Voluntary Product Accessibility Template

Voluntary Product Accessibility Template
Date: November 6, 2013
Name of Product: Windows Server 2012 R2
Contact for more information: http://www.microsoft.com/enable
Summary Table
Criteria
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Supporting Feature
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Remarks and Explanations
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Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems - Detail
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Windows Server 2012 R2 includes multiple improvements in the assistive technology and accessibility feature. The on-screen keyboard and Magnifier have been extensively updated and the Windows Automation Application Programming Interface (API), has been updated to facilitate assistive technology and information technology interoperability. The Windows Automation API includes improved performance and features of User Interface (UI) Automation, increased interoperability between the Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA), and support for W3C Accessible Rich Internet Applications Specification (ARIA). Please refer to the Microsoft Developer Network Windows Automation API: Overview for additional information.
Windows Server 2012 R2 follows standard conventions for keyboard navigation. For instances where the keyboard interface is not intuitive (for example, by using the Tab, Enter, Escape keys or the arrow keys), the keyboard interface is documented in the online help.
Minor exceptions in individual features are noted in the main VPAT.
Additional Windows accessibility features information can be found on the Windows 8 accessibility site.
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Section 1194.22 Web-based Internet information and applications – Detail
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Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is not considered a web-based internet information and applications product.
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Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products – Detail
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Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is not considered a telecommunications product
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Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products – Detail
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Microsoft Server 2012 R2 Edition does not use multimedia except as covered in section 1194.21.
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Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products – Detail
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Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is not a self-contained product
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Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers – Detail
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Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2 is software as defined under section 1194.21.
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Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria – Detail
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Windows Server 2012 R2 provides numerous features for improving the visibility of user interfaces, such as a built-in magnifier, several high-contrast modes, different themes, several high-DPI (dots per inch) modes, various screen resolutions (if supported by the hardware), and additional features from the Ease of Access center for changing the size of the cursor, changing the thickness of the focus rectangle, and others.
The Windows Server 2012 R2 Magnifier application now supports two new modes of operation – full-screen and lens mode – as well as color inverting and many new features which improve and facilitate the user experience. It should be noted that an Aero-capable machine is needed for full-screen mode. Please refer to the Windows 7 Magnifier site for additional information.
The high-DPI mode specifically has been significantly improved – the feature is easier to discover and understand, switching between different modes now does not require a machine reboot, and the high-DPI modes can now be configured per user.
The on-screen keyboard in Windows Server 2008 R2 includes some significant improvements such as the addition of text prediction in the following languages – English (UK and US), French, Italian, German, and Spanish – a resizable keyboard, improved user experience for hover and scan modes, and the ability to restore an accidentally minimized on-screen keyboard. Please refer to the Windows 7 on-screen keyboard site for additional information.
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Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support – Detail
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Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems - Detail
Criteria
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Supporting Feature
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Remarks and Explanations
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(a) When software is designed to run on a system that has a keyboard, product functions shall be executable from a keyboard where the function itself or the result of performing a function can be discerned textually.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 follows standard conventions for navigating around the user interface from the keyboard. For instances where the keyboard interface is not intuitive (for example, by using the Tab, Enter, or Escape key or the arrow keys), the keyboard interface is documented in the online help.
Users can adjust the way Windows responds to mouse or keyboard input so that key combinations are easier to press, typing is easier, and inadvertent key presses are ignored. For more information, see Make the keyboard easier to use.
Please note the following minor exceptions:
As in previous versions of the Windows operating system, drawing on the canvas of the Paint program is not possible through keyboard-only navigation.
In Explorer windows, the user can use the System menu (ALT+SPACEBAR) to resize the window. However, there is no keyboard method to resize individual panes (such as the navigation pane or the preview pane) or columns.
Certain applications using the list view control do not expose a keyboard-only navigation mechanism for the user to change the sort-order or sort-by-column of the list view.
The XPS viewer does not expose a mechanism for the user to activate a hyperlink through keyboard-only navigation. The hyperlink information is exposed programmatically to assistive technologies.
Some expandable buttons in Credentials Manager and Action Center do not expose consistently the state, thus requiring the user to determine whether they are expanded or collapsed from the context.
The icons on the Superbar cannot be arranged through keyboard-only navigation unless the user closes all applications and restarts them in the desired order.
When an FTP protocol is used in Windows Explorer to access files, the FTP Protocol dialog for changing Read/Write/Execute properties does not specify individual names for the checkboxes, making it difficult for a user to determine which checkbox has currently the focus.
The Windows Update notification popup cannot be operated through keyboard-only navigation. This information is available in the primary UI for updates.
In Active Directory Administrative Center, list items do not get keyboard focus when navigating using the keyboard through the Tab key. To bring keyboard focus on the list items, the user needs to bring focus to the list column header, and then use the down arrow key.
The Color Selection control in Paint Ribbon does not support keyboard navigation, and does not expose programmatically its state or selected color. The Paint application provides additional user interfaces (buttons in Paint’s ribbon) which allow the user to change the color through keyboard navigation.
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(b) Applications shall not disrupt or disable activated features of other products that are identified as accessibility features, where those features are developed and documented according to industry standards. Applications also shall not disrupt or disable activated features of any operating system that are identified as accessibility features where the application programming interface for those accessibility features has been documented by the manufacturer of the operating system and is available to the product developer.
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There are no known instances of Windows Server 2012 R2 applications or individual features that disable or disrupt the operation of the Windows accessibility features.
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(c) A well-defined on-screen indication of the current focus shall be provided that moves among interactive interface elements as the input focus changes. The focus shall be programmatically exposed so that Assistive Technology can track focus and focus changes.
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Programmatic and visual focus can be determined in all themes and color schemes. For improved visual appearance, the Ease of Access Center allows the user to increase the thickness of the focus rectangle and the cursor. The built-in magnifier provides the capabilities to track the location of the currently focused item.
Please note the following minor exception:
When an FTP protocol is used in Windows Explorer to access files, the FTP Protocol dialog for changing Read/Write/Execute properties does not specify individual names for the checkboxes, making it difficult for a user to determine which checkbox has currently the focus.
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(d) Sufficient information about a user interface element including the identity, operation and state of the element shall be available to Assistive Technology. When an image represents a program element, the information conveyed by the image must also be available in text.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 includes multiple improvements in the Windows Automation Application Programming Interface (API), which will enable more powerful accessibility solutions to be created for the platform. The Windows Automation API includes improved performance and features of User Interface (UI) Automation, increased interoperability between the Microsoft Active Accessibility (MSAA), and support for W3C Accessible Rich Internet Applications Specification. Please refer to the Windows Automation API: Overview site for additional information.
User interface information is available programmatically to assistive technology vendors through Microsoft Active Accessibility, User Interface Automation, and other publicly available APIs. Graphics are also accompanied by explanatory text throughout the UI, when the graphic’s sole purpose is not branding or secondary background information (such as desktop wallpaper).
Please note the following minor exceptions:
When a program that does not have focus is requesting administrative credentials, the notification of this is conveyed by flashing the taskbar button for that program.
When User Account Control is modified from its default settings, such that consent or credential UI is displayed on the interactive desktop rather than the secure desktop, some controls will be inaccessible through Microsoft Active Accessibility. The solution to this is to accept UAC’s default behavior of displaying that UI on the secure desktop.
The lists for selecting the roles and features which the server should perform do not expose correctly the long description for the roles or features.
Some expandable buttons in Credentials Manager and Action Center do not expose consistently the state, thus requiring the user to determine whether they are expanded or collapsed from the context
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(e) When bitmap images are used to identify controls, status indicators, or other programmatic elements, the meaning assigned to those images shall be consistent throughout an application's performance.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 consistently uses icons, graphics, status indicators, and other visuals to give feedback to the user and to indicate what actions can be taken.
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(f) Textual information shall be provided through operating system functions for displaying text. The minimum information that shall be made available is text content, text input caret location, and text attributes.
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Textual information is available programmatically to assistive technology vendors through Microsoft Active Accessibility, User Interface Automation, and other publicly available APIs.
Please note the following minor exceptions:
In Windows Media Player, the dialog New Auto Playlist does not expose textually certain details on configuring criteria for the playlists.
The graph chart in the Reliability Monitor exposes the information textually in a non-standard way, which may confuse certain assistive technologies.
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(g) Applications shall not override user selected contrast and color selections and other individual display attributes.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 provides and follows settings for customizing specific color selections and display attributes, with the following minor exceptions:
Please note the following minor exceptions:
The Tablet PC calibration tool includes text that will be invisible in certain High-Contrast modes. The user should first read the instructions in normal mode or High-Contrast White, or calibrate the monitor in one of these two modes.
Launching the Memory Diagnostics tool in High Contrast does not use the appropriate colors, making some texts invisible. Switching back and forth to that same High Contrast mode while the tool is running fixes the problem.
In Windows Media Player, hover preview does not work in High-Contrast mode. The user can preview songs through other WMP mechanisms.
In Server Roles manager, some summary headers may become invisible in certain High-Contrast modes. This does not impact user’s capability to complete the scenarios.
In Active Directory Administrative Center, the filter panel background does not change color in High-Contrast modes. This does not impact user’s capability to complete the scenarios because there are text changes that indicate the filter is applied.
Similar to the command prompt, the Windows PowerShell does not change its colors when the system is configured in high-contrast mode. Changing the colors of PowerShell is done from the PowerShell UI – open the PowerShell System menu (ALT+Space), then select Properties or Defaults and chose tab Colors.
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(h) When animation is displayed, the information shall be displayable in at least one non-animated presentation mode at the option of the user.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 consistently uses icons, graphics, status indicators, and other visuals to give feedback to the user and to indicate what actions can be taken. Animation is not relied upon as the sole means of communicating concepts in the user interface or documentation.
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(i) Color coding shall not be used as the only means of conveying information, indicating an action, prompting a response, or distinguishing a visual element.
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Windows Server 2012 R2 consistently uses icons, graphics, status indicators, and other visuals to give feedback to the user and to indicate what actions can be taken. Color coding is not relied upon as the sole means of communicating concepts in the user interface or documentation.
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(j) When a product permits a user to adjust color and contrast settings, a variety of color selections capable of producing a range of contrast levels shall be provided.
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Click here to enter text.
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(k) Software shall not use flashing or blinking text, objects, or other elements having a flash or blink frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.
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Flashing and blinking in Windows Server 2012R2 visual surfaces respect the prescribed frequency range. As in Windows Vista, the Ease of Access center allows the user to change the rate of blinking of the system caret.
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(l) When electronic forms are used, the form shall allow people using Assistive Technology to access the information, field elements, and functionality required for completion and submission of the form, including all directions and cues.
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Windows Server 2008 R2 forms provide access through Assistive Technology.
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Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria – Detail
Criteria
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Supporting Feature
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Remarks and Explanations
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(a) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user vision shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are blind or visually impaired shall be provided.
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The vast majority of features and scenarios in Windows Server 2008 R2 can be used through assistive technologies such as screen-readers and therefore do not require user vision.
Windows Server 2008 R2 comes with a basic screen reader called Narrator that will read aloud text that appears on the screen. Windows also has settings for providing audio descriptions for videos and controlling how dialog boxes appear. For more information, see Use the computer without a display.
Many other programs and hardware are compatible with Windows Server 2008 R2 and available to help individuals who are blind, including screen readers, Braille output devices, and other useful products. For more information, go to the Microsoft Accessibility website.
The Windows 7 Magnifier application now supports two new modes of operation – full-screen and lens mode – as well as color inverting and many new features which improve and facilitate the user experience. It should be noted that an Aero-capable machine is needed for full-screen mode.
The limitations listed in sections 1194.21(a) and 1194.21(d) may present difficulties for some users depending on their choice of and skills with specific assistive technologies.
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(b) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require visual acuity greater than 20/70 shall be provided in audio and enlarged print output working together or independently, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are visually impaired shall be provided.
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Windows Server 2008 R2 provides numerous features for improving the visibility of user interfaces, such as a built-in magnifier, several high-contrast modes, different themes, several high-DPI modes, different screen resolutions (if supported by the hardware), and additional features from Ease of Access center for changing the size of the cursor, changing the thickness of the focus rectangle, and others.
Windows Server 2008 R2 supports the use of screen readers and magnification software to access user interface information.
The high-DPI mode specifically has been significantly improved – the feature is easier to discover and understand, switching between different modes now does not require a machine reboot, and the high-DPI modes can now be configured per user.
Please reference minor exceptions details in 1194.21.
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(c) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user hearing shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be provided.
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In Windows Server 2008 R2, all sounds can be turned off without affecting the use of the operating system. Visual notifications or the Sound Sentry feature could alert the user to important information and tell them if sound events have occurred.
Windows Server 2008 R2 can replace two types of audio information with visual equivalents. Users can replace system sounds with visual alerts and can display text captions for spoken dialog in multimedia programs. For more information, see Use text or visual alternatives to sounds
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(d) Where audio information is important for the use of a product, at least one mode of operation and information retrieval shall be provided in an enhanced auditory fashion, or support for assistive hearing devices shall be provided.
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Windows Server 2008 R2 consistently uses icons, graphics, status indicators and other visuals to give feedback to the user and to indicate what actions can be taken next. Sound is not relied upon as the sole means of communicating concepts in the user interface or documentation.
Windows can replace two types of audio information with visual equivalents. Users can replace system sounds with visual alerts and you can display text captions for spoken dialog in multimedia programs. For more information, see Use text or visual alternatives to sounds.
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(e) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require user speech shall be provided, or support for Assistive Technology used by people with disabilities shall be provided.
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Windows Server 2008 R2 does not require speech recognition.
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(f) At least one mode of operation and information retrieval that does not require fine motor control or simultaneous actions and that is operable with limited reach and strength shall be provided.
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Please reference minor exceptions details in 1194.21.
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Section 1194.41 Information, Documentation and Support – Detail
Criteria
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Supporting Feature
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Remarks and Explanations
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(a) Product support documentation provided to end-users shall be made available in alternate formats upon request, at no additional charge
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Product documentation is provided online at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/us/product-documentation.aspx. Help and Support is included in the product from the Start menu, Help and Support.
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(b) End-users shall have access to a description of the accessibility and compatibility features of products in alternate formats or alternate methods upon request, at no additional charge.
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As with Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 R2 includes extensive Help File documentation listing accessibility and compatibility features. An individual may access and view Help File topics online or may select a topic for print.
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(c) Support services for products shall accommodate the communication needs of end-users with disabilities.
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The Microsoft Product Support Services Help Desk is familiar with such features as keyboard access and other options important to people with disabilities.
Microsoft offers a teletypewriter (TTY) service for customers who are hearing impaired. For assistance in the United States, contact Microsoft Technical Support on a TTY at 1-800-892-5234. This service is available Monday through Friday 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. PST.
For information on additional support services, visit the Microsoft Accessibility site.
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This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT.
©2013 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. The information contained in this document represents the current view of Microsoft Corporation on the issues discussed as of the date of publication. Microsoft cannot guarantee the accuracy of any information presented after the date of publication.
Revised: November 6, 2013
Microsoft regularly updates its websites and provides new information about the accessibility of products as that information becomes available.
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