Performance Specification

(very preliminary -- incomplete-- check back soon)

Device must provide (where readily achievable ):

Non-Visual Access

1) A means for accessing all important information in an auditory-only fashion. This includes all directions and labels for all controls as well as any feedback from controls necessary for their operation.

TEST: All functions of the device can be operated by someone who has never seen the device before with their eyes completely covered.

Non-Auditory Access

2) A means for accessing all important information in a visual-only fashion. This includes all help functions and "incidental but important" auditory information such as mechanical sounds which are needed to understand the status or operation of the device.

TEST: All functions of the device can be operated by someone who has never seen the device before with their hearing completely blocked with earphones and white noise.

Non-Time Dependent

3) Operation can be done at any rate. Response times are adjustable over wide range.

TEST: System operates properly and fully with a 10?? second delay between all movements

Error Tolerance

4) A means to reverse all choices or to confirm them before they take effect.

TEST: All choices can be made and canceled before they take effect or completely reversed.

Minimal Physical Access

5) A means for operating the device with a single button or activation area.

TEST: All information can be accessed and all functions performed without touching anything but a single switch or activation area.

Integral Instruction

6) A means for obtaining context-sensitive help during operation of the device.

TEST: ????? [ perhaps: Person who has no knowledge of the device can learn how to operate all aspects of it without looking at written documentation. (all on line)]

Self Discovery

7) A means for discovering how the different access features work that does not require prior knowledge of the access techniques.

TEST: [People with each of the major disabilities (blindness, deafness, paralysis..) and who have no knowledge of the device can learn how to activate and operate the accessibility features they need to operate the device

Reach

8) A physical arrangement which allows approach and use by people seated in wheelchairs..

TEST: Meets ADAAG ......

Compatibility with Assistive Control and Display Devices.

9) A means for controlling the device and requesting all verbal/text information available from the device via a standard port and data format.

TEST: All aspects of the device can be controlled by a third party device using standard communication protocols and all important information can be obtained and displayed by same device. [A set of standard third party devices or a simulator could be defined]

10) Product will work with and not interfere with the use of prosthetics or assistive devices.

Documentation Access

11) All documentation is available in e-text form..

TEST: Meets ADAAG ......

Non-allergenic Materials

12) Product will not pose a health risk

TEST: hmmmmm



FACILITATIVE FEATURES (Where they are possible and readily achievable)

These features are not necessary for providing basic access, but do make it easier for people to use the devices.

Large or Adjustable Print

a) ability to adjust the font, or the use of larger fonts.

Adjustable Volume

b) ability to adjust the volume of the device and a wide range of volume

Stabilization

c) a place to set things down and a place to lean on or hold on to for stabilization

Universal Help Button

d) a standard activation behavior for initiating the help function across devices

Privacy

d) individual display modalities (sound, visual display, etc.) should be able to be turned off for privacy