Thread Subject: Re: Requirements for telephone amplification

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: Brett, Thomas F
Date: Wed, Nov 08 2006 4:05 AM

>I am not a lawyer, either, so pardon my ignorance. DGiven the intent of >508, does "specific accessibility-related software or the attachment of an >assistive technology device" pertain only if direct access is not embedded in >the product? So, would a purchaser first try to identify a phone that is HAC >or a copier with text to speech, for example, but lacking that as an option >then only need to provide the accessibility software or hardware on an as >needed basis by the individual user?

This is my understanding of the law. The policy that I have followed for the past 5 years is that as long as the equipment/software/product is capable of being used with assistive technology, that equipment/software/product meets the applicable Section 508 Standards.

Using screen reader technology as an example, it would cost approximately $1,000 to outfit every workstation with this technology. To insure that this technology will work would require that the RAM be increased and that every user be granted admin rights to their PC. The vast majority of the workstation users would never access that technology.

Tom Brett

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