Accessibility and ergonomic comfort features of IBM personal computers and accessories

Accessibility, related to computers, can be defined as access to, and use of, information technology by people with disabilities. Ergonomics can be defined as design of products to minimize user fatigue and discomfort. IBM's focus on design for best fit and making information technology accessible dates back to the very early days of typewriters and computing systems, before access expanded from the back-office computer room.

Many products we take for granted today actually began as innovations created for people with disabilities. An example is text-to-speech technology that was originally developed to help those with visual disabilities. Today it can also help other users operating in environments that require visual or physical attention to alternate tasks, such as driving an automobile or holding a phone handset during a transaction. What may at one time have been considered technology for a niche market can very quickly become useful to, and even required by, mainstream society.

Conversely, other technologies and features that support accessibility have been integrated right from their inception into the design of mainstream products making them accessible to all, including users with impairments. Examples of this are shortcut keys that are supported by standard software across the industry. Integration from the start makes technologies and features available to all and simplifies the purchasing task. This means that government agencies, businesses, families and individuals do not have to purchase different personal computers in order to support assistive technology devices and a variety of human physical and perceptual abilities.

Around the globe, IBM personnel involved in research, engineering, manufacturing, development, sales and support continue the long-standing IBM focus on accessibility and ergonomics initiatives. For example, IBM's early and continuing research on voice and other modes of interaction with computers has helped all within the industry to develop today's text-to-speech and voice interaction capabilities. IBM employees, collaborating across the globe, have led to more widespread recognition of the differences between individuals and the adaptations necessary to create products, offerings and systems that give every user access to the benefits of technology.

In the United States in 1998, the president signed into law the Workforce Investment Act, which amended Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This significantly expanded and strengthened the technology access requirements of the original 1986 act.

The revised law requires U.S. federal government agencies as of June 2001 to procure electronic and information technology that can be made accessible to federal employees who have disabilities, as well as to members of the public with disabilities who need to use that technology.

IBM's long-standing focus on accessibility initiatives supports Section 508 requirements, and IBM has enhanced accessibility for users with disabilities with features that go above and beyond the baseline standards.

The IBM Personal Computing Division is widely recognized for its focus on human factors and ergonomics and continues to innovate with products and services offerings to deliver business advantage. For example, IBM ThinkVantageTM Technologies and ThinkVantage Design are innovations that do just that — while demonstrating IBM's commitment to making notebooks, desktops and accessories easier to use and more comfortable for everyone, including those with special needs. Additional details follow.

New IBM ThinkPad® notebooks and ThinkCentreTM desktop computers are delivered with a special suite of software to make using them easier for everyone.

Access IBM
An Access IBM button is conveniently located on many IBM keyboards to provide one-touch access to the IBM on-system utilities and information. Hierarchical organization of the software simplifies access to a universe of information and function specific to ThinkPad notebooks or ThinkCentre desktops. This helps individuals set up, learn, and better use their systems. Access IBM is available on ThinkPad notebooks through one touch of the dedicated hardware button, and on both ThinkPad notebooks and ThinkCentre desktops through the Start menu and a desktop icon to accommodate multiple preferences. Note that an Access IBM button is also conveniently located on many IBM keyboards that can be used with ThinkCentre desktop PCs and can be attached externally to ThinkPad laptop PCs.

Access IBM includes unique onboard utilities and self-help tools to assist with key tasks and resolution of common system problems. The tools are machine-specific and designed to help save time and reduce the organization's user-support burden. Access Connections is one of these tools.

Access Connections
When moving from one networking environment to another, such as office to home, Access Connections software enables users to quickly and easily switch among previously defined connectivity settings to match the current network connection environment. It also enables an organization to define and protect these profiles of settings for their users.

Both Access IBM and Access Connections help people with disabilities maximize their computing experience. For example, they support interfaces commonly used by screen readers and screen magnifiers (as well as customizable display attributes — color, contrast, font size) that help those with visual impairments make better use of the technology.

Presentation Director
Presentation Director is available on all ThinkPad notebooks, making it easy to switch back and forth among display options by using the Fn-F7 keys. This is how mobile, sighted users typically view the ThinkPad's display screen. But when working at their own desks, some users dock their notebooks and attach them to larger external display monitors. And, when in a conference room, they may attach to a screen projector to show slides to a group of people. Others are even set up to view multiple monitors concurrently at their desks, extending the visual space available to them. IBM's Presentation Director makes it easy to switch among these display alternatives, without affecting the settings preferred with each display.

ThinkPad notebooks, ThinkCentre desktops, ThinkVision™ monitors, and IBM keyboards and pointing devices provide a number of comfort and accessibility features — many designed specifically for persons with physical limitations. Following is a sample of those features.

IBM keyboard
IBM keyboards maintain ISO-recommended key travel distance and pressure, enabling the proper key-push feedback to help promote productivity. Control buttons and keys do not require excessive force to use. They meet all industry standards for accessible force profiles, and the button and key layouts require minimal reach and dexterity to operate.

ThinkPad notebooks feature an ISO-standard, full-stroke keyboard, as do the IBM keyboards for ThinkCentre desktops. The Esc key, a key you may typically have to look for, is located away from, and is larger than the other keys along the top of all IBM keyboards. This makes it easy to locate and activate. The space bars on ThinkPad notebooks are horizontally wider than those found on many other notebooks. This can help users avoid errors due to pressing nearby keys by mistake.

IBM offers many keyboard alternatives that can be attached to ThinkPad notebook PCs or ThinkCentre desktop PCs, such as the Enhanced Performance USB Keyboard and the USB Keyboard with UltraNav.® These options enable you to adjust the distance of the keyboard from the visual display, even on a notebook, while working at a desk with sufficient space. IBM also offers a Wireless Enhanced Performance keyboard that provides even greater comfort and flexibility by eliminating the constraints imposed by cables.

A key-remapping software utility comes with many new ThinkPad notebooks, enabling you to assign other functions to keys. For example, you can assign the Microsoft® Windows® key function to a key on a ThinkPad keyboard, such as the left or right Alt or Ctrl key.

Individual volume control buttons
Dedicated volume control buttons on new ThinkPad notebooks and on many IBM keyboards for ThinkCentre desktops let you increase, decrease or mute sound with one button press. These buttons are recessed (as are the Access IBM and on/off buttons), and they are designed to be located by touch, without inadvertently activating them.

Internet navigation buttons
IBM Enhanced Productivity keyboards also include two buttons strategically located on the left of the keyboard that can help you navigate backward and forward through Web pages.

Key ridges
A small ridge is included on the arrow keys and the J and F keys on ThinkPad keyboards, as they are on other IBM keyboards. These ridges provide hand-positioning cues (J and F keys) and extra traction for users who are blind or who operate their ThinkPad notebook using a hand or mouth stick.

Sticky-key support
ThinkPad notebook keyboards provide sticky-key support for the Fn (function)-F key combinations, similar to the Microsoft Windows support for the Alt-n and Ctrl-n key combinations. Fn-F key support enables sequential rather than concurrent key presses on ThinkPad notebooks. This Fn-F key support is unique among notebooks across the industry and means that Alt, Ctrl and Fn key combinations can be used in sequence, instead of only in concert (holding down more than one key at the same time). In this way, people with mobility limitations can more easily use these keys and the applications supporting them.

IBM Mice
IBM offers a range of pointing devices to support different preferences for pointing and scrolling. Included are the IBM Optical 3-button ScrollPoint® mouse, the IBM Optical Wheel mouse, and the IBM Optical 3-button Travel Wheel mouse. All IBM mice can be used with notebook and desktop PCs.

TrackPoint® pointing device
A red, eraser-shaped controller, strategically located on the keyboard between the G, H and B keys (along with three click buttons located below the space bar) lets you control the on-screen cursor, navigate software applications and surf the Internet — all without removing your hands from the keyboard.

You can control the TrackPoint pointing device and navigate screen displays by applying pressure on the non-slip controller. Three "click" buttons (located near to where your thumbs would naturally rest) operate like the buttons on a traditional mouse and enable you to select and activate features, display menus, and scroll. In addition, pointer speed and sensitivity can be set to satisfy those who prefer either a firm or a light touch.

IBM also offers three TrackPoint cap choices, enabling you to further customize the ThinkPad notebook to fit the way you want to work. Two new shapes developed over two years — soft dome and soft rim — give you a choice of working with the style you find most comfortable. New ThinkPad notebooks ship with all three: a classic cap and one of each of the two new shapes. You can also purchase an IBM TrackPoint cap collection that provides two of each of these caps.

IBM ThinkPad multi-pointing device
Among new ThinkPad models, all but the smallest ones also feature the UltraNav device, an example of IBM ThinkVantage Design, combining the latest full-function TrackPoint pointing device with a new IBM-customized touch pad.

Designed using detailed research and analysis, UltraNav includes the most advanced TrackPoint system to date, a unique IBM-customized touch pad from Synaptics, Inc., a world leader in touch-pad technology, and the IBM UltraNav Wizard for easy setup and customization.

The IBM-customized touch pad includes expertly designed wraparound buttons that have the same touch and feel as the IBM TrackPoint buttons for maximum usability. Touch pad corners can be used as “hot buttons” to launch up to four applications or Web sites, and the entire touch pad can be used as a scrolling device.

Having both the TrackPoint and the touch pad enables you to vary your use over the course of a day, or to disable entirely the device that is not your preferred choice. The pointer speed and sensitivity for both can be set, satisfying users who need or prefer a firm or light touch. If you prefer an external keyboard, IBM offers a USB Keyboard with UltraNav and a USB Travel Keyboard with UltraNav that provide the same pointing flexibility as the ThinkPad keyboard.

Full-screen magnifier function
By simultaneously pressing the Fn key and the space bar on new ThinkPad models, the screen fonts and objects are instantly enlarged. A second press of the two keys returns the screen to the previous resolution. It’s an easy way to get a quick look at small items on the screen, and may be especially helpful to users with low vision, and to all for very high resolutions. In addition, icon placement settings on the desktop remain as you want them in each resolution rather than re-setting each other’s, when switching back and forth between resolutions. This resolves a key frustration users have when switching back and forth among resolutions using other means.

TrackPoint magnifier function
This is an alternative to the full-screen magnifier function. The TrackPoint cursor focus can be set so that screen contents are shown larger around the periphery of the ThinkPad TrackPoint cursor to help users with low vision.

"Cross-hair cursor" function
Another enhancement designed to help ThinkPad users with low vision, the cross-hair cursor function enables the TrackPoint cursor to appear more obvious.

ThinkLight™ keyboard light
Working in poor lighting conditions is easier on the eyes, thanks to a light-emitting diode located on the top display edge of ThinkPad notebooks. The tiny IBM ThinkLight shines down and illuminates the keyboard. It’s easily turned on and off via the keyboard, with the Fn and Pg-Up key combination. (The Fn key is the bottom left-most key on the keyboard, and the Pg-Up key is the top right-most key, so they are easy to locate even in the dark.)

Information LEDs (light-emitting diodes)
The status of all locking or toggle controls and keys is visually discernible, as well as discernible through sound, to support users who are hearing or vision impaired. The LEDs are optimally placed, at the bottom of the display/screen on the cover facing you when working at the computer. This makes them easy to scan when needed, compared to other common placements, for example beneath the hands, and it also places them below the direct line of sight.

Locking latches and easy-open covers
ThinkPad notebook covers are engineered with “smart latches” that make the cover easy to open — even with one hand. Two latches are controlled by a single slider that enables you to open both latches with one hand in a single operation. The latches themselves are considered “smart” because they are designed to keep the cover in the open position when activated to open. The latches will not close with the weight of the cover, they require moderate downward force. This enables you to first open the latches single-handedly with one slide control that works both latches, and then lift the cover with the same hand. Some other single-latch cover designs do not accommodate this easy opening of the latch and lifting of the cover.

In addition, the ThinkPad’s two latches, with a single slide control, provide better protection of the critical electrical connections between the display and the main processor. The design and placement of these latches protect the ThinkPad notebook from bowing over time, as some one-latch systems tend to do because of lateral pressure on the display hinges.

Angled front, non-slip finish, and light weight
To make ThinkPad notebooks easy to carry, they are finished with a “non-slip” surface and the edges are angled. ThinkPad notebooks come in a range of sizes and weights, including the ultra-portable, or smallest, category. The ThinkPad notebook’s thin profile makes it easier than other models to grip securely — an important feature for people with smaller hands.

Note: The IBM Active Protection System (APS), included on many new ThinkPads, offers additional protection for the hard drive if the ThinkPad notebook is dropped while in use.

BIOS audio prompts
For additional security, many users will define a power-on password and/or a hard disk drive password. Many ThinkPads and ThinkCentre models can now communicate via sound/tones, to let you know when the appropriate time comes to enter these passwords and to let you know if your entry is successful or incorrect. Users can enable these sound/tones through a setting in the firmware (BIOS). IBM is the first major PC brand to offer this audio support for BIOS passwords on personal computers.

Industry-standard ports and connectors
All ThinkPad and ThinkCentre computers support industry-standard ports and connectors. This makes them compatible with a wide range of alternative and assistive input/output devices.

IBM is equally committed to designing visual products that provide easy access for all users.

ThinkVision monitors are adjustable
IBM ThinkVision monitors can be adjusted to fit typical viewing preferences and environmental lighting aspects. The tilt angle of all ThinkVision monitors can be set, and the bases of all cathode ray tube (CRT) monitors enable them to swivel left-right without moving the monitor. It is so easy to shift the position of lightweight liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors that many flat panel displays do not need swivel bases.

The ergonomic stand that comes with select flat-panel displays keeps the base stationary and enables the monitor to swivel 135 degrees in either direction. In addition, this stand provides smooth lift as well as tilt adjustments, making the height adjustable within an 80mm vertical range (over 3 inches in lift). Users can raise or lower the display in addition to tilting it forward-backward, and swivel it left-right to adjust the viewing level for comfort.

The IBM TFT Radial Arm offers even greater adjustability
For those who like to vary their monitor's position greatly over the course of the day, or who need to preserve every bit of desk-space possible, the IBM radial arm option offers the ultimate in adjustability. This option allows the monitor to "float" above the desk. It can also be tilted flat for tablet position, rotated quickly from landscape to portrait position, and pulled close or pushed away. The radial arm can handle any display up to 20 pounds.

Button controls
Fast path buttons are provided on all ThinkVision monitors, enabling direct control of the most frequently used settings. These buttons are in the same position across the ThinkVision line, and are labeled with color-coded icons directly above the hardware controls. They provide convenient direct access to power on/off, brightness, automatic image setup and input select. (At the touch of a button, input select allows switching between two computer systems that share the same monitor).

On-screen display design
All ThinkVision monitors feature the IBM exclusive on-screen display, which maximizes all their display settings if needed. Going beyond settings tied to physical buttons, this set enables the user to customize all settings that are normally optimized automatically.

The settings for ThinkVision flat panel monitors are automatically optimized, but if you want to adjust them or adjust those on a ThinkVision CRT, there are easily understandable categories with symptomatic descriptions and explanations rather than cryptic labels or icons.

In addition, special accessibility features have been built into IBM ThinkVision on-screen displays, enabling the button repeat rate and menu time out length to be customized to allow for varying human response times.

Multiple monitor configurations
IBM monitors can also be used in multiple-monitor configurations. For example, by expanding the software desktop view across two monitors, you can make it easier to compare, move, and update information across applications, helping to reduce the workload on human memory.

Multiple monitor setups can be used with ThinkPad notebook computers and with ThinkCentre desktop computers (with an optional video adapter). For example, IBM's Presentation Director software makes it easier to set up and use an external monitor with a ThinkPad display, extending the software desktop across both the ThinkPad display screen and the external monitor, to display multiple open applications side by side. This can also be especially useful to people who prefer to use a full monitor when working at their desks, enabling them greater flexibility in positioning their keyboard and monitor positions relative to each other.

Audio controls for ThinkVision monitors
A speaker bezel with tactile volume controls is available as an accessory for most IBM ThinkVision monitors. This enables users to quickly adjust volume without having to navigate through software menus.

Note: Accessible hardware buttons for volume control are also provided on ThinkPad keyboards and on many IBM keyboard options, for example, on the IBM Enhanced Performance USB keyboard.

Smart design and intuitive functionality benefit everyone who uses technology, including those with disabilities. IBM maintains its commitment to producing products designed to enable all users to work to their full potential, by making products that are more comfortable and easy to use.