36 CFR Part 1194 - Proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines NPRM

402 Closed Functionality

402.1 General.

Except for personal headsets and other audio couplers, closed functionality of ICT shall be operable without requiring the user to attach or install assistive technology and shall conform to 402.

402.2 Speech-Output Enabled.

ICT with a display screen shall be speech-output enabled. Operating instructions and orientation, visible transaction prompts, user input verification, error messages, and all displayed information for full use shall be accessible to, and independently usable by, individuals with vision impairments. Speech output shall be delivered through a mechanism that is readily available to all users, including, but not limited to, an industry standard connector or a telephone handset. Speech shall be recorded or digitized human, or synthesized. Speech output shall be coordinated with information displayed on the screen.

EXCEPTIONS: 1. Audible tones shall be permitted instead of speech where the content of user input is not displayed as entered for security purposes, including, but not limited to, asterisks representing personal identification numbers.

2. Advertisements and other similar information shall not be required to be audible unless conveying information necessary for the transaction being conducted.

402.2.1 User Control.

Speech output for any single function shall be automatically interrupted when a transaction is selected. Speech output shall be capable of being repeated and paused.

402.2.2 Braille Instructions.

Where speech output is required by 402.2, braille instructions for initiating the speech mode of operation shall be provided. Braille shall conform to 36 CFR Part 1191, Appendix D, Section 703.3.

402.3 Volume.

ICT that delivers sound, including speech required by 402.2, shall provide volume control and output amplification conforming to 402.3.

EXCEPTION: ICT conforming to 410.2 shall not be required to conform to 402.3.

402.3.1 Private Listening.

Where ICT provides private listening, it shall provide a mode of operation for controlling the volume and a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling to hearing technologies.

402.3.2 Non-private Listening.

Where ICT provides non-private listening, incremental volume control shall be provided with output amplification up to a level of at least 65 dB. Where the ambient noise level of the environment is above 45 dB, a volume gain of at least 20 dB above the ambient level shall be user selectable. A function shall be provided to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use.

402.4 Characters.

At least one mode of characters displayed on the screen shall be in a sans serif font. Where ICT does not provide a screen enlargement feature, characters shall be 3/16 inch (4.8 mm) high minimum based on the uppercase letter “I”. Characters shall contrast with their background with either light characters on a dark background or dark characters on a light background.