Desktop and Portable Computers

The Section 508 technical provisions cover:

1. The keyboards, keypads, and other controls on desktop and laptop computers that need to be activated during the normal operation of the system. Examples of controls that are not located on a keyboard but are still covered include but are not limited to, on/off switches, reset buttons, unlocking controls for docking stations, and releases on items such as PCMCIA card slots and drives.

2.Both desktop and portable computers that use touchscreens or other controls which operate through a person's touch. Touchscreens and other controls that operate by sensing a person's touch pose access problems for a range of persons with disabilities. This provision does not prohibit the use of touchscreens and contact sensitive controls, but requires a redundant set of controls that can be used by persons who have access problems with touchscreens.

3.Biometric controls that are activated only if a particular biological feature (e.g., voiceprint) of the user exists and matches specific criteria. Fortunately, many computer software manufacturers are aware that voice recognition is a beneficial input or activation method intended to supplement, not replace, other input controls such as standard keyboards.

4.Connection points on a computer system to comply with an industry standard technical specification that is available to other manufacturers. This assures that the developers of assistive technology will have access to information concerning the design of system connections and thus be able to produce products that can utilize those connections. Examples of publicly available industry standards may include RS-232, Centronics, SCSI interfaces, PCMCIA, or USB.

Section 508 Standard

§ 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers
There are ten parts to this standard that explain the requirements for ensuring
that desktop & portable computers are accessible. Click here to view the full standard.

Best Practices & Procedures

Buy Accessible Products

- GSA Section 508 Website

- Buy Accessible Database.

- Products/Compliance Information on NOAA's Acquisition Management Division Section 508 Web page. The page' contains a listing of vendors who have completed the ITIAC Voluntary Section 508 template indicating their product's compliance with Section 508 36 CFR Part 1194.22 Web-based intranet and internet information and applications standards.

Useful Links

- Access Board Guidance.

- Information Technology Technical Assistance and Training Center (ITTATC) Website promotes the development of accessible electronic and information technology by providing technical assistance, training and information.

- The ITTATC Publications page has variety of documents related to accessible desktop & portable computers, as well as, general electronic & information technology (E&IT).

Expert Contact

- Access Board

- NOAA Contact: Natalie D. B. Smith (301) 713-3525 ext. 213

Tools

At this time we are not aware of any available tools for desktop or portable
computers. If you know of any tools that you would like to share with us, please
contact your Section 508 Coordinator for addition to the website.