User needs summary

September 2005 Working Draft

This is a draft summary of user needs as they relate to accessibility of information and communication and related technologies. It is the current working draft of the User Needs Summary of the JTC1 Special Working Group on Accessibility as prepared by its Task Group on User Requirements.

It is based on contributions from SWG members and the work done at the September 12-16, 2005 Task group meeting. It is based on the initial User Needs Summary contribution that was accepted by the SWG as a starting point. This document however has not yet been presented to the full SWG for acceptance. This will occur at the next plenary meeting of the SWG in September 2005.

The purpose of this document is to identify user needs and not to prioritize them or make any judgment regarding requirements for standards developers or product manufacturers.

The Task Group considers that this draft of the document is mature enough to begin the Gap Analysis work of the SWG but further work (including review of any additional literature identified) will be done to refine the document. We will also be adding appropriate references. This version is released to solicit further input.

Comments and contributions are welcome at any time from end users, researchers, and relevant organizations and others and will be reviewed at the next formal meeting of the Task Group. National bodies and others are also requested to submit any additional related studies they may be aware of.

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Basic:

Users need to be able to PERCEIVE all information presented by the product including:

Perceive static displayed info:

- control labels
- other labels
- signs
- manuals
- documents
- Web pages
- etc.

Problems using products:

People who are blind:

• Can't see (to read)
  • printed labels on keys, controls, slots, etc
  • printed signs near device, or instructions printed on device.
  • o manuals or other printed material provided with product.
• In electronic documents - can't access information presented (only) via graphics
• Can't find public devices (can't see where device is or see signs giving location)
• Some can't see nor read braille (late in life, or diabetes, or no hands etc.)

People with Low Vision:

• Can't see (to read) signs and labels:
  • if text is too small for them
  • if contrast with background is too low
  • if text is presented as small raised letters (same color as background)
  • if information is coded with color only (color deficiency).
  • if there is glare - if they have light sensitivity
    (Many problems same as blindness)
    • if there is insufficient ambient light

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Often cannot re-position themselves to see information if not in easy sightline
• May not be able to see due to glare/reflections (and cannot re-position enough)
• May not be able to access some manuals due to physical characteristics (e.g. size, texture, weight)
• May find it difficult to access on-line information if appropriate assistive technology is not available

People who are Deafblind:

• Some cannot access information in Braille (e.g. late in life;spoken language not first language; may have intellectual disabilities)
• Some cannot access written information (e.g.spoken language not first language; may have intellectual disabilities)
• Some may need information to be presented using pictures or symbols

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities):

• Some need to have all static information (text or symbol) provided via speech output
  • NOTE: Speech output also important for those with cognitive disabilities (see "UNDERSTAND" below)
• Some need to have all static information (text or symbol) provided tactilely (large raised text or symbol or button shape).
  • NOTE: Button shapes also important for those with cognitive disabilities (see "UNDERSTAND" below)
• Some users need to have all information in Braille or large tactile symbol
• Some need to sufficient contrast between all printed or (fixed) displayed information and its background
• Some need to have information perceivable without relying on color
• Some need to have text presented in large easy to read fonts
• Some need to avoid glare
• Some need to have information within viewable range of people in wheelchairs and those of short stature.
• Some need to have access to manuals with suitable physical characteristics (e.g. rough, easy to grasp pages).

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Basic

Users need to be able to PERCEIVE all information presented by the product including:

Perceive dynamically displayed info:

- screens
- speakers
- alerts
- alarms, and
- other output

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Can't see what is displayed on visual display units. (all types)
• Can't determine current function of Soft keys (where key function is dynamic with label shown on dynamic display like LCD.)

People with Low Vision:

• Same problems as static text (size, contrast, color) - (see above)
• glare - from environment or too bright a screen
• miss information presented temporarily where they are not looking
• sometimes cannot track moving/scrolling text

People who are Deaf:

• Cannot hear information presented through
  • Speech
  • Tones
  • Natural machine sounds

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• May miss any information presented auditorily because
  • At a frequency they can't hear
  • Background noise blocks it or interferes with it (incl. echoes)
  • Too soft
  • Poor quality speech
  • Speech too fast - and user can't slow it down

People who are Deaf Blind:

• May not be able to perceive information unless it is presented tactilely (large raised symbols, shapes, or braille).

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Can't maneuver to see display or avoid glare
• May not be able to manually switch on/off speakers/alerts/alarms/lights

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Distracted by dynamic movements on screen

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have all DYNAMIC visual information required for use also provided via speech output
• Some need to have all dynamic information displayed in Braille
• Need a means for identifying all keys and controls via speech
• Need sufficient contrast between all display information and its background
• Some need to have information perceivable without relying on color
• Some need to have text presented in large easy to read fonts
• Some need to avoid glare
• Some need to have information within viewable range of people in wheelchairs and those of short stature.
• Some need to have all auditory information required for use also available in visual or tactile form
• (Note: Tactile presentation only useful for products that will always be in contact with user's body.)
• Some need to have auditory events, alerts etc, be multi-frequency so that they can hear it
• Some need to sufficient volume (preferably adjustable) for audio output
• Some need to have the ability to control rate or pause dynamic display of information in order to read it.
• Some need to have ability to control rate and/or replay audio in order to accurately hear it.
• Some may need vibrating alarms and alerts, with varying patterns of vibrations.
• Some need to have the ability to switch on/off the devices (e.g. speech recognition, movement detectors, etc.).

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Basic

Users need to be able to PERCEIVE all information presented by the product including:

Perceive existence and location of actionable components:

- buttons
- controls
- latches
- etc)

(find them and re-find them)

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Can't determine number, size, location or function of controls on
  1. touchscreens
  2. flat membrane keypads.
• Controls in a large featureless group cannot be relocated easily even if known to be there
• Switch or control in an obscure location may not be discoverable even if visible.
• Can be fooled by Phantom buttons (tactile) - (Things that feel like buttons but are not. E.g. a Logo, a round flat raised bolt head, a styling feature)
• Can't type on a non-touch-type-able keyboard
• Can have trouble finding controls, slots, etc using only tactile cues.

People with Low Vision:

• Can't find buttons that don't contrast with background. (won't feel where nothing is visible or expected)
• Phantom buttons (visual) (Logos, styling that looks like button when blurred)
• Can't locate where the cursor is on the screen

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Don't recognize stylized control as a control.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Often cannot re-position themselves to see information if not in easy sightline
• May not be able to see due to glare/reflections (and cannot re-position enough)
• May not be able to reach parts of the user interface (e.g. controls)

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need a means to access all product functionality via tactilely discernable controls.
• Some need sufficient landmarks (nibs, groupings, spacing) to be able to locate controls easily tactilely once they have identified them (per above)
• Some need to be able to locate controls tactilely without activating them.
• Some need to have controls visually contrast with their surroundings so they can be located with low vision.
• Some need to have any keyboard be operable without sight.
• Some need to have controls be in places where they can be easily found with poor and with no sight.
• Some need to have pointing cursors (on screen) be large enough to be visible with low vision.
• Some need to have logos, and other details not look like or feel like buttons or controls.
• Some need to have controls within viewable range of people in wheelchairs and those of short stature.
• Some need to have information describing the layout of the operational parts.

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Basic

Users need to be able to PERCEIVE all information presented by the product including:

Perceive status of controls and indicators:

(includes progress indicators)

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Cannot tell status of visual indicators (LEDs, on screen indicators etc.)
• Cannot tell the status of switches or controls that are not tactilely different in different states. (or where tactile difference is too small)

People with Low Vision:

• Cannot read visual indicators with low vision if indicator is not bold
• Cannot distinguish between some colors used to indicate status.
• Can't see or read small icons for status.
• Can't see cursors unless large, high contrast. Static harder than dynamic to spot.

People who are Deaf:

• Cannot hear audio indicators of status
• Cannot hear natural sounds (e.g. machine running, stalled, busy etc).

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• May not hear status sounds due to volume level, frequency used, background noise, restrictions on volume level settings allowed in a particular environment, etc (i.e., a library environment).

People with Physical Disabilities:

• May not have good line of sight to indicators
• May not have tactile sensitivity to detect tactile status indications.

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• May not recognize or understand different indicators

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need an auditory or tactile equivalent to any visual indicators or operational cues, man-made or natural.
• Some need a visual or tactile indicator for any auditory indicators or operational cues, designed (e.g. beeps, lights) or intrinsic (machine sounds, visual movements).
• Some need visual or auditory alternative to any subtle tactile feedback.
• Some need visual indicators (e.g. LEDs, on screen indicators, mouse cursors) to be visible with low vision.
• Some need all indications that are encoded (or presented) with color to be encoded (marked) in some non-color way as well.
• Some need to have sufficient quality (e.g. volume, direction, clarity, frequency) for audio cues.
• Some need indicators and cues to be obvious or explained.
• When different signals are used (e.g. different ring tones or tactile or visual indicators) then some need different alternates.
• Some may need tactile indicators.

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Basic

Users need to be able to PERCEIVE all information presented by the product including:

Perceive feedback from operation

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Cannot see visual feedback of operation

People with Low Vision:

• Cannot see visual feedback of operation unless large, bold.
• Often have impaired hearing as well and cannot rely on audio cues

People who are Deaf:

• Cannot hear auditory feedback of operation

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• Often cannot hear auditory feedback of operation due to
  • Volume
  • Frequency used
  • Background noise
  • Speech feedback not clear or repeatable.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• May not be able to feel tactile feedback due to insensitivity or impact of hand or use of artificial hand, stick, splint etc to operate the control.

People with Cognitive Disabilities

• Feedback to subtle or not directly tied to action.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need visual feedback that is obvious with low vision (i.e. visible from a distance)
• Some need feedback to be audio or tactile feedback
• Some need visual or auditory alternative to any subtle tactile feedback.
• Some need all indications that are encoded (or presented) with color to be encoded (marked) in some non-color way as well.
• Some need large high contrast feedback
• Some need to have sufficient quality (e.g. volume, direction, clarity, frequency) for audio cues.
• When different signals are used (e.g. different ring tones) then some need different alternates.
• Some may need information presented in a tactile manner.
• Some may need feedback using pictures or symbols

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Be able to invoke and carry out all functions:

(using at least one method)

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Can't use controls that require eye-hand coordination
  • Pointing devices including mice, trackballs, etc.
  • Touchscreens of any type
• Can't use devices with touch activated controls (can't explore tactilely)
• Can't use products that require presence of iris or eyes. (e.g. for identification)

People with Low Vision:

• Difficult to use device with eye-hand coordination.

People who are Deaf:

• May not be able to use the device if speech input is the only way to do some functions.
• Cannot operate devices where actions are in response to speech (only).

People with Speech Disabilities:

• May not be able to use the device if speech is the only way to do some functions

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Can't operate devices if operation requires (i.e. no other way to do function)
  • Too much force
  • Too much reach
  • Too much stamina (including long operation of controls with arm extended or holding handset to head for long period unless able to prop or rest arm)
  • Use of both upper limbs at the same time
  • Contact with body (so that artificial hands, mouthsticks etc cannot be used)
  • Simultaneous operation of two parts (modifier keys, two latches, etc)
  • Tight grasping
  • Pinching
  • Twisting of the wrist
  • Fine motor control or manipulations (i.e. can't operate with closed fist).
  • Quick repetition of the initial movement
• Can't use products that require presence of fingerprints or other specific body parts or organs.(e.g. for identification)

People who are Deafblind:

• May not be able to use either hearing or sight to compensate for the other sense.

People with All Disabilities:

• Daily maintenance (e.g. changing paper - not repairing) not possible and they live or work alone.
• Cannot set up products and no one available to help.
• Some may not be able to use controls that do not have tactile or pictorial information.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to be able to operate all functionality using only tactilely discernable controls coupled with audio or tactile feedback/display (i.e. no vision required).
• Some need to be able to access all computer software functionality from the keyboard (or keyboard emulator) without any visual feedback.
• Some need to be able to access all computer software functionality from the keyboard (or keyboard emulator) with only visual feedback.
• Some need to not have touch sensitive or very light touch controls where they would be touched while tactilely finding keys they must use to operate device.
• Some need alternate identification means if biometrics are used for identification.
• Some need alternate method to operate any speech controlled functions (no speech required).
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require simultaneous actions,
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require much force,
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require much sustained force
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require much stamina, (e.g. sustained reach or sustained movement at a distance from body)
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require much reach, (weakness,, stature or wheelchair)
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require tight grasping,
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require pinching,
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require twisting of the wrist
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require direct body contact.
• Some need method to fully operate product that does not require much accuracy of movement
• Some need to operate product with ONLY a left or only a right hand. (specific hand not required)
• ome need to operate product without use of hands.
• Some need to have all user maintenance operations required for routine usage operable by them
• Some need to have set up be accessible as well
• Voice activation could be an alternative for some people.

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Be able to complete actions and tasks within the time allowed:

(by life, competition, productivity requirements, etc.)

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Must use non-visual techniques that are often slower requiring more time than usual to read/listen to output, explore and locate controls etc.

People with Low Vision:

• Often take longer to read text and locate controls

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

• May be reading information in a second language (sign language being first)
• May be communicating (or operating phone system) through a relay/interpreter which introduces delays
• May not be able to complete actions and tasks if it requires hearing.

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• May have to listen more than once to get audio information.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• May take longer to read (due to head movement), to position themselves, to reach or to operate controls

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• May take longer to remember, to look things up, to figure out information and to operate the controls.
• [May take longer to read when the information source is a book, newspaper, a manual, etc., due to their difficulty in turning pages.] editor review

People who are Deafblind:

• May need additional time because of access technologies

All of these can cause problems if:

• Information or messages are displayed for fixed period and then disappear.
• Users are only given a limited amount of time to operate device before it resets or moves on.
• Text moves on them while they are trying to read it.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have all messages either stay until dismissed or have a mechanism to keep message visible or easily recall or replay it.
• Some need to have ability to either extend or turn off any timeouts except where it is impossible to do so.
• [Some need to be informed about future tasks/plans/deadlines much earlier, in order to program their actions based on their personal time schedule] editor review.
• Some people may need a support worker to help them understand the process, which would require more time.

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Won't accidentally activate functions

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Might touch "touch sensitive" controls or screen buttons while tactilely exploring
• Might miss warning signs or icons that are presented visually
• Might bump low activation force switch(es) while tactilely exploring.

People with Low Vision:

• Might bump low contrast switches/controls that they do not see.

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

• May not detect alert tone and operate device when unsafe.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Might activate functions due to extra body movements (tremor, chorea)
• Might activate functions when resting arm while reaching.
• Might activate user interface functions while moving around (e.g. wheelchair other assistive technologies).

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Might not understand purpose of control (or control changes due to use of soft key).

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have products designed so they can be tactilely explored without activation.
• Some need to have products that don't rely on users seeing hazards or warnings in order to use products safely.
• Some need to have products that don't rely on users hearing hazards or warnings in order to use products safely.
• Some need to have products where hazards are obvious and easy to avoid, hard to trigger.
• Some need to have enough free space in order to access the user interface.

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Be able to recover from errors:

(physical or cognitive errors)

Problems using products

People who are blind or have low vision:

• May not detect error if indication is visual
• May not be able to perceive contextual cues (if visual only) to know they did something wrong or unintended (when not an 'error' to the device).

People who are Deaf:

• Will not hear auditory 'error' sounds.

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• May not hear auditory 'error' sounds or be able to distinguish between them.

People who are Deafblind:

• May not be able to see visual error alerts or hear audio error alerts.

ALL Disabilities:

• User may not be able to figure out how to go back and undo the error.
• User may not be able to repeat the right action if repetition procedure is physically exhausting.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need a mechanism to go back and undo the last thing(s) they did - unless impossible.
• Some need good auditory and visual indications when things happen so that they can detect errors.
• Some need to be notified if the product detects errors made by the user.
• Some need unambiguous feedback on what to do in the event of a reported error.
• Some may need tactile error alerts e.g. vibrating, etc.
• Some need easy ways to repeat an action (options need to be customizable regarding rate, speed, force, etc.).

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Have equivalent, security and privacy

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Have more difficulty detecting people looking over shoulder
• If no headphone or handset - information is broadcast to others via speaker.

People with Low Vision:

• Larger print makes it easier for others to look over shoulder

People who are Deaf:

• May not detect sensitive information being said aloud

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• Louder volume may allow eavesdropping - even with headphones.
  • User may not realize volume of audio

People with Physical Disabilities:

• · In wheelchair, body doesn't block view of sensitive information like someone standing.

All disabilities:

• May not be able to have privacy when human assistance is required (e.g. interpreters, guides, personal assistants)

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Less able to determine when information should be kept private.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have product designed to help protect privacy of their information even if they are not able to do the "expected" things to protect it themselves.
• Some need to have product designed to help provide security of their information even if they are not able to do the "expected" things to protect it themselves.
• Some need to have a product designed in a more accessible way, in order to be more independent and self-served during their day to day life. Note move to intro.

[See also allow user to operate all functions for needs around user authentication]

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Not cause health risk:

(e.g. seizure etc.)

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Can't see to avoid hazards that are visual
• Can't see warning signs, colors, markers etc.
• If using headphones - they are less aware of surroundings (and not used to it).

People who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing:

• May miss auditory warnings or sounds that indicate device failure.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• May hit objects harder than usual and cause injury.
• May not sense when they are injuring themselves.
• May not have temperature sensitivity (e.g. temperature of notebook computer).

People with Photosensitive Epilepsy:

• May have seizure triggered by certain visual stimuli.

People with Allergies and other sensitivities:

• May have adverse reactions to materials, electro-magnetic emissions, fumes and other adverse aspects of products they touch or are near

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need products that don't assume body parts will never stray into openings or that only gentle body movements will occur around the products (unless required by task).
• Some need to have products that do not rely on specific senses or fine movement to avoid injury.
• Some need to have products that take into account their special visual, physical, chemical, etc. sensitivities so that they are not prevented from using products except when the nature of the product or task would prevent them. (e.g. not by product design).(e.g. photosensitive seizures, sound induced seizures, chemical sensitivities etc,)

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Basic

Be able to OPERATE the Product:

Be able to efficiently navigate product

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Often have to wait for unnecessary audio before getting to desired information

People with Physical Disabilities:

• May have trouble with navigation requiring many repeated actions to navigate.
• May have trouble with navigation requiring the use of both upper limbs at the same time.

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• May have trouble with hierarchical structures

People who are Deafblind:

People with All Disabilities:

• Have trouble competing in education, employment and other activities if their alternate access technique is not efficient enough.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have alternate modes of operation that are efficient.
• May need Braille or tactile symbols or large print and additional time to help them navigate.

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Basic

Be able to UNDERSTAND:

Be able to orient themselves to products

Problems using products

People who are blind (or have low vision):

• May have a more difficult time getting an overall concept of the product since they cannot see the overall visual layout or organization.
• Complex layouts can behave like a maze for someone navigating with arrowkeys.

People with Cognitive Disabilities (mild and moderate):

• May have trouble remembering the organization of a product, its menus etc.
• Have a harder time with any hierarchical structures

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need way to get overview and orient themselves to product and functions/parts without relying on visual presentation or markings on product.
• Some need to have navigation that supports different thinking styles. [Under discussion]
• Some need way to understand product if they have trouble thinking hierarchically. [Under discussion]

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Basic

Be able to UNDERSTAND:

Understand how to use product:

(including discovery and activation of any access features needed)

Problems using products

ALL Disabilities:

• May have trouble understanding how to turn on special access features they need.
• May have trouble understanding who to operate it if different than standard users.

People who are Deaf:

• English (or the spoken/written language used on the product) may be different than their natural (first) language (e.g. if it is sign language).

People who are Blind:

People who are Deafblind:

• May not be able to read instructions

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• May not be able to read labels, signs, manuals etc due to reading limitations
• May have trouble understanding directions - especially if printed.
• May have trouble adapting their memorized procedure if required steps change.
• May have trouble remembering steps for use.
• May have trouble getting it turned on - and therefore active.
• May be confused by options, buttons, controls, that they don't need or use.
• Icons and symbols may not make sense to them - and they don't remember.
• Product may differ from real life experience enough to leave them at a loss.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to have clear and easy activation mechanisms for any access features
• Some need to have language used on products to be as easy to understand as possible given the device and task.
• Some need to have printed text read aloud or interpreted to them.
• Some need to have steps for operation minimized and clearly described.
• Some need information and feedback to be "salient," and "specific" rather than subtle or abstract in order to understand it.
• Some need interfaces that limit the memorization required of the user to operate them successfully.
• Some need cues to assist them in multi-step operations.
• Some need to have simple interfaces that only require them to deal with the controls they need. (advanced or optional controls removed in some fashion).
• Some need to have each function on its own key rather than having keys change their functions but look/feel the same.
• May not be able to read any instructions.

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Basic

Be able to UNDERSTAND:

Understand the output or displayed material:

(even after they perceive it accurately)

see also "perceive" above

Problems using products

People who are blind:

• Output often only makes sense visually. Reading it is confusing (e.g. "select item from list at the right" when they get to it by pressing down arrow).
• Have difficulty with any simultaneous presentation of audio output and audio description of visual information (e.g. reading of screen information while playing audio).

People who are Deaf:

• Reading skills -The language used on the product may not be their primary language (e.g. Sign Languages)
• Can have difficulty with simultaneous presentation of visual information and (visual) captions of auditory information.

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Language may be too complex for them
• Long or complex messages may tax their memory abilities.
• Use of idiom or jargon may make it hard to understand.
• Structures, tabular or hierarchical information may be difficult.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need audio descriptions, instructions and cues to match audio operation - not just visual operation
• Some need to have any printed material be worded as clearly and simply as possible.
• Some need to have any printed material read to them.
• Some need to have audio generated by access features not interfere with any other audio generated by device.
• Some need to have visual information generated by access features (such as captions) not occur simultaneously with other visual information they must view (and then disappear before they can read the captions).

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Basic

Be able to USE THEIR ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGIES (in addition):

Ability to use their AT to control the product:

(not always possible with public devices but common with personal or office workstation technologies).

NOTE: to replace built-in access, AT must allow all of the above basics to be met.

Problems using products

All Disabilities:

• Cannot use their AT to access products if
  • Product is in public and they will not have their technology with them,
  • They do not have permission to use their AT with the product
    • E.g. cannot install AT software on Library systems
  • They are not able to connect their AT to it
• Cannot use their AT if the device interferes with it
• Cannot use their AT if they are not easily able find the connection mechanism given their disability
• Need to have full functionality of the product available to them via their AT.
• AT is not available for new technologies when they come out.
• Appropriate interface is not available, or cannot be set up easily or quickl.y

People who are Blind:

• Would need all visual information to be available to their AT in machine readable form via a standard connection mechanism.
• Would need to be able to activate all functionality from their AT (or from tactile controls on the product)

People with Low Vision:

• Would need all visual information to be available in machine readable form to their AT via a standard connection mechanism so that the AT could enlarge it or read it.

People who are Deaf:

• Would need all auditory information to be available to their AT in machine readable form via a standard connection mechanism.

People who are Deafblind:

People who are Hard of Hearing:

• Would need all audio information to be available via a standard connection mechanism that is compatible with their assistive listening devices (ALDs).
  • Need a standard audio connector to plug their ALD
  • For something held up to the ear, it should be T-Coil compatible.

People with Physical Disabilities:

• Can't use products that aren't fully operable with artificial hand, stick, stylus etc.
• Need connection point that allow operation of all controls

People with Cognitive Disabilities:

• Would need all information to be available in machine readable form to their AT via a standard connection mechanism

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Some need to not have product interfere with their AT. (e.g. No electrical noise interference with hearing devices.)
• Some need to be able to connect their AT (e.g. Alternate display, amplifiers, or alternate controls)
• Some need to have full functionality of product available through their AT if they have to use their AT to access the product.
• Some need to be able to access all computer software functionality using an alternate input mechanism.
• Some need to have all controls needed to operate the full functionality of the product work with their AT manipulators, artificial hands, pointers, etc.
• Some need to AT that will work with when the new technologies are released. [discussion regarding how soon after release]
• Some may need interoperability between mainstream and assistive technology in particular pass-through notification (e.g. Error alerts need to be compatible with screen reading software.).

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Basic

Cross Cutting Issues

Problems using products

All Disabilities:

• Accessibility is not available in new technologies when they come out.
• Products cannot meet their needs in "default" state that is optimized for mainstream
• Not enough room around product to get to it or to use it
• They call for help and help line doesn't work for them
  • Help line requires voice and they don't talk (or hear)
  • Don't understand what it means for someone to use alternate input or output device with their product.
  • Hang up because help line mistakes cerebral palsy for drunkenness.
  • Help line requires talking to the phone and following the helping orders by fixing/using the product at the same time.

User Needs (people experiencing disabilities)

• Need to have new technologies be accessible when they are released.
• Need to allows (accessible) user adjustment
• If product is installed or manufacturer constrains or recommends placement then sufficient room to view and operate product should be specified for public machines.
• Need accessible and trained help lines or resources.
• Need for consideration to be given to special facilities for customers with disabilities who cannot use normal service procedures/services (Pozo letter, paragraph 3).
• Need help lines that are willing to spend time while explaining the correct orders to the client.
• Need help lines that are willing to send the information by many different ways, depending on the users' requirements (e.g. via email, fax, text phone).

Note: Many individuals have multiple impairments.