4^th Annual

Accessing Higher Ground:

Assistive Technology in Higher Education

November 14-16

University of Colorado

Accessible Workstation/Computer Guidelines:

(1/10/2001 draft by KoKo Oyler, Regis University; Marla Roll, Colorado State University)

Minimum Standards for all Workstations

Note: Work stations should be set up in accordance with universal design principles, that is creating environments that meet the needs of the largest possible population of persons, without stigmatizing and segregating users with special needs.

· Clearance of 29" minimum from floor to bottom of the writing work surface (for knee space/wheelchair clearance)

· Depth of 19"-20" under the work surface (for knee space/wheelchair clearance)

· Writing work surface depth of 20" - 30", (30" preferred)

· Writing work surface width of 36" minimum (for leg space/wheelchair)

· Clear area to maneuver wheelchair in a 5' radius minimum

· Passing width of 5’ between computer workstations

· Accessible travel route/aisle width of 36" minimum

· Door width of 32" minimum

· Ergonomic chair for non-wheelchair users (with minimum adjustability in height, depth, back rest, tilt and lumbar support )

Minimum Standards for Accessible Computer Stations

Note: Computer stations should be set up in accordance with universal design principles, that is creating environments that meet the needs of the largest possible population of persons, without stigmatizing and segregating users with special needs. The intent of having accessible computer stations at all Regis University sites is to provide equal access for Regis students with disabilities to the existing technology. Accessible computer stations do not need to be isolated or dedicated and can be used by students without disabilities when not occupied by a student with a disability. However, if a student with a disability requests the use of the accessible computer station, the student without disabilities should move to another computer after ten minutes, which should be enough time to save his/her work.

· Minimum number of accessible computer stations:

*Less than 25 stations: 1 accessible computer station

Note: It is preferable to divide assistive technology up between two computers

*25-50 stations - 3 accessible stations

*50-75 stations - 4 accessible stations

· Adjustable computer table (adjustable from 27" to 29" from the floor to the bottom of table) for both computer and keyboard, to accommodate individual heights and various types of wheelchairs, e.g. 27" for most manual chair users, 28" for most electric chair users, 29" for tall persons over 5'10"

· If a workstation (which is set at 29" from the floor to the bottom of the table) is also to be used as a computer station, the computer can be placed on the table. An adjustable/tiltable ergonomic keyboard tray can then be attached which can be adjusted from 27" to 29" to accommodate individual heights and various types of wheelchairs

· Depth of 19"-20" under the computer table (for knee space/wheelchair clearance)

· Computer table depth of 30" minimum

· Computer table width of 36" minimum

· Utility and equipment controls within easy reach (15" reach downwards to floor, 21" horizontal reach, 54" high side reach, 48" high forward reach)

· Clear area to maneuver wheelchair in a 5' radius minimum

· Accessible travel route/aisle width of 36" minimum

· Door width of 32" minimum

· Ergonomic chair for non-wheelchair users (with minimum adjustability in height, depth, back rest and tilt)

· Copy clip/stand; bookstand

· Wrist rest for keyboard and mouse

· 21" monitor

· Screen reader software (e.g. WindowEyes, Jaws, etc.)

· Head phones

· Screen magnification software (e.g. Zoomtext, etc.)

· Voice recognition software (e.g. Dragon Naturally Speaking)

· Scan/read software (e.g. Kurzweil 3000)

· Scanner with document feeder

· Talking word processing (e.g. TextHelp)

· Word prediction/word completion software (e.g.TextHelp)

· Alternative mouse option (e.g. trackball and/or trackpad)

· Y mouse adapter (to allow more than one pointing device to be used simultaneously)

· Recording microphone

· Visual outlining software (e.g. Inspiration)

· Sound card and speakers (windows compatible, 32-Bit, digital stereo speakers)

· Printer