They provide technical criteria specific to various types of technologies and performance-based requirements, which focus on the functional capabilities of covered technologies. Also covered is compatibility with adaptive equipment people with disabilities commonly use for information and communication access. In September 1998, the Board created an advisory committee to make recommendations on the standards to be developed. The Electronic and Information Technology Access Advisory Committee contained 27 members representing industry, various disability organizations, and other groups with an interest in the issues to be addressed. The advisory committee unveiled its recommendations in the form of a final report it submitted to the Board in May 1999.
Access is addressed for people with physical, sensory, and cognitive disabilities.
The recommendations establish criteria that would allow people with disabilities to locate, identify, and operate all of the input, control and mechanical functions, and to access available information. The proposed standards were available for public comment for 60 days through publication in the Federal Register . The Board sought information and comment on various issues through questions it posed in a discussion provided in the proposed rule. Over 100 individuals and organizations submitted comments on the standards. Comments were submitted by Federal agencies, representatives of the information technology industry, disability groups, and persons with disabilities.