Note: a Glossary of relevant telecommunications terms can be found in Appendix C. The terms here only explain certain concepts we have used in the Report.
Guideline. As used in this Report, a Guideline is any one of the provisions that form a part of the Access Board’s Final Rule on Section 255, numbered from 1193.23a to 1193.51e. Each provision is considered a separate Guideline. The term is capitalized solely to distinguish it from both the generic term and from other accessibility design guidelines found in other sources.
Addressing a Guideline. This phrase is used to establish a connection between a particular access feature (see below) and one of the Guidelines. We have specifically selected the word “address” to indicate that the feature may have some positive effect, intended or coincidental, on the accessibility and/or usability of the product, but is not in any way a legal determination of the benefits of that feature, the accessibility of a product that includes that feature, or whether a feature or product satisfies one or more Guidelines.
Product Type. A Product Type is a family of products, such as “cordless telephones” or “modems”. All members of a Product Type share similar functions and general characteristics, especially the purpose for which they are used. This similarity allows them to be analyzed together in this Report.
Model. A Model is an individual example of a Product Type.
Access Feature. An access feature is one that in some manner addresses one or more of the Guidelines, whether or not it was designed or intended to do so.