General principles and guidelines for including disabled people in regeneration projects

(Adapted from Rochdale MBC's 'Guidelines to achieving Equality of Participation in Rochdale')

CHECKLIST 5 Moderate Cost / Time Measures

Input

1. Test existing "standard" software with accessible equipment
2. A card or box permitting people to plug alternate keyboards into public equipment
3. Alternative keyboards such as mini-keyboards or extended keyboards are available for users with mobility impairments?
4. Wheelchair users can reach the adjustment controls
5. Wrist rests are available for those who require extra wrist support while typing
6. One handed keyboards or "keyboard layouts" are available
7. An increased number of hard disks, reducing the need to handle floppy disks
8. Mouse alternatives such as trackballs, keyboard control of the mouse, or other pointing devices are available for those who have difficulty controlling a mouse
9. Alternatives to keyboards such as a head pointing system, switch-based interface, or voice dictation software are available for users who cannot use keyboards
10. Word prediction software are available to reduce the number of keystrokes needed for text entry

Output

1. Magnifying screen
2. Adjustable character magnification software that permits large-type copies to be viewed and printed
3. Spell checker and thesaurus software (if not already an integral part of word processing programs)
4. Auditory indicator of serial transmission status

Environment

1. Consult with buildings operations on removal of existing architectural barriers
2. Permanent signs near entrances indicating location of computer facilities and the way from that entrance

Documentation/Support/Training

1. Train computing staff in disability awareness/equality, and equipment function and procedures
2. Staff members are familiar with the adaptive technology that is used in the facility
3. Staff members are aware of disability issues
4. Arrange for computing centre information to be available in alternative formats
5. All documentation is available (or can be made available) in alternative formats such as Braille, large text, audio, and electronic text
6. If the computing centre has a general mission statement, it should include statement on the provisions for accessibility
7. Obtain documentation on disk
8. Provide a sign language interpreter for computing centre courses and meetings 6. Recruit students on a short-term basis to train users and computing staff in adaptive equipment use
9. Implement a fair policy in charging disabled students for use of computer time.

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Checklists

1. General access provisions not related to technology
2. Access to Participation in events and meetings
3. Facility Preparation – Technology Specific Issues
4. Low cost / Time measures
5. Moderate Cost / Time Measures
6. Annual Budget Measures

See also:
Guide to Good Web Site Design

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