Test the accessibility using available tools.
Rationale
Accessibility must be included as part of the product test cycle to insure people with disabilities can use the product. After the product has been created, check to ensure that it complies with accessibility requirements. Several techniques are available to verify that the product is accessible to people with disabilities. See the individual checkpoints for specific tests for each checkpoint. The tools used to test accessibility are outlined below.
Development techniques
The following technique is the minimum required to meet Checkpoint 6.1 from the IBM Hardware Self Contained, Closed Products Accessibility Checklist:
- Test using the testing techniques provided for each checkpoint. Test the product using test tools such as a sound level meter, force or torque gauge, or a measuring tape.
The technique above is required; the following technique is recommended to enhance accessibility:
- Include people with disabilities when using test subjects.
Testing techniques
The following table summarizes the tools available to test hardware products for accessibility. There are no tools available at this time that can automatically test for any Hardware Accessibility standard.
| Checkpoint | Test Tools |
|---|---|
|
1.1 Controls and latches should be reachable and operable with one hand and minimal dexterity.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Torque or force gauge and measuring tape to check force of control and distances to vertical plane. |
|
1.2 Provide alternative forms of user identification for biometric identification.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Check that a user can be identified using other than biometric means. |
|
1.3 Provide an alternative input method for touchscreens or touch-operated controls.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Torque or force gauge to check force of control. |
|
1.4 Products shall be usable by people with disabilites without requiring an end user to attach assistive technology.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification. |
|
2.1 Provide the status of all locking or toggle keys visually and either through touch or sound.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification. |
|
2.2 Provide keys which are tactilely discernible without activating them.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual or tactile verification. |
|
2.3 If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat shall be adjustable to at least 2 seconds Key repeat rate shall be adjustable to 2 seconds per character.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification. |
|
3.1 Use color as an enhancement, not as the only way to convey information and distinguish keys, controls and labels.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification. |
|
3.2 If the user can adjust color and contrast settings, provide a range of color selections capable of producing a variety of contrast levels. controls and labels.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification. |
|
4.1 Provide a physical volume control or provide an interface so that volume can be controlled with software.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification, specification verification and software test cases. |
|
4.2 If audio output is provided, provide an industry standard audio connector to allow for private listening. Provide the ability to interrupt, pause, and restart the audio.
|
Automated: N/A
Manual: Visual verification, specification verification and software test cases. |
|
5.1 Provide an alert before timed responses expire and allow the user to indicate more time is needed.
|
Automated: Software test cases
Manual: N/A |
|
5.2 Avoid causing the screen to flicker with a frequency greater than 2 Hz and lower than 55 Hz.
|
Automated: Software test cases
Manual: N/A |
©2001, 2008 IBM Corporation
Last updated January 30, 2008.