Guidelines for Purchasing Accessible Hardware

The purpose of this document is to provide a set of guidelines for vendors to the University, and those individuals responsible for overseeing the purchase of information technology. It provides the minimally acceptable standards for hardware accessibility that devices must meet if they are to be purchased and used by University programs. These guidelines are presented to demonstrate the range of disabilities that must be addressed by equipment manufactures, vendors and integrators when providing hardware to the University community. The guidelines are based on proven techniques for the design of universally accessible hardware that can be used by individuals with and without disabilities. Hardware that is to be considered for use by the University must comply with these guidelines at the time of acquisition and be compatible with the accessibility tools, both hardware and software, in use by individuals with disabilities at the University.

While these standards present the minimally acceptable standards, equipment manufactures, vendors and integrators are strongly encouraged to maximize the accessibility of their products for universal access. If assistance is required, or more specific recommendations sought please contact the Coordinator for Assistive Technology (417)836-8813, E-Mail: Assistive Technology Lab.

Access Specifications

General Requirements:

1. All information technology equipment must be capable of supporting a variety of secondary devices intended to support individuals with disabilities.

2. This support must be provided in a non-propriety manner that allows for user modification of the attached devices.

3. The ability must exist for the disabling of any integrated peripherals without degradation of system performance.

4. Standard interface ports shall be provided that will allow for the attachment of these secondary devices. These ports will consist of a minimum of:

5. Additional interface slots must be provided to allow for the installation of internal interface cards. Sufficient space must be provided for the installation of full height, full length cards.

Keyboard Access:

1. Workstations must be capable of supporting alternative keyboard input devices in a non-proprietary manner. Examples of these alternative devices are:

2. Keyboards must be capable of supporting standard keyboard accessories without significant modification. Examples of these devices are:

Audio Input/Output:

1. Workstations must accommodate the installation of audio input/output peripherals. Any installed audio subsystem must be 100% Sound Blaster compatible and support the addition of devices of this nature:

2. Any auditory output devices must be capable of user adjustable volume control and provide a standard headset jack.

Documentation:

1. All reference documentation must be provided for equipment, including technical information on equipment specifications and internal settings.

2. All documentation must be available in alternative formats, these formats include:

Hardware Accessibility Purchasing VPAT

We would like to thank the Technology Access Program at Oregon State University and the Federal Department of Educations Assistive Technology Program for the use of their hardware guidelines in the creation of our institutional policy.