Telecoms
These guidelines cover fixed or mobile telecommunications devices and services delivered via Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems. This includes the hardware and software aspects of public or private telephones and videophones and menu-based services such as voicemail.
If the product or service combines telecoms devices or services with other technologies, then also refer to the guidelines for those other technologies. For example, if a videophone application is hosted on a PC platform, you should also follow the Application Software Accessibility Guidelines.
- Guidelines for Telecoms Accessibility
- About Telecoms Accessibility
- Testing Checklist for Telecoms Accessibility
How to use the guidelines
1. If you are new to accessibility in general:
Read the section What is Accessibility?
This tells you what is meant by "accessible" and "inaccessible", who it affects and how. It describes the benefits of accessibility for users, producers and service providers.
2. If you are new to Telecoms Accessibility
Read the section About Telecoms Accessibility
This describes the general requirements for the design of accessible Telecoms and the difficulties faced by users.
Planning and Procurement
Tasks:
- Assess a design concept or prototype
- Assess a current offering for accessibility
- Scope accessibility requirements
- Write a design brief or a Request For Tenders (RFT)
Design and Development
Tasks:
- Plan a design project
- Interpret accessibility requirements
- Choose design and implementation techniques
Testing, Assessment and Quality Assurance
Tasks:
- User test a design or prototype
- Assess a design concept or prototype
- Assess a current offering for accessibility
- Scope accessibility requirements
