Guidelines for Telecoms Accessibility - Priority 1

Following priority 1 will ensure that the device or service can be used by most people with impaired mobility, vision, hearing, cognition and language understanding.

1.1 Ensure that all operable parts are reachable by people of all heights and people sitting in a wheelchair or buggy

Explanation and help for making all parts reachable

1.2 Ensure that displays are within sight of people of all heights and people sitting in a wheelchair or buggy

Explanation and help for positioning displays within sight

1.3 Ensure that controls are adequately sized and sufficiently spaced to be operated by people with limited dexterity

Explanation and help for adequately sizing and spacing controls

1.4 Ensure that operation requires minimal strength, grip and wrist twisting

Explanation and help for requiring minimal strength, grip and twisting

1.5 Ensure that the device can be operated using only one hand

Explanation and help for allowing single-handed operation

1.6 Ensure that users with restricted or no vision can use all functions of the device

Explanation and help for allowing for operation with restricted vision

1.7 Ensure that all outputs under the control of the device can be perceived by users with restricted or no vision

Explanation and help for ensuring outputs can be perceived with restricted vision

1.8 Ensure that videophones provide accurate reproduction of text and sign language

Explanation and help for accurately reproducing text and sign language

1.9 Ensure that all outputs under the control of the device can be perceived by users with restricted or no hearing

Explanation and help for ensuring outputs can be perceived with restricted hearing

1.10 Ensure compatibility with assistive technologies

Explanation and help for ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies

1.11 If using telephone cards, ensure that the card can be inserted into the card reader in its correct orientation without requiring vision

Explanation and help for ensuring cards can be used without vision

1.12 Use the simplest language possible for instructions and outputs and, in visual displays, supplement it with pictorial information or spoken language

Explanation and help for using simple language

1.13 Do not cause the display to flash at a frequency of above 2Hz

Explanation and help for avoiding rapid flashing

1.14 Ensure that users can get to the device along an unobstructed path and operate it from a stable position

Explanation and help for allowing unobstructed approach

1.15 For Interactive Voice Response (IVR) systems, provide an equivalent service through an accessible channel for users who still cannot use the system

Explanation and help for providing an equivalent alternative service