§ 14.21   Performance Objectives.

   (a)  Generally.  Manufacturers and service providers shall ensure that
   equipment and services covered by this part are accessible, usable, and
   compatible as those terms are defined in paragraphs (b) through (d) of this
   section.

   (b) Accessible. The term accessible shall mean that:

   (1)  Input,  control,  and  mechanical  functions  shall be locatable,
   identifiable,  and  operable in accordance with each of the following,
   assessed independently:

   (i) Operable without vision. Provide at least one mode that does not require
   user vision.

   (ii) Operable with low vision and limited or no hearing. Provide at least
   one mode that permits operation by users with visual acuity between 20/70
   and 20/200, without relying on audio output.

   (iii) Operable with little or no color perception. Provide at least one mode
   that does not require user color perception.

   (iv) Operable without hearing. Provide at least one mode that does not
   require user auditory perception.

   (v) Operable with limited manual dexterity. Provide at least one mode that
   does not require user fine motor control or simultaneous actions.

   (vi) Operable with limited reach and strength. Provide at least one mode
   that is operable with user limited reach and strength.

   (vii) Operable with a Prosthetic Device. Controls shall be operable without
   requiring body contact or close body proximity.

   (viii) Operable without time-dependent controls. Provide at least one mode
   that  does  not  require a response time or allows response time to be
   by-passed or adjusted by the user over a wide range.

   (ix)  Operable without speech. Provide at least one mode that does not
   require user speech.

   (x) Operable with limited cognitive skills. Provide at least one mode that
   minimizes the cognitive, memory, language, and learning skills required of
   the user.

   (2) All information necessary to operate and use the product, including but
   not limited to, text, static or dynamic images, icons, labels, sounds, or
   incidental  operating cues, [shall] comply with each of the following,
   assessed independently:

   (i) Availability of visual information. Provide visual information through
   at least one mode in auditory form.

   (ii) Availability of visual information for low vision users. Provide visual
   information through at least one mode to users with visual acuity between
   20/70 and 20/200 without relying on audio.

   (iii) Access to moving text. Provide moving text in at least one static
   presentation mode at the option of the user.

   (iv) Availability of auditory information. Provide auditory information
   through at least one mode in visual form and, where appropriate, in tactile
   form.

   (v) Availability of auditory information for people who are hard of hearing.
   Provide audio or acoustic information, including any auditory feedback tones
   that are important for the use of the product, through at least one mode in
   enhanced  auditory  fashion  (i.e., increased amplification, increased
   signal-to-noise ratio, or combination).

   (vi) Prevention of visually-induced seizures. Visual displays and indicators
   shall minimize visual flicker that might induce seizures in people with
   photosensitive epilepsy.

   (vii) Availability of audio cutoff. Where a product delivers audio output
   through an external speaker, provide an industry standard connector for
   headphones  or personal listening devices (e.g., phone-like handset or
   earcup) which cuts off the speaker(s) when used.

   (viii) Non-interference with hearing technologies. Reduce interference to
   hearing  technologies  (including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and
   assistive listening devices) to the lowest possible level that allows a user
   to utilize the product.

   (ix) Hearing aid coupling. Where a product delivers output by an audio
   transducer  which  is normally held up to the ear, provide a means for
   effective wireless coupling to hearing aids.

   (c) Usable. The term usable shall mean that individuals with disabilities
   have access to the full functionality and documentation for the product,
   including instructions, product information (including accessible feature
   information), documentation and technical support functionally equivalent to
   that provided to individuals without disabilities.

   (d) Compatible. The term compatible shall mean compatible with peripheral
   devices and specialized customer premises equipment, and in compliance with
   the following provisions, as applicable:

   (1) External electronic access to all information and control mechanisms.
   Information needed for the operation of products (including output, alerts,
   icons, on-line help, and documentation) shall be available in a standard
   electronic text format on a cross-industry standard port and all input to
   and control of a product shall allow for real time operation by electronic
   text  input  into  a  cross-industry  standard  external  port  and in
   cross-industry standard format. The cross-industry standard port shall not
   require manipulation of a connector by the user.

   (2)  Connection  point for external audio processing devices. Products
   providing auditory output shall provide the auditory signal at a standard
   signal level through an industry standard connector.

   (3) TTY connectability. Products that provide a function allowing voice
   communication and which do not themselves provide a TTY functionality shall
   provide a standard non-acoustic connection point for TTYs. It shall also be
   possible for the user to easily turn any microphone on and off to allow the
   user to intermix speech with TTY use.

   (4) TTY signal compatibility. Products, including those providing voice
   communication functionality, shall support use of all cross-manufacturer
   non-proprietary standard signals used by TTYs.

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Subpart D—Recordkeeping, Consumer Dispute Assistance, and Enforcement

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