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Name :   Sanford Morganstein
Organization :   Populex Corporation
Post Date :   8/26/2005

Section Comments
Section :  2.2.7
Page no. :  
Line no.:  
Comment :  We also request the EAC/TGDC to broaden the term, ATI, used extensively
throughout Section 2.2.7 to mean “Audio-Tactile Interface.” We think the
ability to vote can be extended to voters with a broad range of disabilities not
covered by a strict reading of “tactile.” For example, a “Sip and Puff” device
can be used by voters who do not have the use of their hands. If “tactile” is
unambiguous then no further work is needed on this section. On the other
hand, the Random House Dictionary of the English Language (Unabridged
Edition) uses “touch” in its definition of tactile although “tangible” is a
supplementary meaning.
As a vendor intending to provide accessibility to the broadest spectrum of
voters with a variety of disabilities, we think the admonition in Section 2.2.7 is
well placed:
“The requirements within Section 2.2.7.1 are intended to address this [HAVA]
mandate. Ideally every voter would be able to vote independently and privately. As a
practical matter, there may be a small number of voters whose disabilities are so
severe that they will need personal assistance. Nonetheless, the requirements of this
section are meant to make the voting system directly accessible to as many voters as
possible.”