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| | Name : | Christopher J. Dodd | Organization : | U.S. Senate | Post Date : | 9/30/2005 |
| Section : | 2.2.7.1.1 | Page no. : | | Line no.: | | Comment : | The VVSG's approach to accessibility issues for persons with disabilities raises a number of concerns, particularly with regard to the inconsistent use of "shall" and
"should' in terms of guidelines to implement the disability access requirements under
section 3 0 Z (a) of HAVA.
2,2.7.1.1. (p. 2-13). The WSG defines specific performance and technology
requirements for Direct Recording Electronics ("DRE") voting systems in order to meet
the needs of persons with several types of disabilities, but not all diverse disabilities.
These standards do not provide for accessibility to a11 voters who reflect the wide range
of disabilities. Such a standard is neither inclusive nor nondiscriminatory.
The standard of "several types of disability" violates the broad principle of
nondiscrimination in the VVSG Human Factors section. The standard is also inconsistent
with HAVA as enacted. The disability provisions in section 30 1 (a)(3) of HAVA requires
that voting systems shall be accessible for individuals with disabilities, including
nonvisual accessibility for the blind and visually impaired, in a manner that provides the
same opportunity for access and participation (including privacy and independence) as
for other voters. As drafted, the VVSG does not effectuate the inclusiveness of HAVA
which leaves behind no individual with disabilities. The Commission should revisit
2.2.7.1, consult with the diverse disabilities communities, and include specific
recommendations to provide accessibility for a11 known disabilities, not only the several
types of disabilities envisioned by the current VVSG. | |
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