Section 508
| Date: | June 10, 2003 |
| Name of Product: | orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard |
| Contact for More Information: | 407-622-7774 (voice) |
| Summary Table Voluntary Product Accessibility Template | ||
| Criteria | Supporting Features | Remarks and explanations |
| Section 1194.1 Purpose: "...Federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who are not individuals with disabilities..." | The orbiTouch® provides equivalent access to information and data for persons who cannot effectively use the traditional keyboard/mouse combination. This is accomplished by creating characters and mouse functions without using the finger and wrist motions that can aggravate or cause repetitive stress injury, and by eliminating fine motor skill requirements. | This easy-to-use product offers unprecedented opportunities for anyone who has difficulty using a keyboard. These individuals include those with cognitive or physical disabilities, repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, limited fine motor function, reduced finger function and others who have difficulty using a keyboard. |
| Section 1194.21 Software Applications and Operating Systems | N/A | |
| Section 1194.22 Web-based internet information and applications | N/A | |
| Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products | N/A | |
| Section 1194.24 Video and Multi-media Products | N/A | |
| Section 1194.25 Self-Contained, Closed Products | N/A | |
| Section 1194.26 Desktop and Portable Computers | See Details Below | |
| Section 1194.31 Functional Performance Criteria | N/A | |
| Section 508, Subpart B, § 1194.26 Desktop and portable computers: (a) All mechanically operated controls and keys shall comply with §1194.23 (k) (1) through (4). |
| Section 1194.23 Telecommunications Products - Detail Voluntary Product Accessibility Template | ||
| Criteria | Supporting Features | Remarks and explanations |
| (k)(1) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: Controls and Keys shall be tactilely discernible without activating the controls or keys. | Supports: The orbiTouch® uses two ergonomically sculpted domes for typing and mouse functions, instead of the numerous keys found on traditional keyboards. These domes are easily discernable without activating any typing or mouse functions. | Also, for persons with low vision, locating and operating the two orbiTouch® domes is less complex than locating and navigating an array of keys. |
| (k)(2) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: Controls and Keys shall be operable with one hand and shall not require tight grasping, pinching, twisting of the wrist. The force required to activate controls and keys shall be 5 lbs. (22.2N) maximum. | Supports with Exceptions:The orbiTouch® currently works best with the use of two hands. The force required to activate each dome is less than 1 N (approx. 0.7 N). The orbiTouch® is specifically designed so as not to require any tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the wrist. All typing and mouse functions are achieved via gentle sliding motions once the hands have been placed on the domes. | Two-handed operation may also be accomplished by some users with one hand via prosthetic devices. Development efforts are currently underway to create a version of the orbiTouch® that is designed for operation with one hand, as well as units with domes that can be customized into different sizes and shapes. |
| (k)(3) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: If key repeat is supported, the delay before repeat shall be adjustable to at least 2 seconds. Key repeat rate shall be adjustable to 2 seconds per character. | Supports: The orbiTouch® supports delay of at least 2 seconds before key repeat, and key repeat rate may be adjusted to 2 seconds per character. | Key repeat may be adjusted to rates greater or less than the 2-second threshold based on user needs and preferences. |
| (k)(4) Products which have mechanically operated controls or keys shall comply with the following: The status of all locking or toggle controls or keys shall be visually discernible, and discernible either through touch or sound. | Supports with Exceptions: The different modes of the orbiTouch® are clearly indicated via a six-light LED display on the top of the unit. The orbiTouch® automatically initializes itself in "keyboard mode." Each mode or "toggle" state is enabled/disabled by specific dome movements, or by "clicking" the domes, which produces both audible and tactile feedback. | Future models of the orbiTouch® will provide more options for feedback via touch and/or sound. |
| Additional Support for Accessibility | ||
| Criteria | Supporting Features | Remarks and explanations |
| Section 501, (2)(b): "...an affirmative action program plan for the hiring, placement, and advancement of individuals with disabilities in such department, agency, or instrumentality. Such plan shall include a description of the extent to which and methods whereby the special needs of employees who are individuals with disabilities are being met." | Supports: The orbiTouch® provides a means for government agencies to clearly demonstrate how they are meeting the needs of employees who require an alternative approach for accessing computer-based applications and information. By introducing the orbiTouch® Keyless Keyboard into the workplace, these agencies can hire and place individuals with disabilities (as discussed above), and provide means for them to advance in their careers. | The orbiTouch® also provides a means of rapidly returning employees to the workplace when they have acquired conditions-such as repetitive stress injuries, other injuries to the hands or fingers, arthritis, or the effects of a stroke-that prevent them from performing computer related tasks. |