EZ^® Access

How does EZ^® Access work?

EZ Access combines simple interactive techniques in ways that work together robustly and flexibly to accommodate users. This allows more people to use the product, according to their own ability, preference, or circumstance. For example, a product that has only a touch screen may be difficult or impossible for many people to use. With the addition of just a few buttons and speech output, the product becomes usable by people who cannot see, cannot read, cannot reach the screen, or cannot make fine movements with their arms, hands, or fingers. The addition of captions further extends the product to people who cannot hear.

What are some of the EZ features?

• Speech output + button navigation gives complete access to any onscreen controls and content (text, images and controls).
• Button help provides a way for users to instantly identify any button on the device get information about it.
• System help provides context sensitive information about using the device.
• Layers of help provides extra help when people might be stuck or unsure of what to do next.
• ShowCaptions provides a visual presentation of any text or sounds created by the device that are not already visually displayed.

What kinds of electronic products does EZ Access work with?

EZ Access enhancements can be applied to a wide range of interactive electronic systems, from public information and transaction machines such as kiosks to personal handheld devices like cellular phones.

Do I need to have or add any special buttons on my product to use EZ Access?

In some cases, the existing buttons on a product are sufficient and can be used to support an approved EZ Access implementation. For example, the phone shown in Figure 1 has built-in 'up', 'down', and 'ok' buttons. These can be used to navigate the phone's menus, operate its features, and support all EZ Access functionality. In other cases, such as a touch screen kiosk, it may be necessary to add an EZ Access button set like the ones shown below in Figure 2. More complex or page/booklet oriented kiosks may use one like the keypad shown in Figure 3.

Does EZ Access satisfy Section 508?

EZ Access can be used to help satisfy Section 508 requirements. Section 508 is broader in scope and has requirements that deal with aspects unrelated to EZ Access (accessible documentation and training, for example). However for the design aspects, EZ Access is an integrated and user-friendly way to meet 508 requirements.