From: Kelly Pierce 
Subject: library access
alternatives, and other input functional requirements which
should be considered: 
     (1) Multiple Simultaneous Operation Alternative.
Microcomputers have numerous commonly-used functions that require
multiple, simultaneous striking of keys and/or buttons.
Sequential activation control provides an alternative method of
operation by enabling the user to depress keys or buttons
sequentially. 
     (2) Input Redundancy. Some programs require a mouse or some
other fine motor control device for input. However, some users
with motor disabilities cannot operate these devices.  An input
redundancy feature provides the functionality of these devices
through the keyboard and/or other suitable alternative input
devices (e.g., voice input). 
     (3) Alternative Input Devices. The capability to connect an
alternative input device can be made available to a user who is
unable to use a modified standard keyboard. This feature
supplements the keyboard and any other standard input system
used.  The alternative input capability consists of a physical
port (serial, parallel, etc.) or connection capability that
allows an accommodation aid to be connected to the system to
augment or replace the keyboard.  For example, an alternative
input device can be customized as the most effective method of
input (e.g., switches, eye scan, headtracking) for the user while
supporting transparent hardware emulation for standard input
devices (i.e., keyboard and the mouse). 
     (4) Key Repeat. A typical microcomputer generates
repetitions of a character if that key remains depressed. This is
a problem for users without sufficient motor control.  A key
repeat feature gives a user control over the repeat start time
and rate by allowing either the timing parameters to be extended,
or the repeat function to be turned off. 
     (5) Toggle Key Status Control. Microcomputer toggle keys
provide visual feedback indicating whether a key is on or off.  A
toggle key status feature provides an alternative mode to visual
feedback to show the on or off status of a toggle key. 
     (6) Keyboard Orientation Aids. To orient a visually impaired
user to a particular keyboard, a set of tactile overlays should
be available to identify the most important keys.  The tactile
overlays can be in the form of keycap replacements or transparent
sticky tape with unique symbols to identify the various keys. 
     (7) Keyguards. To assist a motor disabled user, a keyguard
should be available to stabilize movements and ensure that the
correct keys are located and depressed. A keyguard is a keyboard
template with holes corresponding to the location of the keys. 
     b. Output. Auditory output capability, information
redundancy, and monitor display should be considered as
functional requirements. 
     (1) Auditory Output Capability. The auditory output
capability on current microcomputers is sufficient to beep and
play music.  However, some users with disabilities may require a
speech capability.  A speech synthesizer is required to generate
speech on today's computers.  The capability to support a speech
synthesizer should continue to be available in future generations
of computers or this capability may be internalized through an
upgrade of the computer's internal speaker.  The speech
capability should include user adjustable volume control and a
headset jack. 
     (2) Information Redundancy. Currently, several programs
activate a speaker on the microcomputer to provide information to
the user.  However, some programs do not have the capability to
present this information visually to the hearing impaired user.
This feature provides information redundancy by presenting a
visual equivalent of the auditory information presented. 
     (3) Monitor Display. The requirement to enhance text size,
reproduce text verbally, or modify display characteristics is
crucial for some users with visual disabilities.  To ensure that
this access continues, the following capabilities are required: 
     (a) Large Print Display. There should be a means for
enlarging a portion of the screen for the low vision user. The
process uses a window or similar mechanism that allows
magnification to be controlled by the user.  A user can invoke
the large print display capability from the keyboard or control
pad for use in conjunction with any work-related application
software.  If applications software includes graphics, then
enlargement of graphic displays should also be available. 
     (b) Access to Visually Displayed Information. The capability
to access the screen is necessary to support the speech and/or
Braille output requirement of many blind users. Currently, blind
users are able to select and review the spoken or Braille
equivalent of text from any portion of the screen while using
standard applications software. Third party vendors should
continue to have access to the screen contents in a manner that
can be translated and directed to any internal speech chip, a
speech synthesizer on a serial or parallel port, or a Braille
display device. Information that is presented pictorially also
needs to be available in a manner that, as software
sophistication improves, it may be eventually translated using
alternate display systems. 
     (c) Color Presentation. When colors must be distinguished in
order to understand information on the display, color- blind end
users should be provided with a means of selecting the colors to
be displayed. 
     c. Documentation. The vendor should be responsive in
supplying copies of the documentation in a usable electronic
format to disabled Federal employees. 
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