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

408.1 General (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes to require that, where stationary ICT provides one or more display screens, at least one of each type of screen must be visible from a point located 40 inches above the floor space where the display screen is to be viewed. The word “stationary” in this proposed section would have the same meaning as in proposed 407.12. The intent of this provision is to ensure that display screens are viewable by individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. This would be a new requirement for the 508 Standards. ICT subject to the 255 Guidelines would be expressly exempted from the requirements of this section (by proposed C204.1 Exception) because such equipment is not typically stationary.

Question 22. The visibility requirements for display screens in section 408.1 apply only to stationary ICT (i.e., ICT that is not intended to be moved once put in place), and, consequently, would not generally apply to telecommunications equipment subject to the 255 Guidelines—such as cable modems and routers. Should the requirements for display screens apply to ICT subject to the 255 Guidelines?

In addition to the proposed requirements above, the Board is considering establishing a requirement for the angle of the display screen to be adjustable, so that a person using a wheelchair or other mobility aid could see the entire viewable area of the display screen and minimize the effect of glare.

Question 23. Should the Board add a requirement that the viewing angle of display screens be adjustable to permit wheelchair users or persons of small stature to see the entire viewable area of such screens and minimize glare? Are there other characteristics of display screens that would make them more viewable to persons who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids?