Note

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

HW Draft Operable Controls Definition

Link back to Hardware Draft Language EWG Format

Subpart A - Operable Controls

"Operable controls: any physical control that affects the operation of the product. Operable controls include, but are not limited to, mechanically operated controls, input and output trays, card slots, keyboards, keypads, keys, or buttons, including touch-screens."


Discussion or Rationale

Note I added individual keys and buttons, as I've inspected many devices that have only those features where the manufacture thought Section 508 didn't apply because it didn't have "a full keyboard".

There was an interesting exchange on the Listserv on this topic regarding full functionality and normal operation.

Text from 508

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

FROM PREAMBLE

Operable controls. The proposed rule defined operable controls as those components of a product that require physical contact for normal operation of the device. Examples of operable controls were provided, including on/off switches, buttons, dials and knobs, mice, keypads and other input devices, copier paper trays (both for inserting paper to be copied and retrieving finished copies), coin and card slots, card readers, and similar components. The proposed rule also clarified that operable controls do not include voice-operated controls.

Comment. One commenter was concerned that the term paper trays was confusing and interpreted it to mean the large trays on a copier which are loaded with reams of paper for copying. The commenter suggested that the term input and output trays be used instead.

Response. The Board agrees that input and output trays are more descriptive. The final rule reflects this change which is intended to apply to products in their normal operation rather than when the product may be used for maintenance, repair, or occasional monitoring. For example, a user should be able to add paper to a desktop laser printer. No other changes have been made to this definition.



  • Source: Subpart A
  • Subcommittee: Hardware
  • Impact:
  • External Reference:
  • Testability
  • Metadata
    • Disabilities: All disabilities
    • User Activities: Conversations, data analysis, document sharing and reviewing, media (audio/video) creation and editing.
    • Product Characterisics: Physical controls or connectors, color, touchscreen or touch sensitive buttons.
    • Product Types: Hardware, telephone, telephone system, audiovisual equipment, public information terminal, desktop computer system, portable computer system, copier, printer, scanner, other simliar peripherals.

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