§  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.

   (3) Real-Time Text. Wireless interconnected VoIP services subject to
   this part and text-capable end user devices used with such services
   that do not themselves provide TTY functionality, may provide TTY
   connectability and signal compatibility pursuant to paragraphs (b)(3)
   and (4) of this section, or support real-time text communications, in
   accordance with 47 CFR part 67.

   (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.

   (5) TTY Support Exemption. Interconnected and non-interconnected VoIP
   services subject to this part that are provided over wireless IP
   facilities and equipment are not required to provide TTY connectability
   and TTY signal compatibility if such services and equipment support
   real-time text, in accordance with 47 CFR part 67.

   [ 76 FR 82389 , Dec. 30, 2011, as amended at  82 FR 7707 , Jan. 23, 2017]

   

Subpart D—Recordkeeping, Consumer Dispute Assistance, and Enforcement