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Temple University Center for Research
in Human Development and Education |
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Accessible Technology:
Minimum Standards for Computer Hardware
113
by
Kathy Rupert
Temple University
In December 2000 the Architectural and Transportation
Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board), an independent federal agency charged
with creating an accessible environment for disabled citizens, published minimum
standards for technology-based products used in federal agencies. These
congressionally mandated standards, listed in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973, as amended, were meant to insure that technology procured by
federal agencies met minimum accessibility standards.
Although Section 508 does not apply to schools, this
legislation has prompted states throughout the country to
explore and adopt methods to secure accessible educational
technology for their schools. In the mid-Atlantic region,
Maryland has taken the initiative of enacting a policy that
uses the Section 508 standards for procuring
technology-based instructional products in their public
schools. This trend toward equitable access to educational
technology for all students regardless of their physical
abilities is becoming a priority for states, school
districts, and local education agencies.
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Considering minimum standards for accessibility is
important, because the technology bought today will be used
for many years and by many students with special needs. This
fact is underscored by the former Assistant Secretary of the
Office of Special Education Judy Heumann when she wrote, "In
many cases, decisions now being made about the selection of
systems configurations, and computer hardware and software
will provide the technological infrastructure to be used in
schools for years to come. If every school adds
consideration of accessibility to its decision-making
process when acquiring technology, it will greatly increases
the ability of students, teachers, and other individuals
with disabilities to participate equally in the information
age with their nondisabled peers." (Heumann, 1997)
The Access Board divided the technology standards into six
general areas: software, Internet applications,
telecommunication products, video and multimedia products,
self-contained products, and desktop and laptop computers.
Because districts usually purchase hardware first, those
purchases often influence subsequent technology purchases.
This techno-brief will discuss hardware standards; future
techno-briefs will discuss standards for software and
Internet applications.
Standards for Hardware
There are several areas that Section 508 addresses in
regard to accessibility of computer hardware. First,
computer controls (e.g., keyboards, mouse, joysticks, and
latches) should be reachable and operable with one hand and
with minimal dexterity. This criterion's focus is on
students who have little or no use of their hands, who rely
on wheel chairs, or who have a limited range of motion and
may be unable to use standard controls. By placing controls
only in the front part of the computer, by using controls
and latches that require a light touch (along with keys that
are conducive to mouth or head stick use), and by installing
rocker switches or sliding controls, the standard can be
met, and those with limited strength, reach, or dexterity
can successfully use the equipment.
Any input
devices, regardless of the type, used for the purpose of
accessibility should be operable with one hand and should
require no more than 22 pounds of force. If keyboards are
used, they should have a key repeat rate of no less than 2
seconds. This standard will accommodate students who are
unable to move quickly and who may inadvertently and
unnecessarily stroke keys repeatedly.
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