The AODA has requirements for web accessibility, as well as requirements for the procurement of self-service kiosks. However, the third review of the AODA recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country.
For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) has adopted European standards for accessibility in information and communication technology (ICT). Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make ICT products and services more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal standards for accessible hardware in information and communication technology.
Accessible Hardware in Information and Communication Technology
All requirements in the standards for ICT with closed functionality and biometric identification also apply to hardware.
In addition, devices that include connections for inputs or outputs should provide at least one (1) connection in a standard, non-proprietary format. For example, non-proprietary formats include:
- Bluetooth
- USB ports
- Wireless connections
These connections allow people to easily attach assistive technology, either directly to an ICT device or through an adapter that is commercially available.
Furthermore, hardware that uses colour must have additional ways to:
- Convey information
- Indicate action
- Prompt a response
- Distinguish a visual element
Speech Output
Moreover, the standards list requirements for volume controls on hardware for ICT with speech output, including incremental volume controls. In addition, fixed-line devices that people hold to their ears, such as headsets, should have magnetic coupling, also called inductive coupling for T-coil. A T symbol should alert people that devices have this coupling. On the other hand, wireless devices that people hold to their ears should have magnetic coupling that can connect them to hearing devices.
Furthermore, some devices with speech output, such as self-service interactive devices, are designed for multiple people to use. As a result, different people regularly turn speech output on or off. Therefore, devices should have tactile ways to indicate how someone should turn speech output on, such as instructions in Braille.
Stationary ICT
Stationary ICT is hardware set up in a specific location, such as an information kiosk on the floor. Another example of stationary ICT is an automatic teller machine (ATM) attached to a wall. The standards list measurements for parts of stationary ICT, including:
- Knee and toe clearance
- Clear floor area and approach, forward and sideways
- Reach ranges, forward or sideways
- Minimum and maximum heights for:
- Operable parts, such as keyboards or other input devices
- Displays
- Slopes of ramps at changes in level leading to, or within, stationary ICT
- Viewing distance from the centre of the floor area to each display screen
Some ICT products have more than one (1) viewing screen. If each screen displays different types of information, measurements for distance to a viewing screen apply to each type of screen. People should be able to read screens from wheelchair height or average height.
Moreover, when part of an ICT product blocks someone’s forward reach, there should be clear space for the person to access the device from below.
All stationary ICT should have instructions for installation. Installers must follow any standards for accessibility in the built environment that apply to their locales. For example, people installing accessible self-service interactive devices in Canada should install them in locations that have accessible:
- Paths of travel:
- Floors
Mechanically Operable Parts
Mechanically operable parts include:
- Keypads
- Dispensers for keys, tickets, or fare cards
Numeric keys should be in the layout of a rectangle shape, such as a telephone-style keypad. Moreover, the number 5 should be tactually different from the other keys. This difference allows people with limited vision to orient themselves on a keypad.
In addition, ICT products with operable parts that require people to make certain movements must have at least one (1) mode of access that does not involve these movements.
For example, people cannot be required to:
- Pinch
- Grasp tightly
- Twist their wrists
Similarly, the standards list the maximum amount of force needed to operate mechanical parts. Requirements for force and movement types meet the needs of people with limited mobility, strength, or reach.
Moreover, when devices dispense keys, tickets, or fare cards, people should be able to recognize a key, ticket, or card’s orientation by touch.