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Complying with Section 508

Self-Contained, Closed Products Standards

You may have seen the phrase “self-contained, closed products” as part of the Access Board standards. This applies to EIT that does not provide a way for a user to add a peripheral; hence, they're “closed.” In fact, § 1194.25 (a) states specifically that users shouldn't have to use additional equipment to use the machine.

This section primarily applies to large office machines such as information kiosks, transaction machines, and copiers. Some large printers are also included, though many of these can be manipulated remotely via control panels in a computer, so they aren't truly “closed.”

As you procure large office machines, consider asking the vendor or contractor questions such as these to determine if they can meet the Section 508 requirements:

• Can all features be used by someone without hearing?
• Can all features be used by someone without sight?
• Can all controls be reached by someone using a wheelchair?

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