Thread Subject: Re: Operable Controls Definition

Note

This archival content is maintained by WebAIM and NCDAE on behalf of TEITAC and the U.S. Access Board . Additional details on the updates to section 508 and section 255 can be found at the Access Board web site.

From: Robinson, Norman B - Washington, DC
Date: Wed, May 30 2007 3:55 PM

Peers,

I would like to consider if we are speaking specifically about
*requires physical contact for normal operation* or is it simply
*physical controls that affect the operation of the product*?

Playing devil's advocate, if I create a control for a product
that I deem isn't a part of *normal operation* then do I get a
get-out-of-508-free card? If I create physical controls that doesn't
require physical contact, because I have software that can remotely
control the product (e.g., software that controls the copier, email,
fax, all-in-one printer on my desktop connected to the LAN) and even
more importantly to my point are *not* accessible without previously
mentioned software, is that acceptable?

I'd really like to see something that doesn't fail when combined with
or without accessibility. The terms "required" and "normal operation"
are tied to the accessibility discussion. My point: you have operable
controls but we shouldn't assume they are accessible.

Suggested definition: "Operable controls: any physical control
that affects the operation of the product. Operable controls include,
but are not limited to, mechanically operated controls, input and output
trays, card slots, keyboards, keypads, keys, or buttons, including
touch-screens." Note I added individual keys and buttons, as I've
inspected many devices that have only those features where the
manufacture thought Section 508 didn't apply because it didn't have "a
full keyboard".

Just my two cents.

Regards,


Norman B. Robinson
Section 508 Coordinator
IT Governance, US Postal Service
phone: 202.268.8246



-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
[mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
Sent: Wednesday, May 30, 2007 4:37 PM
To: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
Subject: [teitac-hardware] Operable Controls Definition


The Subpart A subcommittee has asked us to comment on any potential
changes to the Operable Controls definition. The definition is as
follows:

Operable controls - A component of a product that requires physical
contact for normal operation. Operable controls include, but are not
limited to, mechanically operated controls, input and output trays, card
slots, keyboards, or keypads.

Please provide comment or feedback on this definition so that we can
close with the Subpart A team.

Thanks,

Randy and Rob

Rob Nerhood | Experience Design Group | Ergonomics Engineer
Dell, Inc. | One Dell Way | Round Rock, Texas 78682 - 7000
direct 512.723.2763
This communication and all attachments are confidential and may be
legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, (i) please
do not read or disclose any content to others, (ii) please notify the
sender by reply mail immediately, and (iii) please permanently delete
this communication from your system. Failure to follow this process may
be unlawful and subject to prosecution. Thank you for your cooperation.

WebAIM is an initiative of:
Center for Persons with Disabilities (CPD) Utah State University