I was contacted recently by the US Access Board, which is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. This agency reports to the President of the United States.
The "refresh" of the requirements impacts self-service kiosks.
The Access Board is holding a public hearing on May 12 in Washington, D.C. on its proposals to update the requirements "for information and communication technologies (ICT) covered by Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act." According to their website, "The event will provide an opportunity for the public to comment on a draft of updated standards and guidelines released by the Board in March."
The public hearing will take place May 12, from 9 am – 12 noon at the Embassy Suites DC Convention Center, 900 10th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Those who wish to provide comment at the hearing are encouraged to pre-register by contacting Kathy Johnson at johnson@access-board.gov, (202) 272-0041.
Also from the website:
The Board's draft rule features updates to the Section 508 standards, which apply to electronic and information technology in the Federal sector. It also includes corresponding changes to the Board's guidelines for telecommunications equipment covered by the Telecommunications Act. Revisions are proposed based on recommendations from the former Telecommunications and Electronic and Information Technology Advisory Committee, an expert panel organized by the Board. The Board is also proposing to supplement its Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines to address access to self-service machines such as point-of-sales machines and ticketing kiosks. The draft rule, which is available for comment until June 21, and related materials, including a published notice on the hearing, are posted on the Section 508 and Section 255 homepages.
I encourage anyone who has expert knowledge or opinion on this matter to either attend the May 12 hearing or submit comments by June 21. I would appreciate receiving a copy of your comments.
Some helpful links:
• http://www.access-board.gov/news/ict-draft-rule.htm
• http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/refresh/draft-rule.htm#adaag (I recommend you search this page for the word “kiosk” to find all 9 instances.)
You may submit your questions or comments to:
Timothy P. Creagan
Senior Accessibility Specialist
U.S. Access Board
1331 F Street, N.W.
Suite 1000, Room 1014
Washington, DC 20004-1111
(202) 272-0016 (voice)
creagan@Access-Board.gov
The Access Board asked these questions, which may help you form your basis for commenting:
Users and manufacturers of self-service machines:
- What are your experiences in using or designing accessible machines?
- What are the benefits and costs associated with the proposed requirements?
- What impact with the regulations for self-service ticketing machines have on small businesses?
- What types of costs will small businesses face when meeting these requirements?
- Are there alternative ways to meet these requirements?
I received this link from the National Association of Manufacturers that may be helpful:
http://www.rila.org/governmentaffairs/Government%20Documents/ADAselfcheckoutanpr31910.pdf
Thanks for your interest and support.
