hour”.
 A third example        is video from an unattended camera at an airport.  For this example, the text        alternative might include the current temperature and wind speed.
 A best practice        is for the descriptive identification to provide as much textual information as        possible.

**502.2.2.4 CAPTCHA.**  When the purpose of non-text      content is to confirm that the content is being accessed by a person rather      than a computer, text alternatives that identify and describe the purpose of      the non-text content shall be provided.

**502.3 Audio and Video Content.**  Audio and video  content shall conform to Chapter 6 (Synchronized Media Content and Players).

###  503 Adaptable Presentation of Content

**503.1 General.**  Content shall conform to 503.

**Advisory 503.1 General.**  A best practice is to  create content that can be presented in different ways without losing  information or structure.  An example is providing end-users the option to  choose a high contrast presentation for a web site.

**503.2 Information, Structure,  and Relationships.**  Information, structure, and relationships  presented visually to the user shall be programmatically determinable or be  available in text.

**Advisory 503.2 Information, Structure and Relationships. **The intent of this provision is to    ensure that information and relationships that are implied by visual or    auditory formatting are preserved when the presentation format changes.  An example    is the presentation format changing when the content is read by a screen reader    or when a user style sheet is substituted for the style sheet provided by the    author.
 The sub provisions under **503.2 **are not an exhaustive list of    information, structure, and relationships that might be presented to an end-user. 

**503.2.1 Data Tables.**  When data tables are provided,    data tables shall conform to 503.2.1.1 and 503.2.1.2.
**503.2.1.1 Data Tables.**  Row and column      headings shall be programmatically determinable.
**503.2.1.2 Multi-Level Tables.**  When data      tables have two or more logical levels of row or columns headings, associations      between data cells and heading cells shall be programmatically determinable.

**503.2.2 Forms.**     When forms are provided, labels associated with form fields shall be programmatically    determinable.
**503.2.3 Section Headings.**  When content is divided    into sections, section headings shall be programmatically determinable.

**503.3 Logically  Correct Reading Sequence.**  When the sequence in which content is presented  affects its meaning, a logically correct reading sequence shall be  programmatically determinable.

**Advisory 503.3 Logically    Correct Reading Sequence.**  A logically correct reading sequence is a    sequence where words and paragraphs are presented in an order that does not    change the meaning of the content.
 There may be more than one choice for a logical reading    sequence of some content.  An example is a sidebar item that might reasonably    be read before, after, or in the middle of the main body content.  Content    authors and developers have flexibility in deciding a logically correct reading    sequence.
 An example of a reading sequence that is not logically    correct is where content is divided into two or more newspaper-style columns,    but the programmatically determined reading sequence reads across columns    rather than down each column.  
 Another example is using a style sheet to visually position    blocks of text on a page.  If the reading sequence used by assistive technology    follows a reading sequence implied visually, then the reading sequence is    logically correct.  If the programmatically determined reading sequence seems    random and does not follow any reading sequence implied visually, then the    reading sequence is not logically correct.

**503.4 Sensory Characteristics.**   Instructions provided for understanding and operating content shall not rely  solely on those characteristics of components perceived through the senses of  hearing or vision, such as shape, size, visual location, orientation, or sound.

**Advisory 503.4 Sensory    Characteristics. **Rather than stating, “Click the oval button to the right    when done”, an instruction should tell the user to “Activate the Submit button    when done.”
 Object information (provided per 503) which describes the    necessary visual cues or relationships, may be used in providing instructions    that conform to this provision.

### 504 Distinguishable Presentation of Text Content

**504.1 General.**  Text content or images of  text content shall conform to 504.

**Advisory 504.1 General.**  A  best practice is to make it easier for users to see content, including  separating visual foreground from background.

**504.2 Text and Images of Text Contrast Ratio.**  The visual  presentation of text and images of text shall conform to 504.2.1 or 504.2.2.

**Exception:**  When visual presentations  of text or images of text are part of an inactive user interface component, are  pure decoration, are not presented to users, are part of a picture that  contains significant other visual content, or are part of a logo or brand name,  there is no contrast requirement.

**Advisory 504.2 Text and Images of Text Contrast Ratio Exception.**  An example of an “inactive    user interface component” is an item within a menu that automatically “grays    out” when its selection is not available.  In this example, the deemphasized    item remains in the menu as a placeholder.
 An example of images of text in “part of a picture that    contains significant other visual content” is the lettering on a shop window in    a photograph of a street scene when the lettering on the window is not relevant    to the purpose of the photograph.

**504.2.1 Large-Scale Text Contrast Ratio.**  Large-scale text    and images of large-scale text shall have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1.
**504.2.2 Text Contrast Ratios.**  Text and images of text that are not large    scale text shall have a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1.
**Advisory 504.2.2 Text Contrast Ratios.**  For further clarification of      this requirement, consult WCAG 2.0 Success Criteria 1.4.3 “Contrast (Minimum)”.
 See also the      WCAG 2.0 definitions for “contrast ratio” found at: http://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG20/#contrast-ratiodef. 

**504.3 Resize and Reflow Text.**   Text content shall support the native capability of the platform for text to  resize and reflow text without loss of content or functionality.

**Exception:**  Captions and images of  text are not required to conform to 504.3.

**504.3 Resize and Reflow Text.**  Most    content formats and platforms natively provide a capability for users to adjust    font size.  Content can be developed which interferes with this native    capability and thus creates a barrier to accessibility for users with low    vision.
 Reflow of text is necessary because just making letters    larger would result in text moving off the screen or text appearing on top of    other text.
 A best practice is for captions and images of text to    support the resizing and reflow of text.
 Another best practice is to use text, rather than images of    text, wherever possible, because text gives users more control over font size.
 Web documents that support resize and reflow of text are    sometimes described as “fluid”, “liquid”, or “elastic”.

###  505 Navigation and Orientation

**505.1 General.**  Content shall conform to 505.

**Advisory 505.1 General.**  A best practice is for  authors to provide ways to help users navigate, find content, and determine  where they are.

**505.2 Document Titles.**  Documents shall have titles  that describe topic or purpose.

**505.3 Link Purpose.**  The purpose of each link shall be determinable from the link text alone, or from  the link text together with its programmatically determined link context.

**Exception:**  When the purpose of a link  is ambiguous to users in general, the purpose of that link shall not be  required to conform to 505.3.

**Advisory 505.3 Link Purpose.**  The intent of this    provision is to help users understand the purpose of each link so that they can    decide whether they want to follow the link.
 A best practice is to provide link text that identifies the    purpose of the link without needing additional context.
 Assistive technology has the ability to provide users with    a list of links that are on the Web page.  Link text that is as meaningful as    possible will aid users who want to choose from this list of links.  Meaningful    link text also helps those who wish to tab from link to link.  Meaningful link    text helps users choose which links to follow without requiring complicated    strategies to understand the page.
 In some situations, authors may want to provide part of the    description of the link in logically related text that provides the context for    the link.  An example of this is when only one word in a sentence is a link,    and the purpose of this link is made apparent from the context provided by the    entire sentence.
 When the link text alone is not sufficiently descriptive,    this provision requires that a user be able to identify the purpose of a link    without moving focus from the link.
 Users should be able to arrive on a link and find out more    about where the link leads without losing their place in content.  Examples of    programmatically determined link context include:  putting the description of    the link in the same sentence, paragraph, list item, a heading immediately preceding    the link, and table headings cell for a link in a data table.
 An example of link text being used together with its    programmatically determined link context is a list of books available in three    formats:  HTML, PDF, and MP3.  In this example, so that screen reader users do    not have to hear the title of each book three times (once for each format), the    first link for each book is the title of the book, the second link says “PDF”,    and the third says “MP3”.
 Text that is in title or alt attributes is programmatically    determinable and may also be used for compliance with this provision.  An    example of this technique is a news article summary where the main page lists    the first few sentences of each article followed by a “Read More” link.  In    this example, each “Read More” link includes a title attribute with a value    that is unique to each article.
**505.3 Link Purpose Exception.**  An example    where links are ambiguous to all users in general is an online quiz that has    possible answers identified only with an arbitrary number.  In this example,    descriptive link text might influence choices, and invalidate the purpose of    the quiz.

**505.4 Descriptive Headings and Labels.**  When  supported by the technology and appropriate to the task, headings and labels  shall describe topic or purpose.

**Advisory    505.4 Headings and Labels.**  An example of this provision would be    descriptive section headings in a document.  
 An    example of a technology that does not allow the document author to create    headings or labels which describe topic or purpose is a spreadsheet; therefore,    this provision would not apply to spreadsheets.  
 An    example of a situation where headings and labels are not appropriate to the    task is a data table.  Short non-descriptive identifying labels are appropriate    for this task.  Headings for data tables are required by 503.2.1. 

###  506 Readability

**506.1 General.**  Text content shall conform to 506.

**506.2 Language of Document.**  The default human  language of each document shall be programmatically determinable.

**506.3 Language of  Passage or Phrase.**  When supported by the technology, the  human language of each passage or phrase in the content shall be  programmatically determinable.

**Exception:**  The human language for  proper names, technical terms, words of indeterminate language, and words or  phrases that have become part of the vernacular of the immediately surrounding  text, shall not be required to be programmatically determinable.

**Advisory 506.3 Language of Passage or Phrase.**  An  example of technology that does not support the human language of a passage or  a phrase being programmatic determinable is plain ASCII text.

### 507 Input Assistance 

**507.1 General.**  Content shall conform to 507.

**Advisory 507.1 General.**  A best practice is for  authors to help users avoid and correct mistakes.  For example, instructions  for filing out a form should help the reader to complete the form.

**507.2 Labels or Instructions.**  When  content requires user input, labels or instructions shall be provided.

**Advisory 507.2 Labels or Instructions.**  The intent    of this provision is to ensure that enough information is provided for the user    to accomplish the task without undue confusion or navigation.
 Labels do not need to be lengthy.  A word, or even a single    character, may be sufficient if it provides an appropriate cue to finding and    navigating content.
 An example of a sufficient label for a telephone number    data entry field is the use of a hyphen, and not just white space, to separate    parts of the phone number.
 An example of an insufficient label for a telephone number    data entry field is the use of formatting implied only visually by shape, size,    or location of the parts of the phone number.

###  508 Compatible Technologies

**508.1 General.**  Content shall conform to 508.

**508.2 Markup Language Used According  to Specification.**  Content that is implemented using markup  languages shall conform to 508.2.1 through 508.2.4.

**Advisory 508.2 Markup Language Used According to    Specification.**  HTML (hyper text markup language) and XML (extensible    markup language) are examples of markup languages which are used in the    creation of electronic content. 
 The intent of this requirement is to ensure that user    agents, including assistive technologies, can accurately interpret and parse    content using markup language.  Content that is properly coded using all of the    above requirements is correctly read by user agents, such as screen readers. 
 In markup languages, errors in element and attribute syntax    and failure to provide properly nested start and end tags lead to errors that    prevent user agents from parsing the content reliably.  This provision requires    that the content can be parsed using only the rules of the formal grammar for    the technology.
 Many authoring tools ensure unambiguous parsing.  When    available for the content format, validation ensures unambiguous parsing.  A    best practice is to use authoring tools that provide validation or otherwise    ensure unambiguous parsing.  See section 413 for more guidance on the use of authoring    tools. 
 Content which is poorly coded and omits any one of the    requirements in the provision may be unreadable by a user agent.  For example,    a table is coded, but the nested (508.2.2) start and end tags (508.2.1) are    omitted.  As a result, the screen reader tool reports “not in a table” when the    user tries to invoke table navigation commands to move from one data cell to    another.  The screen reader is unable to properly read the poorly coded    document, since some of the requirements, such as properly nested start and end    tags in this case, were omitted.  
 Some user agents use “repair techniques” to render poorly    coded content but the resulting rendering can be unpredictable, and documents    that rely on such repair techniques are not conformant to this provision.  If    the content cannot be parsed into a data structure, then different user agents    may present it differently or be completely unable to parse it.  
 Repair techniques vary among user agents.  A best practice    is for content to be created according to the rules defined in the formal    grammar for that technology.  When this best practice is not followed, authors    cannot assume that content will be accurately parsed into a data structure.     Authors also cannot assume that content will be rendered correctly by    specialized user agents, including assistive technologies.  Markup language    must be used according to specification. 

**508.2.1 Tags.**  Elements shall have complete start    and end tags.
**508.2.2 Nesting.**  Elements shall be nested according    to their specifications.
**508.2.3 No Duplicate Attributes.**  Elements shall not    contain duplicate attributes.
**508.2.4 Identity.**  When identity attributes are    used, identity values shall be unique unless the specifications allows for    duplication.

**508.3 User Interface Components.**   User interface components shall be used according to their specification and  shall conform to 411.2.

**Advisory 508.3 User Interface Components.**     The intent of this provision is to ensure that document authors do not disrupt    accessibility features.  This provision is applicable but not limited to form    elements, links, and components generated by scripts.
 Examples of user interface components in documents include    hypertext links, buttons, and form elements or fields.
 Standard HTML controls and form elements conform to this    requirement when used according to specification.
 Chapter 4 (Platforms, Applications, and Interactive Content)    contains requirements for user interface components.

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##  Chapter 6:  Synchronized Media Content and Players 

- 601  General 
- 602  Video or Audio Content with Interactive Elements 
- 603  Captions and Transcripts for Audio Content 
- 604  Video Description and Transcripts for Video Content 
- 605  Caption Processing Technology 
- 606  Video Description Processing Technology 
- 607  User Controls for Captions and Video Description 
- 608  Audio Track and Volume Control 

###  601 General 

**601.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply where required by Chapter 1, or where referenced by a requirement in this  document.

**Exception:**   Synchronized media content and players complying with the WCAG 2.0 Level AA  Success Criteria and Conformance Requirements and, where applicable, 604.4, 604.5,  607, and 608 of this chapter shall not be required to comply with other  requirements of this chapter. 

**Advisory 601.1 Scope.**  Synchronized media is audio  or video displayed at the same time as other time-based content that is  required for understanding of the complete presentation.  The other content  that the audio or video is synchronized with to meet this definition does not  include equivalents such as captions, subtitles, or video description.  Examples  of time-based content are video, audio, and user-action.

###  602 Video or Audio Content  with Interactive Elements 

**602.1 General.**   Video or audio content containing interactive elements shall provide a mode of  operation that conforms to Chapter 4 (Platforms, Applications, and  Interactive Content).

**Advisory  602.1 General.**  Examples of video or audio content with interactive  elements include DVD menus and dynamic on-screen television program guides.

###  603 Captions and  Transcripts for Audio Content

**603.1 General.**  Regardless of format, materials containing  audio content, or video with audio content, shall conform to 603.

**603.2 Pre-recorded Audio Content with No Video Content  or User Interaction.**  Materials containing pre-recorded audio content, and  no video content or user interaction, shall provide a transcript of the  content.

**Advisory 603.2 Pre-recorded Audio Content with No Video    Content or User Interaction.**  A best practice is to provide synchronized    captions for pre-recorded and real-time (live) audio-only media.  This best    practice is not a requirement.  Complementing an audio-only stream with    captions entails the addition of a visual stream and translation of the data.     An example where this would be a fundamental alteration is a radio broadcast.
 An audio-only presentation used in a public setting may require    captions or other real-time visual equivalent under sections 501 and 504 of the    Rehabilitation Act.

**603.2.1 Transcript.**  When a separate transcript is  provided, the text shall conform to Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents).

**603.3 Pre-recorded Audio Content with User Interaction.**   Materials containing pre-recorded audio content with user interaction shall  provide synchronized captions.

**Advisory 603.3 Pre-recorded Audio Content with User  Interaction.**  An example of pre-recorded audio with user interaction would  be an on-line tutorial where spoken narration guides a user through a task.

**603.4 Pre-recorded Video Content with Synchronized Audio  Content.**  Materials containing pre-recorded video content with  synchronized audio content shall provide synchronized captions.

**Advisory 603.4 Pre-recorded Video Content with    Synchronized Audio Content.**  Captions are either closed or open.  “Closed”    means capable of being turned on and off.  “Open” means visible to all users.
 A best practice is for captions to conform to Chapter 5    (Electronic Documents) to provide alternate formats for people who are    deaf-blind and rely on braille.

**603.5 Real-Time Video Content.**  Materials that contain  real-time video content with audio information shall provide synchronized  captions.

**Exception:**  When real-time video is  unattended and has the primary purpose of conveying a visual experience, and a  text alternative that provides descriptive identification is provided,  synchronized captions shall not be required.

###  604 Video Description and Transcripts for Video Content

**604.1 General.**  Regardless of format, materials  containing video content, with or without audio content, shall conform to 604.

**604.2 Pre-recorded Video Content with No Audio Content  or User Interaction.**  Materials containing pre-recorded video content and  no audio content or user interaction, shall provide either a separate transcript  or an equivalent audio alternative.

**Advisory 604.2 Pre-recorded Video with No Audio or User    Interaction.**  An example of pre-recorded video with no audio information    or user interaction is a silent movie.
 The purpose of the transcript is to provide an equivalent    to what is presented visually.
 The purpose of the audio alternative is to be an equivalent    to the video.  
 A text equivalent is not required for audio that is    provided as an equivalent for video with no audio information.  For example, it    is not required to caption video description that is provided as an alternative    to a silent movie.
 A video-only presentation used in a public setting may require    video description or other real-time audio equivalent as a reasonable    accommodation under section 501 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

**604.2.1 Transcript.**  When a separate transcript is  provided electronically, the text shall conform to Chapter 5 (Electronic  Documents).

**604.3 Pre-recorded Video with Synchronized Audio Content.**   Materials containing pre-recorded video with synchronized audio content shall  provide video description.

**604.4 Real-Time Video.**  Materials that contain  real-time video, with or without audio content, shall provide real-time video  description.

**Exception:**  When real-time video is  unattended and has the primary purpose of extending a visual experience, and a  text alternative that provides descriptive identification is provided, video  description shall not be required.

**Advisory 604.4 Real-Time Video.**  A best practice    is for speakers to incorporate verbal descriptions of any visual information    presented.  This practice is necessary for any live presentation to be    accessible.  This practice may also avoid having to add video description to    presentations that are recorded.
 An example of real-time video is a live “on-site” news    broadcast.
**Advisory 604.4 Real-Time Video Exception.**  An    example of real-time video that is unattended and has the primary purpose of    extending a sensory experience is an automated fixed camera that overlooks a national    park and continuously broadcasts sights and sounds.
 A best practice to provide as much textual based    information as possible, even when only descriptive identification is    required.  An example of this is adding current wind speed and temperature    information to the text alternative associated with an unattended “beach cam”.

**604.5 Multiple Visual Areas of Focus.**  Materials  containing real-time or pre-recorded video content with synchronized audio  content that display visual content in multiple areas of focus shall provide  video description for visual content necessary for the comprehension of  content.

**Advisory 604.5 Multiple Visual Areas of Focus.**     Video may contain more than a single visual focus.  This provision requires    that video description be provided for each area of focus.  An example is in-house    agency broadcast programs where scrolling event notices appear under the main    program.  People who are blind have traditionally missed out on visual    information in videos, when it was necessary to understand more than one thing    at the same time.  For example, a video of an interview should audibly describe    who is speaking when their names are visually displayed.  In addition,    streaming information, such as daily news highlights, should also be video    described.
 In particular, visual emergency communication, such as    emergency announcements in the form of text scrolling on a screen, is covered    by this requirement.  This is consistent with the Federal Communications    Commission (FCC) rule requiring broadcasters and cable operators to make local    emergency information accessible to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing,    and to persons who are blind or have visual disabilities.  This part extends    that requirement to ICT.
 A second method for meeting this requirement is to stream    the audio information in two tracks that can be fed separately into the right    and left ears.  Since the video description stream can be closed, people    without disabilities would not have to listen to the competing audio streams.     People who are blind often have the skill to listen to two audio streams    simultaneously or can be trained to do so.

###  605 Caption Processing Technology 

**605.1 General.**  ICT that displays or processes  video with synchronized audio content shall conform to 605.

**Advisory 605.1 General.**  Examples of products that    display synchronized media include but are not limited to:  Analog television    (TV), digital television (DTV), tuners (including TV tuner cards for use in    computers), digital-to-analog TV converter boxes, personal video display    devices, and software players.
 A TV tuner card is a computer component that allows    television signals to be received by a computer.
 A digital-to-analog TV converter box is a stand-alone    device that receives and converts digital signals into a format for display on    an analog television receiver.
 Components of a system may be obtained separately and    integrated.  Such a system could include a separate DVD player and projector.     This provision requires that the system, as a whole, will include the necessary    technology to support the display of open and closed captions.  As described in    Chapter 10 (ICT Support Documentation and ICT Support Services), a best    practice is for manufacturers who sell system components to explain in their    product documentation how to integrate the system to support open and closed    captions.
 Caption technology may offer features that enhance the usability    of captions.  These features include choices for background and foreground    color, font selection, and contrast.

**605.2 Audio-Visual Players and Displays.**  Audio-visual  players and displays shall conform to 605.2.1 or 605.2.2.

**605.2.1 Decoding of Closed Captions to Open Captions.**     Audio-visual players and displays that process video with synchronized audio information    shall decode closed caption data and pass on an open-captioned signal to the video    display.
**605.2.2 Pass through of Closed Caption Data.**  Audio-visual    players and displays that process video with synchronized audio information shall    pass closed caption data through to the video display for decoding as displayed    text.  All cabling or ancillary equipment shall not block the passing through    of closed captioning.

###  606  Video Description Processing Technology 

**606.1 General.**  ICT that displays or processes  video with synchronized audio information shall conform to 606.

**606.2 Audio-Visual Players and Displays.**  Audio-visual  players and displays shall conform to 606.2.1 or 606.2.2.

**606.2.1 Audio for Video Description.**  Audio-visual    players and displays that process video with synchronized audio information    shall play audio information associated with video description.
**606.2.2 Processing of Video Description.**  Audio-visual    players and displays that process video with synchronized audio information    shall conform to 606.2.2.1 or 606.2.2.2.
**606.2.2.1 Analog Signal Tuners.**  Analog signal      tuners shall conform to MTS/BTSC Broadcast Television Systems Committee (BTSC)      Multichannel Television Sound Standard (1984) (incorporated by reference, see      “Referenced Standards or Guidelines“in 508 Chapter 1).  Analog signal tuners      shall be equipped with Secondary Audio Program (SAP) process circuitry as      defined by the Broadcast Television Systems Committee (BTSC) Multichannel      Television Sound Standard. 
**606.2.2.2 Digital Television Tuners.**  Digital      television tuners shall conform to ATSC A/53 Digital Television Standard, Parts      1-6 (2007) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards or Guidelines”      in 508 Chapter 1).  Digital television tuners shall support processing of video      description when encoded as a Visually Impaired (VI) associated audio service      that is provided as a complete program mix containing video description      according to the A/53 standard developed by the Advanced Television Systems      Committee (ATSC).

###  607 User Controls for Captions  and Video Description 

**607.1 General.**  ICT that displays video with synchronized  audio content shall provide user controls for closed captions and video  description that conform to 607 and Chapter 3 (Common Functionality).

**607.2 User Controls Location.**  Location of user  controls for closed captions and video description shall conform to 607.2.1  through 607.2.3.

**607.2.1 Caption Controls.**  When controls are    provided for the selection of volume, controls for the selection of captions    shall be provided in at least one location that is comparable in prominence to    the location of the controls for volume. 
**607.2.2 Dedicated Video Description Controls.**  When controls    are provided for the selection of channels, the controls for the selection of    video description shall be provided in at least one location that is comparable    in prominence to the location of the controls for channels.
**Advisory 607.2.1 Dedicated Caption Controls; Advisory    607.2.2 Dedicated Video Description Controls.**  The user controls needed to    access captioning and video description must be in at least one location that    is comparable in prominence to the controls needed to control volume or program    selection.  At a minimum, this requires placement of such controls on either    the product’s physical apparatus or its remote control, where the ability to    control volume or program selection is otherwise provided on that apparatus or    remote control. 
**607.2.3 On-screen Menus.**  When an on-screen menu is    used to control the selection of volume or channels, the controls for the    selection of captions and video description shall be at the same menu level as    the corresponding volume and channel selection.

###  608 Audio Track and Volume Control 

**608.1 General.**  ICT that displays and processes  synchronized media shall conform to 608.

**Advisory 608.1 General.**  The intent of this    provision is to provide users with a control so that they can distinguish    speech from background audio.  Examples of ICT that displays and processes    synchronized media are audio visual players and displays.
 This provision applies to players of digital broadcast    signals and players of media.  An example of this is a DVD player.
 A best practice is to produce videos with speech and    background sounds on separate tracks in order for users to be able to select a    preferred audio track.  
 Some individuals with hearing loss may find it difficult to    understand speech in videos or broadcasts when there is competing background    music or other sound effects.
 In some videos developed under the DTV A/53 Standard, users    may choose to listen to speech only, without background sound that may    interfere with comprehension.

**608.2 Independent Selection.**  When materials contain  speech content that is provided on a separate track from the other audio  tracks, audio-visual players and displays shall provide users with a mode of  operation to select the speech track independently from the other audio tracks.

**608.3 Volume Adjustment.**  When materials contain  multiple audio tracks, audio-visual players and displays shall provide users  with a mode of operation to adjust the volume of each audio track  independently.

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##  Chapter 7:  Hardware Aspects of ICT 

- 701  General 
- 702  Reach Ranges for Installed or Free-Standing ICT 
- 703  Standard Connections 
- 704  Text, Images of Text, and Symbols for Product Use 

###  701 General 

**701.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply where required by Chapter 1, or where referenced by a requirement in this  document.

###  702  Reach Ranges for Installed or Free-Standing ICT

**702.1 General.**  Reach ranges for controls and keys  on installed or free-standing non-portable ICT intended to be used in one  location shall conform to 36 CFR Part 1191 Appendix D, Section 308.

**Advisory 702.1 General.**  An example of  free-standing, non-portable ICT is a multifunction machine which can transmit,  copy, scan, or fax materials.  It is accessed either by someone approaching it  and placing materials upon it, or by sending print jobs from a workstation.

###  703 Standard Connections 

**703.1 General.**  When connection points are  provided, at least one of each type of connection shall conform to industry  standard non-proprietary formats.

**Exception:**  This provision does not  apply to products with closed functionality.

**Advisory 703.1 General.**.  The intent of this    provision is to ensure compatibility with assistive technologies by requiring    the use of standard connections on products.
 Examples of connections points include expansion slots,    ports, and connectors for cables.
 Industry standard non-proprietary formats include wireless    connections to products.  Examples of wireless connections include infrared    (IR) and Bluetooth.

###  704 Text, Images of Text, and  Symbols for Product Use 

**704.1 General.**  Text, images of text, and symbols  provided for product use shall conform to 704.

**704.2 Accessible Mode for Text, Images of Text and  Symbols.**  At least one mode of operation that conforms to Chapter 5  (Electronic Documents) shall be provided for text, images of text, and symbols  provided for product use.

**Exceptions:  1.**  When not provided for  product use, safety labels, regulatory labels, logos, and certifications shall not  be required to conform to 704.2.

**2.**  Captions shall not be required to  conform to 704.2.

**3.**  Information for product use that  is conveyed in a way that is uniquely tactilely discernible through shape shall  not be required to conform to 704.2.

**4.**  Information for product use that is conveyed  in a way that is uniquely audibly discernible through tone or speech shall not be  required to conform to 704.2.

**5.**  Electronic text in embedded  firmware or installed software that is not electronic text for product use  shall not be required to conform to 704.2.

**Advisory 704.2 Accessible Mode for Text,    Images of Text and Symbols.**  An example of text provided for product use is    a user manual.  To meet the requirements of this provision, the user manual could    be stored in an accessible electronic file on a product.
 An example of images of text provided for product use is an    on-screen menu for adjusting picture quality on a television.  To meet the    requirements of this provision, the on-screen menus could be vocalized by the    audio processor of the television.
**Advisory 704.2 Accessible Mode for Text, Images of Text    and Symbols Exception 3.**  Products may be labeled with symbols rather than    text.  These symbols are sometimes raised and uniquely tactilely discernible.  An    example is a portable computer with ports that are identifiable by shape and    tactile markings.  Another example is a numeric keypad with a nib on the 5 key.

**704.3 Attributes and Contrast Ratio for Images of Text on  Hardware.**  When images of text are provided for product use on hardware  and they are the only visual means of conveying information, the images of text  shall conform to 704.3.1 and 704.3.2.

**Exception:**  Images of text for  secondary functions shall not be required to conform to 704.3.

**Advisory 704.3 Attributes and Contrast Ratio for Images    of Text on Hardware.**  This provision applies to print and embossed text as    well as electronic text that is not programmatically determinable.
**Advisory 704.3 Attributes and Contrast Ratio for Images    of Text on Hardware Exception.**  Keyboard keys frequently have secondary    and tertiary functions, such as the blue numbers on an embedded number pad of a    portable computer.  The markings for such infrequently used keys are less    prominent than the markings for primary functions in order to reduce visual    clutter and confusion.

**704.3.1 Text Attributes.**  Characters    in images of text shall be in a sans serif font.  Characters shall be 3/16 inch    (4.8 mm) high minimum, based on the uppercase letter “I”.
**704.3.2 Contrast Ratio for Images    of Text.**  Images of text shall have a contrast ratio of at least 3:1.
**Advisory 704.3.2      Contrast Ratio for Images of Text.**  This provision addresses background      contrast and reflectance contrast.
 Images of text      that rely on reflectance contrast use ambient light for discernability.
 Examples of ICT      products with images of text that feature background contrast include LCD      displays with a backlight, and devices with dark characters on a light      background.
 An example of a      passively illuminated display is a keyboard with legends that requires      reflectance contrast.

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##  Chapter 8:  Audio Output from Hardware 

- 801  General 
- 802  Interactive ICT Within Reach 
- 803  ICT Typically Held to the Ear 
- 804  ICT Not Typically Held to the Ear

###  801 General 

**801.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply where required by Chapter 1, or where referenced by a requirement in this  document.

**Advisory 801.1 Scope.**  The scope of this Chapter is    not limited to support for speech output.  It is broad and encompasses products    such as computers and portable media players that play music.  It also covers    other audio sounds, such as beeps that provide information about a product’s    operation.
 Interconnected VoIP telephones and interconnected VoIP    telephone-emulation software are addressed in 906.
 Installed or free-standing non-portable products with audio    output are required to conform to 702.

###  802  Interactive ICT Within Reach 

**802.1 General.**  ICT that provides audio output as a  function of its operation, when such output is necessary to inform, alert, or  transmit information or data, and is intended to be operated within reach of  the user, shall conform to 802 and 307.

**Advisory 802.1 General.** All the provisions of 802    are “interactive and within reach of the user”.  The ICT in this provision may    either normally be held to the ear or normally not held to the ear.
 Examples of Interactive ICT within reach, normally held to    the ear, which provides audio output include wireless and landline telephones.  
 Another example of ICT, within reach, not normally held to    the ear, which conforms to this provision, is a set of speakers attached to a    desktop personal computer, where the audio output is controlled through knobs    on the speakers, the keyboard, or by onscreen software.
 A public address system is an example of a product that is    not covered by this provision because generally users cannot reach it or interact    with it.

**802.2 Products that Provide Audio Output.**  ICT shall  conform to 802.2.1, 802.2.2, 802.2.3, or 802.2.4.

**Advisory 802.2 Products that Provide Audio Output.**     Examples of products covered by this requirement include wireless and landline    telephones, computers, information transaction machines, kiosks, and some    museum exhibits. 
 This provision does not require the addition of handsets    where audio jacks are provided.  Nor does this provision require the addition    of audio jacks where handsets are provided.
 Users of hearing aids and cochlear implants may benefit by    using assistive technology to improve coupling for hearing enhancement.     Examples of such assistive technology include silhouette inductors and neck    loops.
 Adaptors may be used to conform to the requirements of this    provision.  
 Examples of hardware connections that have commonly    available adaptors include Bluetooth, RCA, USB, and RJ-9/RJ-10/RJ-11/4P4C.
 Such adaptors should not be intended for communal use.

**802.2.1 Conforming Handset.**  When ICT that is designed    for use in a public location does not require simultaneous use of a keyboard    and produces auditory output via an audio transducer typically held to the ear,    the audio transducer shall conform to 803. 
**802.2.2 Audio Jack.**  ICT designed for use in a    public location shall provide an industry standard non-proprietary 2.5 mm or    3.5 mm audio jack.
**802.2.3 Hardwire Adapter.**  ICT not designed for use    in a public location shall provide a hardwire adapter that converts the product’s    audio jack format to an industry standard non-proprietary 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm    audio jack.
**802.2.4 Wireless Adapter.**  ICT not designed for use    in a public location shall provide a wireless adapter that conforms to 802.2.4.1    through 802.2.4.3.
**802.2.4.1 Size and Battery Life.**  The wireless      adaptor shall have a similar size and battery life performance to the ICT for      which it is provided. 
**802.2.4.2 Without Assistance.**  The wireless adaptor      shall allow the user to pair the adapter to the product without assistance.
**802.2.4.3 Without Cable.**  The wireless adaptor shall      allow the user to pair the adapter to the product without requiring the user to      plug in a cable for each use.

**802.3 Adjustable Volume Control.**  ICT shall provide  a user-adjustable control for the audio output level through speakers and audio  jacks.

**Advisory 802.3 Adjustable Volume Control.**  This  provision applies to products typically held to the ear, and those that are not  typically held to the ear.  An example of ICT that is not typically held to the  ear for which this provision is applicable is a desktop speaker. 

**802.3.1 Speaker Audio.**  Audio output level provided    through speakers shall conform to 804.
**802.3.2 Audio Jacks.**  Audio output level through    jacks shall conform to 803.
**802.3.3 Software Controls.**  ICT with software    controls shall conform to requirements for accessible interfaces in Chapter 4    (Platforms, Applications, and Interactive Content).
**Advisory 802.3.3    Software Controls.**  An example of a software control is a program that    allows users to customize hotkeys to preset preferred volume settings.
**802.3.4 Hardware Controls.**  ICT with hardware    controls shall conform to 307.  The controls shall be within the reach of the    user. 
**Advisory 802.3.4 Hardware Controls.**  The intent of      this provision is to ensure that the hardware control for volume is within the      reach of the user, in the part that a user has with them. 
 For corded products with audio transducers typically held      to the ear, the volume control does not have to be built into the ear-level      component of the product (e.g., handset) when a control for volume adjustment      is provided within reach through another component of the complete system, such      as the base unit of a telephone.
 Examples of hardware volume controls are wheels, slides,      and push buttons.

**802.3.4.1 Wireless Handset Controls.**  Wireless      products shall provide volume control in a handset.
**Advisory 802.3.4.1        Wireless Handset Controls.**  Examples of wireless ICT products are mobile        and cordless telephones.
 Cordless        telephones would not be conformant with this provision if the volume control        was placed only in the phone base because it is not in the handset and might        not be close to the user.

###  803 ICT Typically Held to the Ear 

**803.1 General.**  ICT with audio output that is  typically held to the ear shall conform to 803.

**803.2 Volume Gain.**  ICT with audio output typically  held to the ear shall conform to 803.2.1 or 803.2.2.

**Advisory 803.2 Volume Gain.**  This provision covers    ICT with an audio transducer held to the ear, which has two way voice    communication, such as telecommunications products, and ICT typically held to    the ear with one way audio output, such as kiosks with handsets.
 Examples of ICT with an audio transducer typically held to    the ear that are capable of two way voice communication are telecommunications    products such as mobile cell phones and landline cordless and corded phones.     Headsets with self-contained volume controls are another example of ICT that is    required to conform to this provision.
 This provision also covers products with audio-only    functionality that do not support two-way voice communication.  Examples of    products typically held to the ear with audio-only output are information    kiosks and museum exhibits with handsets.
 The baseline volume in telecommunications products is called    the normal unamplified level.  It is specified in industry standards    ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 (for analog telephones) and ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991 (for    digital telephones).
 Guidance on how to apply FCC regulation 47 CFR 68.317 to    test methods for measuring received acoustic loudness specified in current    standards, including measurement procedures for analog, digital, and VoIP    telephones, is provided by clause 15.2 of TIA TSB-31-C, Telecommunications —    Telephone Terminal Equipment — Rationale and Measurement Guidelines for U.S.    Network Protection.

**803.2.1 ICT with Two Way Voice Communication.**  ICT  with two way voice communication shall provide a volume gain that is adjustable  to a minimum of 18 dB over baseline volume.  The baseline volume shall conform  to ANSI/EIA-470-A-1987 (for analog telephones) and ANSI/EIA/TIA-571-1991 (for  digital telephones) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and  Guidelines” in 508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1).

**803.2.2 ICT with One Way Audio Output.**  ICT with one  way audio output shall provide a volume gain that is adjustable to a minimum of  18 dB over baseline volume.

**803.3 Incremental Volume Control.**  When ICT with  two way voice communication provides incremental volume control, at least one  intermediate step of 12 dB, or a series of  incremental steps totaling 12 dB, shall be provided.

**Advisory 803.3 Incremental Volume Control.**  Some  telephones increase amplification in steps through the push of a button.  For  these telephones, this provision requires an intermediate step at the 12 dB  level, rather than providing only two steps, default, and 18 dB.

**803.4 Automatic Reset.**  When ICT allows users to  adjust the volume to a level greater than 18 dB above baseline, it shall  automatically reset the volume to a level not greater than 18 dB above baseline  after every use.

**Exception:**  ICT with audio output  that is typically held to the ear shall not be required to conform to 803.4 if  it also provides a manual override control that prevents the automatic reset  and that conforms to the following requirements: 

-  The volume reset override switch shall be labeled as    such and located on the ICT in such a way as not to be accessible to accidental    engagement; 
-  A bright indicator light shall be prominently    displayed on the front of the ICT and shall light up when the override is    engaged and the ICT is placed in an off-hook condition; 
-  A warning shall be placed next to the light indicating    that the amplification is at a high level; 
-  A caution on the use of the volume reset override    switch shall be included in the users’ manual; and 
-  The ICT shall include a warning printed in braille    that can be securely attached to the back of the handset, or, if the ICT has    only a headset, above the dial buttons, to indicate that a high volume setting    may be engaged. 

**Advisory 803.4 Automatic Reset Exception.**  A  discussion of how to apply the exception is found in Federal Communications  Commission Memorandum Opinion and Order DA 01-578, in the matter of Tandy  Corporation, NSD-L-00-17; Walker Equipment Company, NSD-L-00-22; Ameriphone,  Inc., NSD-L-00-63; and Ultratec, Inc., NSD-L-00-193, regarding requests for  waiver of volume control reset, 47 C.F.R. 68.317(f), March 5, 2001.

**803.5 Magnetic Coupling.**  ICT that is covered by this section shall provide a means for  magnetic coupling to hearing technologies.

**Advisory 803.5 Magnetic Coupling.**  Examples of ICT    that are typically held to the ear are handsets of wireless and landline    telephones.  This provision also applies to handsets on kiosks used only for    listening.
 In addition, this provision applies to headsets,    headphones, and other products with audio transducers that may rest on or in    the ear.  Further, this provision applies to small ear buds with audio    transducers which can magnetically couple with some hearing aids.
 802.3.2 Audio jacks references 803 for audio jacks.  An    example of assistive technology that plugs into an audio jack and that provides    a means for magnetic coupling is a neck loop.
 The term “hearing technologies” refers to hearing aids and    cochlear implants.  Newer model cochlear implants are ear-level, similar in    position to over-the-ear hearing aids.  Both types of technologies may contain    telecoils that enable coupling with products held up to the ear.

**803.6 Minimize Interference.**  ICT that supports  two-way voice communication shall reduce generated interference to the lowest  possible level that allows users of hearing technologies to utilize the  products.  ICT in the form of cellular and Personal Communication Service (PCS)  handsets shall conform to American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C  63.19-2007 (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and  Guidelines” in 508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1).  ICT in the form of digital  wireline cordless devices shall conform to TIA-1083, Telephone Terminal  Equipment Handset Magnetic Measurement Procedures and Performance Requirements  (2007) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and Guidelines” in  508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1).

**Advisory 803.6 Minimize Interference.**  This    requirement is met by conforming to the applicable standards for interference    levels.  Applicable standards are:
-  American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C      63.19-2007 – for cellular and PCS handsets: M3 or M4 and T3 or T4 measurement rating. 
-  TIA-1083, (2007) Telephone Terminal Equipment Handset      Magnetic Measurement Procedures and Performance Requirements - for digital      wireline cordless devices. 

###  804  ICT Not Typically Held to the Ear 

**804.1 General.**  ICT with audio output that is not typically  held to the ear shall conform to 804.

**804.2 Volume Gain.**  ICT shall provide volume gain that  is adjustable to a minimum of 15 dB above baseline and that has less than 12 dB  symmetrical clipping at all volume levels.

**Advisory 804.2 Volume Gain.**  Examples of ICT with    audio output that is not typically held to the ear are speakerphones,    information kiosks, and information transaction machines.
 Accessibility for ICT that is designed for communal use and    placement in public areas with high ambient noise levels may require higher    levels of volume gain than with products that are not intended for such use.  A    best practice is to for ICT to adjust volume automatically to compensate for    background noise.

**804.3 Incremental Volume Control.**  When ICT  provides incremental volume control, at least one intermediate step of 15 dB, or a series of incremental steps totaling 15 dB, shall be provided.

**804.4 Automatic Reset.**  When ICT allows users to  adjust the volume to a level greater than 15 dB above baseline, it shall  automatically reset the volume to a level not greater than 15 dB above baseline  after every use.

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##  Chapter 9:  Conversation Functionality and Controls 

- 901  General 
- 902  Real-Time Text Functionality 
- 903  Voice Mail, Messaging, Auto-Attendant, Conferencing, and Interactive Voice  Response 
- 904  Information About Call Status and Functions 
- 905  Video Communication Support 
- 906  Audio Clarity for Interconnected VoIP 
- 907  Alternate Alerting for VoIP Telephone Systems 

###  901 General 

**901.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter shall  apply where required by Chapter 1, or where referenced by a requirement in this  document. 

**Advisory 901.1 Scope.**  This chapter covers ICT  features that support a real time telecommunications conversation, whether it  is in an audio, text, or video format.  Much of the chapter discusses conversation  functionality apart from audio, which is covered in Chapter 8 (Audio Output  from Hardware). 

###  902 Real-Time Text Functionality 

**902.1 General.**  ICT that provides real-time voice conversation  functionality shall support real-time text (RTT) functionality and shall  conform to 902.

**902.2 Real-Time Text Interoperability.**  ICT shall  provide at least one system for RTT communication that conforms to 902.4.

**902.3 Real-Time Text Reliability.**  ICT shall  provide at least one system for RTT communication that conforms to 902.3.1  through 902.3.5.

**Advisory 902.3 Real-Time Text Reliability.**  This    provision covers hardware and software products for voice communication and video    communication.
 A best practice is for voice terminal hardware and software    to minimize interference in order to maximize intelligibility of speech.

**902.3.1 Standard RTT Format.**  The RTT format shall    be a standard RTT format for the voice platform that is supported by all    terminals, routers, gateways, and other products on that platform.
**902.3.2 RTT Transmission Delay.**  The RTT system    shall transmit characters with less than 1 second delay from entry when entered    at 5 characters per second (cps) or less.
**902.3.3 RTT System Error Rate.**  The RTT system shall    transmit text with less than 1% total character error rate at the peak network    traffic specified for intelligible speech transmission.
**Advisory    902.3.3 RTT System Error Rate.**  This intent of this provision is to ensure    that when the network is at its highest traffic level, text transmission, and    video communication will be reliable.
**902.3.3.1 Equitable Support for RTT and Video      Communication.**  At peak network traffic specified for intelligible speech      transmission, the RTT system shall function on the network whenever speech      communication and video communication are supported.

**902.3.4 RTT System Speech and Text Support.**  The RTT    system, together with the audio system, shall support speech and text in both    directions in the same call session.
**902.3.4.1 Simultaneous Speech and Text.**  When the      call system is Internet Protocol (IP) based, the RTT system, together with the      audio system, shall support speech and text simultaneously in both directions.

**902.3.5 No Audio Tone Use.**  The RTT system shall not    use audio tones for transmission of RTT over IP.

**902.4 Interoperability with Outside Systems.**  When  ICT interoperates outside of its closed system, or when ICT connects to other  systems, ICT shall conform to 902.4.1 through 902.4.3.

**902.4.1 PSTN.**  When ICT interoperates with the    Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), RTT shall use the TIA 825A Baudot    standard for TTY signals at the PSTN interface.  RTT in this instance shall conform    to TIA 825-A (2003) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and    Guidelines” in 255 Chapter 1 and 508 Chapter 1).
**902.4.2 VoIP Using SIP.**  When ICT interoperates with    Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) products or systems using Session    Initiation Protocol (SIP), they shall support transmission of RTT that conforms    to a commonly used cross-manufacturer non-proprietary standard.
**Advisory    902.4.2 VoIP Using SIP.**  Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is a signaling    protocol for Internet conferencing, telephony, presence, events notification,    and instant messaging. 
**902.4.3 Other Call Control System.**  When ICT    interoperates with other VoIP products or systems using a specific call control    system other than SIP, RTT shall use a standard RTT protocol that conforms to    902.4.
**Advisory      902.4.3 Other Call Control System.**  All products may support and use other      protocols in addition to those specified in 902.4, as long as they meet 902.4.
 For the purposes      of this section, a platform may be a public telecommunication platform like an      Instant Messaging Service (IMS).  It also may be a proprietary      telecommunication platform such as a proprietary VoIP system installed in agencies      for use over the Internet (and which may or may not be connected to the public      telecommunication system).

**902.5 RTT Error Rate in Pass-through Products.**   Firewalls, routers, gateways and other products that pass real-time voice  communication shall also pass real-time text communication signals, including  mixed voice and real-time text, without distortion or error beyond 1 percent.

**Advisory 902.5 RTT Error Rate in Pass-through Products.**   Transmitted mistakes in text may be due either to inaccuracy of information  entered by users or to errors caused by RTT pass-through technology.  This  provision refers to errors caused by the technology, not by the person.

**902.6 Real-Time Text in Voice Terminal Hardware and  Software.**  Terminal hardware or software that is capable of providing  voice communication in real-time shall conform to 902.6.1 or 902.6.2.

**Advisory 902.6 Real-Time Text in Voice Terminal  Hardware and Software.**  The term “terminal” is industry standard vernacular  for what end users commonly would refer to as a “telephone”.

**902.6.1 RTT over IP.**  Terminals that provide voice    conversation over Internet Protocol (IP) in any form shall conform to 902.6.1.1    and 902.6.1.2.
**902.6.1.1 RTT Capability.**  Terminals having RTT send      or receive capability shall conform to 902.6.1.1.1 and 902.6.1.1.2.
**902.6.1.1.1 Display of RTT.**  Terminals having a user        interface with a multi-line display, or a user interface that runs on devices        that have a multi-line display, shall display any RTT that is received in the        format for the voice and RTT system being used on the network on which it is        installed.
**902.6.1.1.2 Text Generation.**  Terminals having text generation        capability shall allow users to send RTT in the format for the voice and RTT system        being used on the network on which it is installed.

**902.6.1.2 Connection of Alternate Device.**  Terminals      having neither RTT send or receive capability shall support the addition of      terminals and equipment attached to the terminal that supports RTT functionality      in conjunction with the voice call functionality.

**902.6.2 TTY Compatibility.**  Terminals that provide    voice conversation which are analog or time-division multiplexing (TDM) digital    wired terminals shall conform to 902.6.2.1 and 902.6.2.2.
**Advisory    902.6.2 TTY Compatibility.**  These requirements ensure compatibility of    telephones with TTYs.  Time-division multiplexing (TDM) is a type of digital or    (rarely) analog multiplexing in which two or more signals or bit streams are    transferred apparently simultaneously as sub-channels in one communication    channel, but are physically taking turns on the channel.
**902.6.2.1 TTY Connection.**  Terminals shall support      the connection of a TTY via an RJ-11 jack.
**902.6.2.2 Simultaneous or Combination of Speech and Text.**       Terminals covered by this requirement shall conform to 902.6.2.2.1 or 902.6.2.2.2.
**Advisory 902.6.2.2        Simultaneous or Combination of Speech and Text.**  This provision supports        the use of both text and speech in conversations by people with hearing or speech        disabilities.
 Older        technologies required each person on the call to take turns communicating        throughout the conversation.  Advances in technology enable users with the        specialized technology to converse simultaneously.  These conversations may        occur directly between two parties or through use of a telecommunications relay        service.  This service uses operators, called Communications Assistants, to        facilitate telephone calls between people with hearing or speech disabilities        and other individuals.
 A person who is        deaf or hard of hearing with good speech may use a technique called “voice        carry over” (VCO) to talk and utilize a text terminal, such as a TTY, to read        the response of the other party.  Similarly, a person with a speech disability        may use a text terminal, such as a TTY, to send their communication while using        a telephone to listen to a response from the other party via “hearing carry        over” (HCO).

**902.6.2.2.1 Simultaneous Speech and Text.**  Terminals        covered by this requirement shall be capable of simultaneous speech and text        conversation.
**902.6.2.2.2 Microphone Control.**  Terminals shall        provide a microphone that users are able to turn on and off to permit users to converse        through any combination of speaking, listening, typing, or reading.

###  903 Voice Mail, Messaging, Auto-Attendant,  Conferencing, and Interactive Voice Response 

**903.1 General.**  ICT that includes voice mail, messaging,  auto-attendant, conferencing, and interactive voice response (IVR) functions shall  conform to 903.

**Advisory 903.1 General.**  The provision covers  services that use voice recognition and traditional telecommunications  products.

**903.2 Comparable Functionality for RTT Users.**  All  functionality of ICT covered by this section which is available to voice users  shall also be directly available to users of RTT.

**Advisory 903.2 Comparable Functionality for RTT Users.**     The intent of this provision is to ensure that people who are deaf are provided    a comparable level of service to people who are hearing.  Historically,    services provided to real-time text users have not been available in a similar    quantity or quality as services provided to traditional phone users.
 A best practice is for RTT broadcast messages in IP systems    to be sent along with voice mail messages.  For analog systems, this is not    practical.  When products do not support dedicated TTY messaging, a best    practice is to offer TTY users an alternate method, such as email or website    postings, for accessing RTT broadcast information.
 This provision does not require automatic conversion    between voice and text.
 Calls made through telecommunications relay services are    not direct and do not satisfy this requirement.

**903.3 Message and Prompt Navigation.**  ICT covered by  this section shall provide controls that allow users to pause, skip, rewind,  slow down, and repeat all messages and prompts.

**Advisory 903.3 Message and Prompt Navigation.**  An    example of a prompt is an instruction to save or delete a voice mail message    after a user listens to the voice mail message.
 For providing features such as skip and slow down, the    specifications for the Digital Talking Book ANSI/NISO Z39.86-2002 standard can    be used as a reference.

**903.4 Audio Encoder Intelligibility.**  ICT covered by  this section shall use an audio encoder that complies with the ITU-T G.722  standard for encoding and storing audio information (1988) (incorporated by  reference, see “Referenced Standards and Guidelines” in 508 Chapter 1 and 255  Chapter 1). 

**Advisory 903.4 Audio Encoder Intelligibility.**  G.722  is an ITU standard coder-decoder program that provides 7 kHz wideband audio at  data rates from 48, 56, and 64 kbits/s.  This standard offers a significant  improvement in speech quality over earlier standards, and thus provides greater  accessibility to users. 

**903.5 No Background Sounds.**  ICT covered by this  section shall provide prompts that do not have any background sounds.

**Advisory 903.5 No Background Sounds.**  The purpose  of this provision is to maximize intelligibility of prompts for people with  hearing disabilities.

###  904 Information About Call Status and Functions 

**904.1 General.**  Information in an electronic format  provided by an interface of ICT that supports two-way conversation shall  conform to 904.

**Advisory 904.1 General.**  An example of information  in an electronic format provided by an interface of ICT that supports two-way  conversation is the display on a telephone.

**904.2 Call Status and Product Functions.**   Information provided about call status and related product functions shall  conform to Chapter 5 (Electronic Documents).

**Advisory 904.2 Call Status and Product Functions.**     Types of information provided about call status addressed by this requirement    include caller identification, messages waiting, duration of call in progress,    dialing directory, wireless signal strength, and battery power.
 Related product functions include search and set-up.
 Products can often meet this provision through redundancy.     An example of redundancy is using both a stutter tone and a blinking LED to    indicate the presence of a new message.
 A best practice is for telephone systems to send    information to a connected computer.  This practice promotes accessibility of    information because people can use their preferred assistive technology.  For    example, a person with low vision can use screen magnification to provide enlargement.

###  905 Video Communication Support 

**905.1 General.**  ICT that is used for video communication  in real-time between and among individuals shall support interoperability that  permits video communication between and among users of terminals from different  manufacturers and service providers, and shall conform  to 905.

**905.2 Audio Output and Input.**  ICT covered by 905.1  shall be equipped with a speaker or with an audio jack and a microphone capable  of being muted.

**Advisory 905.2 Audio Output and Input.**  The    purpose of this provision is to support simultaneous audio and visual    conversations.
 It should be possible to use products or systems in any    combination of speaking, listening, signing, or viewing.  An example is a person    who is deaf who prefers to speak when using video communication with a hearing    person who is signing.

**905.3 Video Communication Quality.**  ICT covered by  905.1 shall conform to 905.3.1 through 905.3.2.

**Advisory 905.3 Video Communication Quality.**  The purpose of this provision is to ensure that products    or systems that are used to transmit video conversations provide    sufficient quality and fluidity for real-time video conversation in which at    least one party is using a visual method of communication, such as sign    language.
 Communication products or    systems that are used to transmit video conversation can facilitate lip reading    and finger-spelling, as well as support sign language conversation.
 The separate requirements for    speed, data stream, and latency are needed to provide sufficient quality and    fluency that will support real time video communication where one or more    parties are using sign language or taking in the picture. 

**905.3.1 Video Communication Data    Processing.  ICT supported by 905.1    shall conform to 905.3.1.1 through 905.3.1.3.**
**905.3.1.1 Speed.**       ICT covered by 905.1 shall support a speed of 30 frames per second (FPS).
**905.3.1.2 Data Stream.**  ICT      covered by 905.1 shall be capable of sustaining a full-duplex synchronous data      stream of 256 kbps simultaneously and symmetrically for both inbound and      outbound data. 
**Advisory 905.3.1.2 Data Stream.**  Sign language        requires continuous and smooth video connection to support communication        because sign language includes hand movements and facial expressions that are        visually nuanced.
 Data connections that are established at a rate lower than 256        kbps often result in missing or stuttering images or freeze frames.  This        result impedes the utility of the video for individuals using sign language        communication.

**905.3.1.3 Latency.**  ICT      covered by 905.1 shall have a latency of less than 400 milliseconds.

**905.3.2 Video Display Quality.**     ICT covered by 905.1 shall conform to either 905.3.2.1 and 905.3.2.2, or    905.3.2.3. 
**905.3.2.1 Display Screen      Resolution.** ICT covered by 905.1 shall support a display with a minimum      resolution equal to Common Intermediate Format (CIF) resolution (352 x 288      pixels) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and Guidelines”      in 508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1).  
**905.3.2.2 Display Connectors.**       ICT covered by 905.1 shall have standard connectors conformant with 703, and      the connectors shall be capable of supporting a device with a resolution of 640      x 480 pixels. 
**905.3.2.3 Alternative Video      Display.**  Where ICT covered by 905.1 does not conform to 905.3.2.1 and      905.3.2.2, then an alternate video display screen shall be provided and it      shall conform to 905.3.2.3.1 through 905.3.2.3.3. 
**905.3.2.3.1 Alternate        Display Screen.**  When an alternate        display screen is provided, at least one model shall have at least a 15 inch        screen with video output in an industry standard non-proprietary        format supporting a minimum color display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels.
**Advisory 905.3.2.3.1 Alternate Display Screen.**         Examples of industry standard non-proprietary formats for video output include        National Television System Committee (NTSC), VGA, and DVI. 
**905.3.2.3.2 Alternate Display        Connectors.**  An alternate display screen provided under this section shall        have standard connectors conformant with 703.
**905.3.2.3.3 Common Technologies.**         An alternate display screen provided under this section shall be supported by        the same technology as the primary product. 
**Advisory 905.3.2.3.3 Common Technologies.**  Products that provide conversation functionality        use a variety of communications technologies and infrastructure.  Where an        alternative display screen is provided as a means to meet this requirement, the        alternative must be supported by technologies similar to the primary product        and must be readily available and supported in the same market.  For example, a        PAL (Phase encoding line — a type of television encoding system) compliant        alternative product would not meet this requirement where the primary device is        sold in the U.S., even though the same 3G frequencies are (infrastructure) used        in other PAL markets, since the U.S. uses the NTSC standard, not PAL. 

**905.4 Non-Auditory Alerting System.**  ICT shall  provide a non-auditory alerting system for incoming video communications that  conforms to either 905.4.1 or 905.4.2.

**905.4.1 Built-in.**  ICT shall include a built-in non-auditory    alerting system.
**905.4.2 External Compatibility.**  ICT shall provide    compatibility with an external non-auditory alerting system.

**905.5 Visual Indicator of Camera Status.**  ICT shall  provide a visual indication of whether the camera is on or off.

**Advisory 905.5 Visual Indicator of Camera Status.**   This requirement supports 302 because security policy may not permit use of  video communication products or systems unless the on/off status of the camera  can be visually determined.

**905.6 User Controls.**  When ICT provides user  controls, privacy features that include audio and video on and off shall be  provided.

**905.6.1 Location.**  User controls for video on and    off shall be provided in the same location as user controls for audio on and    off.

###  906 Audio Clarity for  Interconnected VoIP 

**906.1 General.**  ICT that is interconnected VoIP  telephones and interconnected VoIP telephone-emulation software shall conform  to 906.

**Advisory 906.1 General.**  The intent of this provision  is to ensure audio clarity for VoIP calls.

**906.2 ITU Standard G.722.**  ICT shall transmit and  receive speech that is digitally encoded in the manner specified by International  Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standard G.722 for encoding and storing audio  information (1988) (incorporated by reference, see “Referenced Standards and  Guidelines” in 508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1).

**Exception:**  Where ICT  is a closed system, standards other than ITU Standard G.722 may be used, so  long as equivalent or better acoustic performance is provided, and if  conversion to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Standard G.722 at the  borders of the closed system is supported.

**Advisory  906.2 ITU Standard G.722 Exception.**  An example of a closed system is a  telephone network system on a Federal site that enables calls to be placed  between buildings and departments within that site, but is not used to receive  or make calls outside of that site system.

###  907 Alternate Alerting for VoIP Telephone Systems 

**907.1 General.**  ICT that is interconnected VoIP telephone  systems, interconnected VoIP terminal adapters, or software for interconnected  VoIP telephone systems shall conform to 907.

**907.2 Alternate Alerting System.**  For incoming communications,  ICT shall provide an alternate alerting system conforming to either 907.2.1 or 907.2.2.

**Advisory 907.2 Alternate Alerting System.**  The    intent of this provision is to provide people who are deaf and hard of hearing    with accessible alerting systems for incoming communications.
 An alternate alerting system can be visual, tactile, or    loud audible.

**907.2.1 Built-in.**  ICT shall include a built-in alternate    alerting system.
**Advisory 907.2.1    Built-in.**  Small built-in light emitting diodes (LEDs) are insufficient to    alert people with hearing disabilities to incoming calls if the person is not    looking directly at the device.  Large visual alerts combined with loud audible    alerts are more effective. 
**907.2.2 External Compatibility.**  ICT shall provide a    mode of operation that electronically signals an external alternate alerting    system.
**Advisory 907.2.2      External Compatibility.**  Examples of external alerting devices include:  loud      ringers, light flashers, and vibrating devices.
 An external      alternate alerting system which features a microphone that is placed near a      sound source, such as a telephone, does not conform to 907.2.2 because the ICT      does not provide a mode of operation that electronically signals the alternate      alerting device.

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##  Chapter 10:  ICT Support Documentation and ICT Support Services 

- 1001 General 
- 1002 ICT Support Documentation 
- 1003 ICT Support Services 

###  1001 General 

**1001.1 Scope.**  The provisions of this chapter apply  to ICT support documentation and ICT support services and shall apply where  required by Chapter 1, or where referenced by a requirement in this document.

###  1002 ICT Support Documentation 

**1002.1 General.**  ICT support documentation, where  provided, that supports ICT use shall conform to 1002.

**Advisory 1002.1 General.**  Examples of ICT support    documentation include, but are not limited to installation guides, user guides,    and manuals that may come with software applications.
 ICT support documentation also includes documentation    provided to end-users, developers, and administrators.
 The documentation covered by this section includes information    about general features and accessibility features of products.
 ICT support documentation may take the form of stand-alone    documents or be integrated into products in the form of on-line or    context-sensitive help.

**1002.2 Accessibility Documentation.**  Documentation covered  by this section provided to users shall conform to 1002.2.1 through 1002.2.4.

**1002.2.1 Built-in Accessibility Features.**     Documentation shall include descriptions of the built-in accessibility features    of a product.
**1002.2.2 Features that Support Accessibility.**  Documentation    shall include descriptions of features that support accessibility, including the    capability to change settings, and compatibility with assistive technology.
**Advisory      1002.2.2 Features that Support Accessibility.** Accessibility documentation      ensures that information about ICT accessibility features, and features that      support accessibility, is available to people with disabilities.  It is      important that comprehensive product information be available to users with      disabilities because installation and configuration can often impact      accessibility of ICT.
 There      also may be features of a product which are useful for accessibility, even      though they may not be identified by the manufacturer as accessibility      features.  Descriptions of these features are required to be included in the accessibility      documentation.

**1002.2.3 Explanation of System Configuration to Support    Accessibility.** When ICT components are designed to be part of an    integrated system, documentation shall explain how to configure the system to    support accessibility.
**Advisory 1002.2.3    Explanation of System Configuration to Support Accessibility.**  An example    of an integrated system is a DVD player and multimedia projector.  To conform    to 1002.2.3, the ICT support documentation is required to explain how to    configure the DVD player and multimedia projector to support the display of    closed captions.
**1002.2.4 Keyboard Operation.**  Documentation shall    provide information about operation of all features that can be accessed from the    keyboard, including available keyboard commands and keyboard navigation.
**Advisory 1002.2.4      Keyboard Operation.**  Keyboard control of features is important to users of      assistive technology.  Voice recognition, screen readers, and alternative      keyboards all rely upon keyboard control of features for accessible and      efficient operation.
 Keyboard navigation      includes support for the following:  cursor keys (up, down, left and right      arrows), tab and shift-tab (to cycle through fields), enter or spacebar (to      select or activate), hot keys, macros, and other keyboard acceleration      mechanisms.

**1002.3 Alternate Formats.**  Documentation shall be  available in alternate formats upon request.

**Advisory 1002.3 Alternate Formats.**  Manufacturers    of telecommunications products are required to provide alternate formats upon    request, at no additional charge.  See C104.3.2.1.
 Examples of alternate formats of product support    documentation include braille, large print, audio, and electronic documents.

**1002.3.1 Electronic Documents.**  Alternate formats    provided as electronic documents shall conform to Chapter 5 (Electronic    Documents) and Chapter 4 (Platforms, Applications, and Interactive Content) as    appropriate.
**Advisory 1002.3.1      Electronic Documents.**  A best practice is to use electronic documents for      alternate formats because they are convertible and can be used to generate a      hard copy.  Examples of alternate formats in hard copy include braille and      large print customized with the specific font size and font style requested by      an end-user.
 Electronic documents      also can be used with assistive technologies.  Examples of assistive      technologies that might be used for reading electronic documents include screen      readers, refreshable braille displays, and screen magnification software.
 Electronic      documents have an advantage over hard copy documents because they can have      interactive features.  Examples of interactive features include table of      contents, index, and search functions.  Assistive technology is compatible with      these interactive features.
 Electronic      documents provided as alternate formats may be stored and distributed in a      variety of media.  Examples of these media include flash drives, CDs, and web      sites.
 Examples of file      formats for electronic documents provided as alternate formats include HTML,      RTF, word-processed documents, and properly tagged PDFs.

###  1003 ICT Support Services 

**1003.1 General.**  When provided, ICT support  services shall conform to 1003.

**1003.2 Help Desk, Technical Support Services, and  Training.**  Help desk, technical support services, and training shall  conform to either 1003.2.1 or 1003.2.2.

**Advisory 1003.2 Help Desk, Technical Support Services,    and Training.**  A best practice is for information provided by help desk,    technical support services, and training to take into account assistive    technology commonly used with products.
 Another best practice is for technical support services to    develop or implement training programs about the following topics:     accessibility requirements of individuals with disabilities; methods of    communication used by people with disabilities; assistive technology commonly    used with ICT products; designing for accessibility; solutions for    accessibility and compatibility of ICT with assistive technology, the use of    people-first language, and sensitivity training concerning disability issues.

**1003.2.1 Direct.**  Where provided, help desk,    technical support services, and training shall provide information on ICT    accessibility features directly to the end user.
**1003.2.2 Referral.**  Help desk and technical support    services shall provide information on ICT accessibility features through a    referral to a point of contact and a contact method.
**Advisory 1003.2.2    Referral.**  The Federal Communications Commission maintains a list of    contact information for telecommunications service providers and manufacturers    of telecommunications products.

**1003.3 Alternate Methods of Communication.**  Help  desk and technical support services shall provide alternate methods of  communication.

**Advisory 1003.3 Alternate Methods of Communication.**     Manufacturers of telecommunications products are required to accommodate the    communication needs of users with disabilities.  This accommodation shall be    available at no additional charge to users with disabilities.  See C104.3.1.
 Help desk and technical support services include but are    not limited to:  agency help desks, support services outsourced by agencies,    and help line assistance provided by product manufacturers and vendors.
 Alternate methods of communication include both in-person    and remote communication.  Examples include sign language interpreters,    assistive listening systems, TTYs, real-time captioning, and telecommunications    relay services, such as TTY, speech-to-speech, or video relay services.
 A best practice is for help desk and technical support    services to use a variety of communication technologies.  This is because people    with disabilities use a variety of communication technologies in addition to    using alternate methods of communication.  Examples of such communication    technologies include Internet posting (such as message boards and website    blogs), cellular telephones, two-way radios, e-mail, fax, postal mail, texting,    and instant messaging.

**1003.4 Materials Provided by ICT Support Services.**   When help desk and technical support services provide documentation, materials  shall conform to 1002.

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##  Amendments to the ADA Accessibility Guidelines 

-  220  Automatic Teller Machines, Fare Machines, and Self-Service Machines 

###  220 Automatic Teller Machines, Fare Machines, and Self-Service Machines 

**220.1 Automatic Teller Machines and Fare  Machines.**  Where  automatic teller machines or self-service fare vending, collection, or  adjustment machines are provided, at least one of each type provided at each  location shall comply with 707.  Where bins are provided for envelopes,  waste paper, or other purposes, at least one of each type shall comply with  811. 

**Advisory 220.1 Automatic Teller  Machines and Fare Machines.**  If a bank provides  both interior and exterior ATMs, each such installation is considered a  separate location.  Accessible ATMs, including those with speech and those  that are within reach of people who use wheelchairs, must provide all the  functions provided to customers at that location at all times.  For  example, it is unacceptable for the accessible ATM only to provide cash  withdrawals while inaccessible ATMs also sell theater tickets.

**220.2 Self-Service Machines.**  Where self-service machines, other than automatic teller machines and  fare machines covered by 220.1, meet the definition of information  and communication technology in 36 CFR Part 1194 and they are used for ticketing,  check-in or check-out, seat selection, boarding passes, or ordering food in  restaurants and cafeterias, at least one of each type provided at  each location shall comply with the provisions in 36 CFR Part 1194, Chapters  3-9.

**Exceptions:  1.**  Self-service machines shall not be required to  comply with the following sections in 36 CFR Part 1194: 302; 409-412;  503.1-503.3; 506; 508; 703; 802.2.3; and 802.2.4. 

**2.**  Self-service  machines which are located at drive-up only locations shall not be required to  comply with section 702 in 36 CFR Part 1194.

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