Thread Subject: Accessible utility keys

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From: Randy Marsden (Home)
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 11:45 AM
Subject: Accessible utility keys

I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t addressed yet, but that
is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It relates
to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware ­ things like the on/off button,
reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on ­ with a
special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are controls that
can¹t be accessed via software.

On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access these
keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the device. AT
can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be hung
(requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/Off
control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that turned
on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus effectively
turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary
On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/Off key
and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.

Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and necessary) on
portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of many of
these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you¹ll need to press
the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation by a
stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most manufacturers
view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn¹t put a user-controlled reset
switch there in the first place). You know, ³if all else fails, press the
reset button². I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
Many can¹t.

These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if there is
an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra pins be
assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset buttons. In
this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the keys. Since most ports now are
industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s mandate,
I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments). In any
case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508. (I know it
can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing IT products don¹t
presently have this capability).


-Randy
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =

From: Debbie Cook
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 11:50 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

If you wnat it added as a "should" then it becomes a best practice or
sufficient technique, not a standard. For the standard you would say that
there must be a way to reset, activate and deactivate the product without
pressing keys or something like that.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Randy Marsden (Home)" < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
< = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:36 AM
Subject: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys


I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t addressed yet, but that
is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It relates
to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware ­ things like the on/off button,
reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on ­ with a
special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are controls that
can¹t be accessed via software.

On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access these
keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the device. AT
can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be hung
(requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/Off
control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that turned
on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus effectively
turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary
On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/Off key
and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.

Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and necessary) on
portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of many of
these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you¹ll need to press
the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation by a
stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most manufacturers
view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn¹t put a user-controlled reset
switch there in the first place). You know, ³if all else fails, press the
reset button². I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
Many can¹t.

These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if there is
an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra pins be
assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset buttons. In
this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the keys. Since most ports now are
industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s mandate,
I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments). In any
case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508. (I know it
can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing IT products don¹t
presently have this capability).


-Randy
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =





--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: David Poehlman
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Hi randy and all,

Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee can be a
key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is needed. Some
apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of this
though the design is less invasive than it might seem.

On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:

I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven�t addressed yet, but
that
is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It
relates
to the use of �utility keys� on hardware � things like the on/off
button,
reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on � with a
special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are
controls that
can�t be accessed via software.

On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can�t access these
keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
device. AT
can�t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be
hung
(requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/
Off
control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that
turned
on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus
effectively
turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the
momentary
On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT
manufacturers
have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
Off key
and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.

Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
necessary) on
portable devices, such as PDA�s and Smartphones. It�s a reality of
many of
these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you�ll need to
press
the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation by a
stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most
manufacturers
view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn�t put a user-controlled
reset
switch there in the first place). You know, �if all else fails,
press the
reset button�. I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at
least 2
or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
Many can�t.

These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
there is
an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra
pins be
assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset
buttons. In
this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
provide alternative ways of �pressing� the keys. Since most ports
now are
industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC�s
mandate,
I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
In any
case, I think it should be added as a �should� item in 508. (I know it
can�t be a �shall� item right now, since most existing IT products don�t
presently have this capability).


-Randy
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =

From: Randy Marsden (Home)
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 12:50 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my point. Sit
on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it. I don't believe the USB
port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for example, to do the same
thing as the built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed for
power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by USB, that
feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Hi randy and all,
>
> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
> even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee can be a
> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is needed. Some
> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of this
> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t addressed yet, but
> that
> is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It
> relates
> to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware ­ things like the on/off
> button,
> reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on ­ with a
> special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are
> controls that
> can¹t be accessed via software.
>
> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access these
> keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
> device. AT
> can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be
> hung
> (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/
> Off
> control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that
> turned
> on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus
> effectively
> turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the
> momentary
> On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT
> manufacturers
> have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
> Off key
> and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>
> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
> necessary) on
> portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of
> many of
> these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you¹ll need to
> press
> the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation by a
> stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most
> manufacturers
> view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn¹t put a user-controlled
> reset
> switch there in the first place). You know, ³if all else fails,
> press the
> reset button². I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at
> least 2
> or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
> Many can¹t.
>
> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
> there is
> an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra
> pins be
> assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset
> buttons. In
> this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
> provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the keys. Since most ports
> now are
> industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
> recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s
> mandate,
> I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
> In any
> case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508. (I know it
> can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing IT products don¹t
> presently have this capability).
>
>
> -Randy
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>

From: David Poehlman
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 1:00 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Hi Randy,

It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
replicable through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was
merely plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely
need standards language to address this.

On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:

But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
point. Sit
on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it. I don't believe the USB
port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for example, to do the
same
thing as the built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed for
power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by USB, that
feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Hi randy and all,
>
> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
> even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee can be a
> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is needed. Some
> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of this
> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven�t addressed yet, but
> that
> is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It
> relates
> to the use of �utility keys� on hardware � things like the on/off
> button,
> reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on � with a
> special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are
> controls that
> can�t be accessed via software.
>
> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can�t access
> these
> keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
> device. AT
> can�t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be
> hung
> (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/
> Off
> control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that
> turned
> on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus
> effectively
> turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the
> momentary
> On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT
> manufacturers
> have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
> Off key
> and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>
> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
> necessary) on
> portable devices, such as PDA�s and Smartphones. It�s a reality of
> many of
> these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you�ll need to
> press
> the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation
> by a
> stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most
> manufacturers
> view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn�t put a user-controlled
> reset
> switch there in the first place). You know, �if all else fails,
> press the
> reset button�. I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at
> least 2
> or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do
> this?
> Many can�t.
>
> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
> there is
> an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra
> pins be
> assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset
> buttons. In
> this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
> provide alternative ways of �pressing� the keys. Since most ports
> now are
> industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
> recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC�s
> mandate,
> I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
> In any
> case, I think it should be added as a �should� item in 508. (I
> know it
> can�t be a �shall� item right now, since most existing IT products
> don�t
> presently have this capability).
>
>
> -Randy
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>

From: Randy Marsden (Home)
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 1:40 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things - but
utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I know of to do
the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external device
connected through the USB port while the computer is turned off. I know the
power button is assigned a key code, so I can use assistive technology to
turn the computer off, for example (via on-screen keyboards, etc). But then
how do I turn it back on?

There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware that
causes the computer to turn on when the power button is pressed. That
electrical connection is not extended to the standard ports, such as USB,
that I know of. Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
interrupts, so present a particular challenge.
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Hi Randy,
>
> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
> replicable through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was
> merely plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely
> need standards language to address this.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
> point. Sit
> on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it. I don't believe the USB
> port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for example, to do the
> same
> thing as the built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed for
> power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by USB, that
> feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi randy and all,
>>
>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee can be a
>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is needed. Some
>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of this
>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t addressed yet, but
>> that
>> is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It
>> relates
>> to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware ­ things like the on/off
>> button,
>> reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on ­ with a
>> special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are
>> controls that
>> can¹t be accessed via software.
>>
>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access
>> these
>> keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
>> device. AT
>> can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be
>> hung
>> (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the On/
>> Off
>> control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that
>> turned
>> on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus
>> effectively
>> turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the
>> momentary
>> On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT
>> manufacturers
>> have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key
>> and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>
>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>> necessary) on
>> portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of
>> many of
>> these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you¹ll need to
>> press
>> the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation
>> by a
>> stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most
>> manufacturers
>> view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn¹t put a user-controlled
>> reset
>> switch there in the first place). You know, ³if all else fails,
>> press the
>> reset button². I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at
>> least 2
>> or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do
>> this?
>> Many can¹t.
>>
>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>> there is
>> an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra
>> pins be
>> assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset
>> buttons. In
>> this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector and
>> provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the keys. Since most ports
>> now are
>> industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s
>> mandate,
>> I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>> In any
>> case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508. (I
>> know it
>> can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing IT products
>> don¹t
>> presently have this capability).
>>
>>
>> -Randy
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>

From: David Poehlman
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

HI RANDY,

I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S A USB
KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.

On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:

Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
- but
utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I know of
to do
the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external device
connected through the USB port while the computer is turned off. I
know the
power button is assigned a key code, so I can use assistive
technology to
turn the computer off, for example (via on-screen keyboards, etc).
But then
how do I turn it back on?

There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware that
causes the computer to turn on when the power button is pressed. That
electrical connection is not extended to the standard ports, such as
USB,
that I know of. Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
interrupts, so present a particular challenge.
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Hi Randy,
>
> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
> replicable through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was
> merely plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely
> need standards language to address this.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
> point. Sit
> on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it. I don't believe
> the USB
> port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for example, to do the
> same
> thing as the built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed
> for
> power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by USB,
> that
> feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi randy and all,
>>
>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee can be a
>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is needed. Some
>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of this
>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven�t addressed yet, but
>> that
>> is important to people with physical and mobility impairments. It
>> relates
>> to the use of �utility keys� on hardware � things like the on/off
>> button,
>> reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys, and so on �
>> with a
>> special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys. These are
>> controls that
>> can�t be accessed via software.
>>
>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can�t access
>> these
>> keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
>> device. AT
>> can�t really help in the traditional sense, because the device may be
>> hung
>> (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the old days, when the
>> On/
>> Off
>> control was a toggle switch, special AT devices were developed that
>> turned
>> on and off the AC power to the computer (like a power bar), thus
>> effectively
>> turning the computer on and off. But now, with laptops and the
>> momentary
>> On/Off key, these solutions are no longer effective. Some AT
>> manufacturers
>> have gone to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key
>> and provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>
>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>> necessary) on
>> portable devices, such as PDA�s and Smartphones. It�s a reality of
>> many of
>> these devices that sooner or later it will lock up and you�ll need to
>> press
>> the reset button. These are usually recessed and require actuation
>> by a
>> stylus, paper-clip, or something else small. I believe most
>> manufacturers
>> view this as a necessary evil (or they wouldn�t put a user-controlled
>> reset
>> switch there in the first place). You know, �if all else fails,
>> press the
>> reset button�. I know I have to press the one on my smartphone at
>> least 2
>> or 3 times a week. But how do people with mobility impairments do
>> this?
>> Many can�t.
>>
>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>> there is
>> an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device, that extra
>> pins be
>> assigned to perform the same function as the On/Off and Reset
>> buttons. In
>> this way, AT can connect to the device via the expansion connector
>> and
>> provide alternative ways of �pressing� the keys. Since most ports
>> now are
>> industry standard (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC�s
>> mandate,
>> I know, but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>> In any
>> case, I think it should be added as a �should� item in 508. (I
>> know it
>> can�t be a �shall� item right now, since most existing IT products
>> don�t
>> presently have this capability).
>>
>>
>> -Randy
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>

From: Gregg Vanderheiden
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 7:45 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Interesting problem.

If we say "all function can be achieved from the keyboard" people usually
only think about when the power is on.
But how do you turn the power on a laptop - on - without pushing the
power button. Keyboard emulators can't. powerstrips can't.

Anyone have any ideas?


Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
> Randy Marsden (Home)
> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:44 PM
> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's
> my point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do
> it. I don't believe the USB port allows for an external
> keyboard emulator, for example, to do the same thing as the
> built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed for
> power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by
> USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
> > From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
> > To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> >
> > Hi randy and all,
> >
> > Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
> > even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee
> can be a
> > key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
> > reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
> needed. Some
> > apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system
> on as well
> > as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of
> this though
> > the design is less invasive than it might seem.
> >
> > On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> >
> > I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t
> addressed yet, but
> > that is important to people with physical and mobility
> impairments.
> > It relates to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware ­
> things like the
> > on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display
> brightness keys, and
> > so on ­ with a special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys.
> > These are controls that can¹t be accessed via software.
> >
> > On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access
> > these keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
> > device. AT can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the
> > device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off.
> In the old
> > days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special
> AT devices
> > were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the computer
> > (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the computer
> on and off.
> > But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off key, these solutions
> > are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers have gone to the
> > extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/ Off key and
> > provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
> >
> > Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
> > necessary) on
> > portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of
> > many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
> and you¹ll
> > need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
> > require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
> else small. I
> > believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil (or they
> > wouldn¹t put a user-controlled reset switch there in the
> first place).
> > You know, ³if all else fails, press the reset button². I
> know I have
> > to press the one on my smartphone at least 2 or 3 times a
> week. But
> > how do people with mobility impairments do this?
> > Many can¹t.
> >
> > These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
> > there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT
> device, that
> > extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
> On/Off and
> > Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to the device via the
> > expansion connector and provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the
> > keys. Since most ports now are industry standard (USB, PC
> Card, etc),
> > we may be talking about making recommendations to those standards
> > groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s mandate, I know, but could
> possibly be
> > included as non-normative comments).
> > In any
> > case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508.
> (I know
> > it can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing
> IT products
> > don¹t presently have this capability).
> >
> >
> > -Randy
> > ------------------------------------------------
> > Randy Marsden
> > President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> > ATIA Global Policy Chair
> >
> > 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> >
> >
>




begin 666 ATT00003.txt
M7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?7U]?
M7U-"G1E:71A8RUH87)D=V%R92!M86EL:6YG(&QI<W0-"G1E:71A8RUH87)D
M=V%R94!L:7-T+G1E:71A8RYO<F<-"FAT=' Z+R]L:7-T+G1E:71A8RYO<F<O
B;6%I;&UA;B]L:7-T:6YF;R]T96ET86,M:&%R9'=A<F4-"@``
`
end

From: David Poehlman
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 8:50 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

NOT A TOTAL SOLUTION, BUT YOU CAN PUT LAPTOPS TO SLEEP AND WAKE THEM
VIA A NUMBER OF MECHANIISMS.

On Mar 1, 2007, at 10:39 PM, Gregg Vanderheiden wrote:

Interesting problem.

If we say "all function can be achieved from the keyboard" people
usually
only think about when the power is on.
But how do you turn the power on a laptop - on - without pushing the
power button. Keyboard emulators can't. powerstrips can't.

Anyone have any ideas?


Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
> Randy Marsden (Home)
> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:44 PM
> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's
> my point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do
> it. I don't believe the USB port allows for an external
> keyboard emulator, for example, to do the same thing as the
> built-in keyboard. The old Apple ADB protocol allowed for
> power-on from an external device, but when it was replaced by
> USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing something...
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi randy and all,
>>
>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for instancee
> can be a
>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
> needed. Some
>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system
> on as well
>> as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee importance of
> this though
>> the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven¹t
> addressed yet, but
>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
> impairments.
>> It relates to the use of ³utility keys² on hardware
> things like the
>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display
> brightness keys, and
>> so on with a special emphasis on the Reset key and ON/Off keys.
>> These are controls that can¹t be accessed via software.
>>
>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can¹t access
>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the operation of the
>> device. AT can¹t really help in the traditional sense, because the
>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off.
> In the old
>> days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special
> AT devices
>> were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the computer
>> (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the computer
> on and off.
>> But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off key, these solutions
>> are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers have gone to the
>> extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/ Off key and
>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>
>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>> necessary) on
>> portable devices, such as PDA¹s and Smartphones. It¹s a reality of
>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
> and you¹ll
>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
> else small. I
>> believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil (or they
>> wouldn¹t put a user-controlled reset switch there in the
> first place).
>> You know, ³if all else fails, press the reset button². I
> know I have
>> to press the one on my smartphone at least 2 or 3 times a
> week. But
>> how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>> Many can¹t.
>>
>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT
> device, that
>> extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
> On/Off and
>> Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to the device via the
>> expansion connector and provide alternative ways of ³pressing² the
>> keys. Since most ports now are industry standard (USB, PC
> Card, etc),
>> we may be talking about making recommendations to those standards
>> groups (outside of the TEITAC¹s mandate, I know, but could
> possibly be
>> included as non-normative comments).
>> In any
>> case, I think it should be added as a ³should² item in 508.
> (I know
>> it can¹t be a ³shall² item right now, since most existing
> IT products
>> don¹t presently have this capability).
>>
>>
>> -Randy
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>

From: Gregg Vanderheiden
Date: Thu, Mar 01 2007 10:25 PM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Does it work with the laptop??

If so - great.

Need to also address PC's though.


Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
> David Poehlman
> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> HI RANDY,
>
> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S
> A USB KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
> - but
> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I
> know of to do the equivalent of pressing on the power button
> via an external device connected through the USB port while
> the computer is turned off. I know the power button is
> assigned a key code, so I can use assistive technology to
> turn the computer off, for example (via on-screen keyboards, etc).
> But then
> how do I turn it back on?
>
> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the
> hardware that causes the computer to turn on when the power
> button is pressed. That electrical connection is not
> extended to the standard ports, such as USB, that I know of.
> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
> interrupts, so present a particular challenge.
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
> > From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
> > To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> >
> > Hi Randy,
> >
> > It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
> replicable
> > through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
> > plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely need
> > standards language to address this.
> >
> > On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> >
> > But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
> > point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
> I don't
> > believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for
> > example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
> The old Apple
> > ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
> but when it
> > was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
> > something...
> > ------------------------------------------------
> > Randy Marsden
> > President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> > ATIA Global Policy Chair
> >
> > 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> >
> >> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> >> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> >> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> >> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
> >> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> >> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> >> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> >>
> >> Hi randy and all,
> >>
> >> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
> >> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
> instancee can be a
> >> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
> >> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
> needed. Some
> >> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
> >> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
> importance of this
> >> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
> >>
> >> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> >>
> >> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
> addressed yet, but
> >> that is important to people with physical and mobility
> impairments.
> >> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
> things like the
> >> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys,
> >> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
> ON/Off keys.
> >> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
> >>
> >> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can't access
> >> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
> operation of the
> >> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
> because the
> >> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the
> >> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special AT
> >> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the
> >> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
> computer on
> >> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
> key, these
> >> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
> have gone
> >> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
> Off key and
> >> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
> >>
> >> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
> >> necessary) on
> >> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
> reality of
> >> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
> and you'll
> >> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
> >> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
> else small.
> >> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
> (or they
> >> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
> >> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset button". I
> >> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
> or 3 times a
> >> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
> >> Many can't.
> >>
> >> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
> >> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device,
> >> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
> >> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
> the device
> >> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
> >> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
> >> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
> recommendations
> >> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
> mandate, I know,
> >> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
> >> In any
> >> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
> 508. (I know
> >> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
> IT products
> >> don't presently have this capability).
> >>
> >>
> >> -Randy
> >> ------------------------------------------------
> >> Randy Marsden
> >> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> >> ATIA Global Policy Chair
> >>
> >> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> >> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >>
> >>
> >>

From: David Poehlman
Date: Fri, Mar 02 2007 3:50 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Yes, It came from Mac Alley. Sorry for the potentially inaccurate
spelling. I can dig it up later.

On Mar 2, 2007, at 1:12 AM, Gregg Vanderheiden wrote:

Does it work with the laptop??

If so - great.

Need to also address PC's though.


Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.



> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
> David Poehlman
> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Hi RANDY,
>
> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S
> A USB KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>
> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>
> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
> - but
> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I
> know of to do the equivalent of pressing on the power button
> via an external device connected through the USB port while
> the computer is turned off. I know the power button is
> assigned a key code, so I can use assistive technology to
> turn the computer off, for example (via on-screen keyboards, etc).
> But then
> how do I turn it back on?
>
> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the
> hardware that causes the computer to turn on when the power
> button is pressed. That electrical connection is not
> extended to the standard ports, such as USB, that I know of.
> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
> interrupts, so present a particular challenge.
> ------------------------------------------------
> Randy Marsden
> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>
> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>
>
>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi Randy,
>>
>> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
> replicable
>> through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
>> plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely need
>> standards language to address this.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
>> point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
> I don't
>> believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for
>> example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
> The old Apple
>> ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
> but when it
>> was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
>> something...
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>
>>> Hi randy and all,
>>>
>>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
> instancee can be a
>>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
> needed. Some
>>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
> importance of this
>>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>
>>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
> addressed yet, but
>>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
> impairments.
>>> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
> things like the
>>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys,
>>> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
> ON/Off keys.
>>> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
>>>
>>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can't access
>>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
> operation of the
>>> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
> because the
>>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the
>>> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special AT
>>> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the
>>> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
> computer on
>>> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
> key, these
>>> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
> have gone
>>> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
> Off key and
>>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>>
>>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>>> necessary) on
>>> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
> reality of
>>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
> and you'll
>>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
> else small.
>>> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
> (or they
>>> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
>>> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset button". I
>>> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
> or 3 times a
>>> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>>> Many can't.
>>>
>>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device,
>>> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
>>> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
> the device
>>> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
>>> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
>>> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
> recommendations
>>> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
> mandate, I know,
>>> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>>> In any
>>> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
> 508. (I know
>>> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
> IT products
>>> don't presently have this capability).
>>>
>>>
>>> -Randy
>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>> Randy Marsden
>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>
>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>

From: Jim Tobias
Date: Fri, Mar 02 2007 5:40 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

Don't forget "wake on LAN", which turns on a computer when it receives a
signal over the LAN. This can be implemented in BIOS or in a hardware card.

******
Jim Tobias
Inclusive Technologies
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
+1 732.441.0831 voice/tty
skype jimtobias
+1 908.907.2387 mobile

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gregg Vanderheiden [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ]
> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 1:12 AM
> To: 'TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee'
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Does it work with the laptop??
>
> If so - great.
>
> Need to also address PC's though.
>
>
> Gregg
> -- ------------------------------
> Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> > [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of David
> > Poehlman
> > Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
> > To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
> > Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> >
> > HI RANDY,
> >
> > I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S A USB
> > KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
> >
> > On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> >
> > Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
> > - but
> > utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I
> know of to
> > do the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external
> > device connected through the USB port while the computer is turned
> > off. I know the power button is assigned a key code, so I can use
> > assistive technology to turn the computer off, for example (via
> > on-screen keyboards, etc).
> > But then
> > how do I turn it back on?
> >
> > There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware
> > that causes the computer to turn on when the power button
> is pressed.
> > That electrical connection is not extended to the standard
> ports, such
> > as USB, that I know of.
> > Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
> interrupts, so
> > present a particular challenge.
> > ------------------------------------------------
> > Randy Marsden
> > President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> > ATIA Global Policy Chair
> >
> > 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> >
> >
> > > From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > > Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > > Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
> > > To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > > < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > > Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> > >
> > > Hi Randy,
> > >
> > > It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
> > replicable
> > > through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
> > > plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We
> deffinitely need
> > > standards language to address this.
> > >
> > > On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> > >
> > > But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
> > > point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
> > I don't
> > > believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard
> emulator, for
> > > example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
> > The old Apple
> > > ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
> > but when it
> > > was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
> > > something...
> > > ------------------------------------------------
> > > Randy Marsden
> > > President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> > > ATIA Global Policy Chair
> > >
> > > 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> > > = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> > >
> > >
> > >> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > >> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > >> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > >> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
> > >> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> > >> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> > >> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
> > >>
> > >> Hi randy and all,
> > >>
> > >> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via
> the keyboard
> > >> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
> > instancee can be a
> > >> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have
> had warm
> > >> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
> > needed. Some
> > >> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the
> system on as
> > >> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
> > importance of this
> > >> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
> > >>
> > >> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
> > >>
> > >> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
> > addressed yet, but
> > >> that is important to people with physical and mobility
> > impairments.
> > >> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
> > things like the
> > >> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display
> brightness keys,
> > >> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
> > ON/Off keys.
> > >> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
> > >>
> > >> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments
> can't access
> > >> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
> > operation of the
> > >> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
> > because the
> > >> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned
> off. In the
> > >> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch,
> special AT
> > >> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC
> power to the
> > >> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
> > computer on
> > >> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
> > key, these
> > >> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
> > have gone
> > >> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
> > Off key and
> > >> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
> > >>
> > >> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
> > >> necessary) on
> > >> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
> > reality of
> > >> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
> > and you'll
> > >> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
> > >> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
> > else small.
> > >> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
> > (or they
> > >> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
> > >> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset
> button". I
> > >> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
> > or 3 times a
> > >> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
> > >> Many can't.
> > >>
> > >> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion
> is that if
> > >> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an
> IT device,
> > >> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
> > >> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
> > the device
> > >> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
> > >> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
> > >> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
> > recommendations
> > >> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
> > mandate, I know,
> > >> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
> > >> In any
> > >> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
> > 508. (I know
> > >> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
> > IT products
> > >> don't presently have this capability).
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> -Randy
> > >> ------------------------------------------------
> > >> Randy Marsden
> > >> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
> > >> ATIA Global Policy Chair
> > >>
> > >> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
> > >> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
> > >>
> > >>
> > >>

From: David Poehlman
Date: Fri, Mar 02 2007 5:45 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

And it can also wake through wifi.

On Mar 2, 2007, at 7:35 AM, Jim Tobias wrote:

Don't forget "wake on LAN", which turns on a computer when it receives a
signal over the LAN. This can be implemented in BIOS or in a
hardware card.

******
Jim Tobias
Inclusive Technologies
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
+1 732.441.0831 voice/tty
skype jimtobias
+1 908.907.2387 mobile

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gregg Vanderheiden [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ]
> Sent: Friday, March 02, 2007 1:12 AM
> To: 'TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee'
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Does it work with the laptop??
>
> If so - great.
>
> Need to also address PC's though.
>
>
> Gregg
> -- ------------------------------
> Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of David
>> Poehlman
>> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
>> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> HI RANDY,
>>
>> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S A USB
>> KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
>> - but
>> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I
> know of to
>> do the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external
>> device connected through the USB port while the computer is turned
>> off. I know the power button is assigned a key code, so I can use
>> assistive technology to turn the computer off, for example (via
>> on-screen keyboards, etc).
>> But then
>> how do I turn it back on?
>>
>> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware
>> that causes the computer to turn on when the power button
> is pressed.
>> That electrical connection is not extended to the standard
> ports, such
>> as USB, that I know of.
>> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
> interrupts, so
>> present a particular challenge.
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>
>>> Hi Randy,
>>>
>>> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
>> replicable
>>> through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
>>> plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We
> deffinitely need
>>> standards language to address this.
>>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>
>>> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
>>> point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
>> I don't
>>> believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard
> emulator, for
>>> example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
>> The old Apple
>>> ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
>> but when it
>>> was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
>>> something...
>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>> Randy Marsden
>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>
>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>>
>>>> Hi randy and all,
>>>>
>>>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via
> the keyboard
>>>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
>> instancee can be a
>>>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have
> had warm
>>>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
>> needed. Some
>>>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the
> system on as
>>>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
>> importance of this
>>>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
>> addressed yet, but
>>>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
>> impairments.
>>>> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
>> things like the
>>>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display
> brightness keys,
>>>> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
>> ON/Off keys.
>>>> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
>>>>
>>>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments
> can't access
>>>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
>> operation of the
>>>> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
>> because the
>>>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned
> off. In the
>>>> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch,
> special AT
>>>> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC
> power to the
>>>> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
>> computer on
>>>> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
>> key, these
>>>> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
>> have gone
>>>> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key and
>>>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>>>
>>>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>>>> necessary) on
>>>> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
>> reality of
>>>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
>> and you'll
>>>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>>>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
>> else small.
>>>> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
>> (or they
>>>> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
>>>> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset
> button". I
>>>> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
>> or 3 times a
>>>> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>>>> Many can't.
>>>>
>>>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion
> is that if
>>>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an
> IT device,
>>>> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
>>>> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
>> the device
>>>> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
>>>> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
>>>> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations
>>>> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
>> mandate, I know,
>>>> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>>>> In any
>>>> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
>> 508. (I know
>>>> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
>> IT products
>>>> don't presently have this capability).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -Randy
>>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>>> Randy Marsden
>>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>>
>>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>

From: Randy Marsden
Date: Fri, Mar 09 2007 11:05 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

David:

Can you confirm for us that you are using your keyboard to turn on your
computer from a COLD shutdown (as opposed to a sleep condition)? If so,
what key do you use on the keyboard for that, and what computer are you
using?
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 05:46:18 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Yes, It came from Mac Alley. Sorry for the potentially inaccurate
> spelling. I can dig it up later.
>
> On Mar 2, 2007, at 1:12 AM, Gregg Vanderheiden wrote:
>
> Does it work with the laptop??
>
> If so - great.
>
> Need to also address PC's though.
>
>
> Gregg
> -- ------------------------------
> Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of
>> David Poehlman
>> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
>> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi RANDY,
>>
>> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S
>> A USB KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
>> - but
>> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I
>> know of to do the equivalent of pressing on the power button
>> via an external device connected through the USB port while
>> the computer is turned off. I know the power button is
>> assigned a key code, so I can use assistive technology to
>> turn the computer off, for example (via on-screen keyboards, etc).
>> But then
>> how do I turn it back on?
>>
>> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the
>> hardware that causes the computer to turn on when the power
>> button is pressed. That electrical connection is not
>> extended to the standard ports, such as USB, that I know of.
>> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware
>> interrupts, so present a particular challenge.
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>
>>> Hi Randy,
>>>
>>> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
>> replicable
>>> through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
>>> plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely need
>>> standards language to address this.
>>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>
>>> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
>>> point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
>> I don't
>>> believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for
>>> example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
>> The old Apple
>>> ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
>> but when it
>>> was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
>>> something...
>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>> Randy Marsden
>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>
>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>>
>>>> Hi randy and all,
>>>>
>>>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>>>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
>> instancee can be a
>>>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>>>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
>> needed. Some
>>>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>>>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
>> importance of this
>>>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
>> addressed yet, but
>>>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
>> impairments.
>>>> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
>> things like the
>>>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys,
>>>> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
>> ON/Off keys.
>>>> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
>>>>
>>>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can't access
>>>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
>> operation of the
>>>> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
>> because the
>>>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the
>>>> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special AT
>>>> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the
>>>> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
>> computer on
>>>> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
>> key, these
>>>> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
>> have gone
>>>> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key and
>>>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>>>
>>>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>>>> necessary) on
>>>> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
>> reality of
>>>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
>> and you'll
>>>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>>>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
>> else small.
>>>> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
>> (or they
>>>> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
>>>> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset button". I
>>>> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
>> or 3 times a
>>>> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>>>> Many can't.
>>>>
>>>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>>>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device,
>>>> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
>>>> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
>> the device
>>>> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
>>>> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
>>>> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations
>>>> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
>> mandate, I know,
>>>> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>>>> In any
>>>> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
>> 508. (I know
>>>> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
>> IT products
>>>> don't presently have this capability).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -Randy
>>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>>> Randy Marsden
>>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>>
>>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>

From: Sean Hayes
Date: Fri, Mar 09 2007 11:20 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

This device http://www.welovemacs.com/usb-key-bt.html
seems to do it, but only on certain makes of Mac.

-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Randy Marsden
Sent: 09 March 2007 18:03
To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys

David:

Can you confirm for us that you are using your keyboard to turn on your computer from a COLD shutdown (as opposed to a sleep condition)? If so, what key do you use on the keyboard for that, and what computer are you using?
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 05:46:18 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Yes, It came from Mac Alley. Sorry for the potentially inaccurate
> spelling. I can dig it up later.
>
> On Mar 2, 2007, at 1:12 AM, Gregg Vanderheiden wrote:
>
> Does it work with the laptop??
>
> If so - great.
>
> Need to also address PC's though.
>
>
> Gregg
> -- ------------------------------
> Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of David
>> Poehlman
>> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
>> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi RANDY,
>>
>> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S A USB
>> KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
>> - but
>> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I know of
>> to do the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external
>> device connected through the USB port while the computer is turned
>> off. I know the power button is assigned a key code, so I can use
>> assistive technology to turn the computer off, for example (via
>> on-screen keyboards, etc).
>> But then
>> how do I turn it back on?
>>
>> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware
>> that causes the computer to turn on when the power button is pressed.
>> That electrical connection is not extended to the standard ports,
>> such as USB, that I know of.
>> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware interrupts,
>> so present a particular challenge.
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>
>>> Hi Randy,
>>>
>>> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
>> replicable
>>> through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
>>> plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely need
>>> standards language to address this.
>>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>
>>> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
>>> point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
>> I don't
>>> believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for
>>> example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
>> The old Apple
>>> ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
>> but when it
>>> was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
>>> something...
>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>> Randy Marsden
>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>
>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>>
>>>> Hi randy and all,
>>>>
>>>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>>>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
>> instancee can be a
>>>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>>>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
>> needed. Some
>>>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>>>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
>> importance of this
>>>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
>> addressed yet, but
>>>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
>> impairments.
>>>> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
>> things like the
>>>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys,
>>>> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
>> ON/Off keys.
>>>> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
>>>>
>>>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can't access
>>>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
>> operation of the
>>>> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
>> because the
>>>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the
>>>> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special AT
>>>> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the
>>>> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
>> computer on
>>>> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
>> key, these
>>>> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
>> have gone
>>>> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key and
>>>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>>>
>>>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>>>> necessary) on
>>>> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
>> reality of
>>>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
>> and you'll
>>>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>>>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
>> else small.
>>>> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
>> (or they
>>>> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
>>>> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset button". I
>>>> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
>> or 3 times a
>>>> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>>>> Many can't.
>>>>
>>>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>>>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device,
>>>> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
>>>> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
>> the device
>>>> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
>>>> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
>>>> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations
>>>> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
>> mandate, I know,
>>>> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>>>> In any
>>>> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
>> 508. (I know
>>>> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
>> IT products
>>>> don't presently have this capability).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -Randy
>>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>>> Randy Marsden
>>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>>
>>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>

From: David Poehlman
Date: Fri, Mar 09 2007 11:45 AM
Subject: Re: Accessible utility keys

It's a Macaley keyboard and it has a power button built into it.

On Mar 9, 2007, at 1:18 PM, Sean Hayes wrote:

This device http://www.welovemacs.com/usb-key-bt.html
seems to do it, but only on certain makes of Mac.

-----Original Message-----
From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto:teitac-hardware-
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Randy Marsden
Sent: 09 March 2007 18:03
To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys

David:

Can you confirm for us that you are using your keyboard to turn on
your computer from a COLD shutdown (as opposed to a sleep
condition)? If so, what key do you use on the keyboard for that, and
what computer are you using?
------------------------------------------------
Randy Marsden
President & CEO, Madentec Limited
ATIA Global Policy Chair

780-450-8926 ext. 223
= EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =


> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Date: Fri, 2 Mar 2007 05:46:18 -0500
> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>
> Yes, It came from Mac Alley. Sorry for the potentially inaccurate
> spelling. I can dig it up later.
>
> On Mar 2, 2007, at 1:12 AM, Gregg Vanderheiden wrote:
>
> Does it work with the laptop??
>
> If so - great.
>
> Need to also address PC's though.
>
>
> Gregg
> -- ------------------------------
> Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.
>
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>> [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of David
>> Poehlman
>> Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2007 5:51 PM
>> To: TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee
>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>
>> Hi RANDY,
>>
>> I'VE A MAC KEYBOARD THAT HAS A POWER PUSH BUTTON ON IT. IT'S A USB
>> KEYBOARD AND IT WORKS. THIS SHOULD BE ADAPTABLE.
>>
>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 3:32 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>
>> Thanks David. I believe what you are saying is true for most things
>> - but
>> utility keys are different. For example, there is no way I know of
>> to do the equivalent of pressing on the power button via an external
>> device connected through the USB port while the computer is turned
>> off. I know the power button is assigned a key code, so I can use
>> assistive technology to turn the computer off, for example (via
>> on-screen keyboards, etc).
>> But then
>> how do I turn it back on?
>>
>> There is a direct electrical connection internally in the hardware
>> that causes the computer to turn on when the power button is pressed.
>> That electrical connection is not extended to the standard ports,
>> such as USB, that I know of.
>> Ditto for reset buttons. They are done through hardware interrupts,
>> so present a particular challenge.
>> ------------------------------------------------
>> Randy Marsden
>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>
>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>
>>
>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:57:25 -0500
>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>
>>> Hi Randy,
>>>
>>> It flows through that anything doable frrom the keyboard is
>> replicable
>>> through manyy modalities or am I missing something. I was merely
>>> plugging a hole in your example set it seemed. We deffinitely need
>>> standards language to address this.
>>>
>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 2:43 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>
>>> But what if you can't press a key on the keyboard...? That's my
>>> point. Sit on your hands and then imagine how you'd do it.
>> I don't
>>> believe the USB port allows for an external keyboard emulator, for
>>> example, to do the same thing as the built-in keyboard.
>> The old Apple
>>> ADB protocol allowed for power-on from an external device,
>> but when it
>>> was replaced by USB, that feature went away. Unless I'm missing
>>> something...
>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>> Randy Marsden
>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>
>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>
>>>
>>>> From: David Poehlman < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Reply-To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Date: Thu, 1 Mar 2007 14:32:27 -0500
>>>> To: "TEITAC desktop/portable (hardware) subcommittee"
>>>> < = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = >
>>>> Subject: Re: [teitac-hardware] Accessible utility keys
>>>>
>>>> Hi randy and all,
>>>>
>>>> Al of the examples you site can be accomplishable via the keyboard
>>>> even if the device is turned off. On and off for
>> instancee can be a
>>>> key instead of a switch or small button. computers have had warm
>>>> reset for quite a while and often, this is all that is
>> needed. Some
>>>> apple keyboards have a power button which turnss the system on as
>>>> well as off. Iin other words,, I agree with thee
>> importance of this
>>>> though the design is less invasive than it might seem.
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 1, 2007, at 1:36 PM, Randy Marsden (Home) wrote:
>>>>
>>>> I wanted to open a discussion item that we haven't
>> addressed yet, but
>>>> that is important to people with physical and mobility
>> impairments.
>>>> It relates to the use of "utility keys" on hardware -
>> things like the
>>>> on/off button, reset button, volume keys, display brightness keys,
>>>> and so on - with a special emphasis on the Reset key and
>> ON/Off keys.
>>>> These are controls that can't be accessed via software.
>>>>
>>>> On/Off Button: Many people with mobility impairments can't access
>>>> these keys, yet they become a critical part of the
>> operation of the
>>>> device. AT can't really help in the traditional sense,
>> because the
>>>> device may be hung (requiring reset) or simply turned off. In the
>>>> old days, when the On/ Off control was a toggle switch, special AT
>>>> devices were developed that turned on and off the AC power to the
>>>> computer (like a power bar), thus effectively turning the
>> computer on
>>>> and off. But now, with laptops and the momentary On/Off
>> key, these
>>>> solutions are no longer effective. Some AT manufacturers
>> have gone
>>>> to the extent of kludging solenoid actuators over the On/
>> Off key and
>>>> provided alternative access to that. But it is far from ideal.
>>>>
>>>> Reset Key: these are becoming more and more prevalent (and
>>>> necessary) on
>>>> portable devices, such as PDA's and Smartphones. It's a
>> reality of
>>>> many of these devices that sooner or later it will lock up
>> and you'll
>>>> need to press the reset button. These are usually recessed and
>>>> require actuation by a stylus, paper-clip, or something
>> else small.
>>>> I believe most manufacturers view this as a necessary evil
>> (or they
>>>> wouldn't put a user-controlled reset switch there in the first
>>>> place). You know, "if all else fails, press the reset button". I
>>>> know I have to press the one on my smartphone at least 2
>> or 3 times a
>>>> week. But how do people with mobility impairments do this?
>>>> Many can't.
>>>>
>>>> These are not simple problems to solve. One suggestion is that if
>>>> there is an expansion connector or slot provided on an IT device,
>>>> that extra pins be assigned to perform the same function as the
>>>> On/Off and Reset buttons. In this way, AT can connect to
>> the device
>>>> via the expansion connector and provide alternative ways of
>>>> "pressing" the keys. Since most ports now are industry standard
>>>> (USB, PC Card, etc), we may be talking about making
>> recommendations
>>>> to those standards groups (outside of the TEITAC's
>> mandate, I know,
>>>> but could possibly be included as non-normative comments).
>>>> In any
>>>> case, I think it should be added as a "should" item in
>> 508. (I know
>>>> it can't be a "shall" item right now, since most existing
>> IT products
>>>> don't presently have this capability).
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> -Randy
>>>> ------------------------------------------------
>>>> Randy Marsden
>>>> President & CEO, Madentec Limited
>>>> ATIA Global Policy Chair
>>>>
>>>> 780-450-8926 ext. 223
>>>> = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED =
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>