
Hardware Accessibility Guidelines
Appendix to Policy
Hardware to be developed, purchased or acquired by the University of Minnesota must be accessible to persons with disabilities. “Hardware” includes — but is not limited to — computers and peripherals, telecommunication products, Audio and multimedia capture and playback devices, authentication devices, copiers and fax machines.
Keys, Keyboards and Keypads
- An option for ignoring brief or repeated keystrokes is provided.
- An option for adjusting key-repeat and key-activation latencies (the amount of time a key is held down before an event is triggered) is provided.
- An option for adjusting key-repeat rate is provided.
- An option for auditory feedback of toggle key status is provided.
- Tactile feedback of key status (e.g., keys that remain depressed when engaged) is provided.
- Key status information is available to software applications.
Touch Operated Controls
- Controls can be discerned tactilely without activation.
- Raised borders around controls on membrane interfaces are provided.
- "Home" keys are tactilely identified.
- Non-visual means of distinguishing controls and control clusters (e.g., shape, texture and/or layout) are provided.
- A key guard or overlay option is provided.
Controls and Latches
- At least one mode that is operable with limited reach, strength and/or dexterity is provided.
- At least one mode that does not require disparate and concurrent actions is provided.
- At least one non-time response mode, means of by-passing or adjusting the response interval is provided.
Drives and Removable Media
- Drive openings and related controls must be positioned as not to require extended-reach or manual dexterity.
- Drive openings and related controls must be tactilely discernible.
Standard Ports
- Industry standard ports are provided.
Audio Output
- Software access to system sounds (alerts and hardware-generated sounds) is provided.
- An option for visual feedback of warning sounds and other audio indicators is provided.
- Blinking or flashing visual indicators must do so at a frequency of less than twice a second (2 Hz) or greater than 55 times a second (55 Hz).
- A means of connecting headphones or other audio output devices is provided.
- A physical volume control is provided.
Displays
- Methods for adjusting the height, depth and angle of a display are provided.
- Non-reflective display surfaces or non-glare filters are provided.
Color and Contrast
- Non-visual indicators for color identifiers, alerts/warnings, prompts or feedback are provided.
- Color combinations of significant brightness and contrast are provided.
Documentation and Technical Support
- Documentation and training materials in alternative accessible formats is included or available upon request.
- Accessibility knowledgeable customer support is provided.
- Any training provided by manufacturers, venders or other parties accommodates the functional capabilities of all participants.
Biometric Identification
- A non-biometric identification alternative is provided.
- Alternative methods of biometric identification are provided.
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