ISO/IEC 10779:2020

INTERNATIONAL ISO/IEC
STANDARD 10779
Second edition
2020-05
Information technology — Office
equipment — Accessibility guidelines
for older persons and persons with
disabilities
Technologies de l'information — Lignes directrices pour l'accessibilité
aux équipements de bureau par les personnes âgées et les personnes
handicapées
Reference number
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)
©
ISO/IEC 2020

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

COPYRIGHT PROTECTED DOCUMENT
© ISO/IEC 2020
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting
on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address
below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Fax: +41 22 749 09 47
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Basic policies . 3
5 Classification of disabilities . 4
5.1 Classification and characteristics of disabilities . 4
5.1.1 General rules . 4
5.1.2 Blindness . 4
5.1.3 Low vision . . 4
5.1.4 Colour blindness . 4
5.1.5 Deafness . 4
5.1.6 Hearing impairment . 4
5.1.7 Speech impairment . 5
5.1.8 Impairment that limits upper limb strength and action . 5
5.1.9 Impairment that limits reach ranges . 5
5.1.10 Photosensitive seizure . 5
5.1.11 Cognitive, language, or learning disorders . 5
6 Requirements to be considered . 6
6.1 General . 6
6.2 Closed functionality . 6
6.2.1 General. 6
6.2.2 Speech-output enabled . . 6
6.2.3 Volume . 7
6.2.4 Characters on display screens . 7
6.3 Biometrics . 8
6.4 Preservation of information provided for accessibility . 8
6.5 Privacy . 8
6.5.1 General. 8
6.5.2 Masked entry . . 8
6.5.3 Private access to personal data . 9
6.6 Standard connections . 9
6.7 Operable parts . 9
6.7.1 General. 9
6.7.2 Contrast . 9
6.7.3 Input controls . 9
6.7.4 Key repeat .10
6.7.5 Double-strike key .10
6.7.6 Timed response .10
6.7.7 Simultaneous user actions .10
6.7.8 Physical operation .11
6.7.9 Fare cards and key cards .11
6.7.10 Reach height and depth .11
6.8 Visibility of display screens .15
6.9 Flashing .15
6.10 Status indicators .15
6.11 Colour coding .15
6.12 Audible signals .15
6.13 Software requirements for closed functionality .15
6.13.1 General.15
6.13.2 Sensory characteristics .15
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved iii

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

6.13.3 Audio control.15
6.13.4 Text contrast .16
6.13.5 Non-text contrast .16
6.13.6 No-key trap .16
6.13.7 Pause, stop, hide .16
6.13.8 Focus order .16
6.13.9 Focus visible .16
6.13.10 Pointer gestures . . .17
6.13.11 Label in name . .17
6.13.12 On focus .17
7 Documentation and support services .17
7.1 Disclosure of information related to accessibility .17
7.2 Requirements for user documentation and support services .17
Annex A (informative) Relationship between disabilities and requirements .18
Bibliography .21
iv © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (the International Electrotechnical
Commission) form the specialized system for worldwide standardization. National bodies that
are members of ISO or IEC participate in the development of International Standards through
technical committees established by the respective organization to deal with particular fields of
technical activity. ISO and IEC technical committees collaborate in fields of mutual interest. Other
international organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO and IEC, also
take part in the work.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for
the different types of document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www .iso .org/ directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject
of patent rights. ISO and IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights. Details of any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the
Introduction and/or on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www .iso .org/ patents) or the IEC
list of patent declarations received (see http:// patents .iec .ch).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) see www .iso .org/
iso/ foreword .html.
This document was prepared by Joint Technical Committee ISO/IEC JTC 1, Information technology,
Subcommittee SC 28, Office equipment.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition (ISO/IEC 10779:2008), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are as follows:
— harmonized with the US Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and EN 301 549;
— defined the policies to ensure and improve accessibility.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www .iso .org/ members .html.
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

Introduction
This document has been developed as guidelines to assist in the design and evaluation of office
equipment for operation by persons with the widest range of capabilities, including persons with
disabilities and persons with temporary disabilities.
This document specifies features to provide guidance to designers of office equipment based on
ISO/IEC Guide 71 and ISO 9241-20:2008.
This document had been developed originally in 2008 to be consistent with the U.S. Section 508
Standards (2000). In 2017, the standards were revised harmonizing EN 301 549:2014. This document
for designing accessible office equipment is revised to be coherent with them.
vi © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)
Information technology — Office equipment —
Accessibility guidelines for older persons and persons with
disabilities
1 Scope
This document specifies accessibility guidelines to be considered when planning, developing and
designing electrophotographic copying machines, page printers and multi-function devices. These
guidelines are intended to improve accessibility required when primarily older persons, persons with
disabilities and persons with temporary disabilities (hereafter referred to as older persons and persons
with disabilities) use office equipment.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC Guide 71, Guide for addressing accessibility in standards
ISO/IEC 40500, Information technology — W3C Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0
ITU-T E.161, Arrangement of digits, letters and symbols on telephones and other devices that can be used
for gaining access to a telephone network
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO/IEC Guide 71 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
multi-function device
device providing two or more functions, such as electrophotographic copying, facsimile, printing and
scanning functions
3.2
accessibility
usability (3.6) of office equipment by persons with the widest range of capabilities, including persons
with disabilities and persons with temporary disabilities
Note 1 to entry: The concept of accessibility addresses the full range of user capabilities and is not limited to
users (3.5) who are formally recognized as having disability.
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved 1

---------------------- Page: 7 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

3.3
assistive technology
piece of equipment, product system, software or service that is used to increase, maintain or improve
functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities
Note 1 to entry: This can be acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified or customized. The term includes
technical aids for persons with disabilities. Assistive devices do not eliminate an impairment (3.4) but can lessen
the difficulty experienced by an individual in carrying out a task or activity in specific environments.
3.4
impairment
problem in body function or structure such as a significant deviation or loss, which can be temporary
– due for example to injury – or permanent, slight or severe and can fluctuate over time, in particular
deterioration due to aging
Note 1 to entry: Body function can be a physiological or physiological function of a body system; body structure
refers to an anatomical part of the body such as organs, limbs and their components (as defined in the
International Classification of Functioning and Disability of WHO (ICF 2001).
3.5
user
person who interacts with a system, product or service
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:2018, 3.1.8, modified — Note 1 to entry deleted.]
3.6
usability
extent to which a system, product or service can be used by specified users (3.5) to achieve specified
goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use
[SOURCE: ISO 9241-11:2018 3.1.1, modified — Notes 1 and 2 to entry deleted.]
3.7
alternative method
methods used as alternatives to specific functions and operations
EXAMPLE Voice-based functions used as an alternative to displaying.
3.8
private listening
auditory output such as voice guidance designed to be heard only by the user (3.5) who is operating the
corresponding product can hear the sound
EXAMPLE Personal headsets, directional speakers.
3.9
non-private listening
auditory output designed to be heard by the user (3.5) who is operating the corresponding product can
hear the sound, and other person around the product
3.10
closed functionality
characteristic that limits a function for disabled users (3.5) and prevents them from attaching or
installing assistive technology (3.3)
2 © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 8 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

4 Basic policies
The basic policies which shall be followed with respect to office equipment in order to ensure and
improve accessibility are as follows.
a) The office equipment shall be planned and developed to be usable by older persons and persons
with disabilities, by meeting the requirements in Clause 6.
b) The methods that shall meet the requirements in Clause 6 may be the function of the office
equipment itself or the software operated with connected personal computers. When the
requirements are met by application software on mobile devices, the requirements provided in
ISO/IEC 40500 shall be met.
c) The methods that shall meet the requirements in Clause 6 can be the standard form of office
equipment, or with its option.
d) An alternative method shall be accepted, if there is no other direct method meeting the requirements
in Clause 6.
e) The essential functions and performance of office equipment shall not be interfered by the attempt
to meet the requirements in Clause 6.
f) Accessibility shall be ensured and improved, within the safety of user. Extra consideration shall
be needed to ensure the safety of users with disabilities, for they sometimes have to operate office
equipment following different steps from people without disability, because of their impairments.
g) The operations that are targeted in 6.7 are as follows. For others (from 6.1 to 6.6, and from 6.8 to
6.12), all operations are targeted.
1) Required target operations
— power up /power down / power save / authenticate;
— place a document on platen glass / auto document feeder, and take out;
— select and perform a function (copy, fax, scan, and print);
— take out printed paper;
— perform user registration and management;
— perform actions for security management;
— change the settings (such as defaults) of functions (copy, fax, scan, and print).
2) Recommended target operations
When the safety of older persons and persons with disabilities can be ensured, the following
operations should be targeted.
— install hardware;
— supply paper;
— remove a paper jam;
— replace a consumable.
h) The functions targeted in Clause 6 shall be equivalent to the functions provided to people without
disabilities.
i) When the status of the conformity with Clause 6 is provided, it shall be shown including the status
of consideration each disability shown in Clause 5.
© ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved 3

---------------------- Page: 9 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

5 Classification of disabilities
5.1 Classification and characteristics of disabilities
5.1.1 General rules
Disabilities targeted in the guidelines are shown from 5.1.2 to 5.1.11.
For specific requirements which office equipment is to consider can be referred in Clause 6. Each
disability also shall include the state of disabilities due to temporary injuries and illness.
For older persons, they shall be considered to have a mild symptom that is not included in the following
targeted “disabilities”, or multiple mild symptoms, and giving consideration to each disability leads to
considerations for older persons.
The classification of disabilities is classified by referring to the classification of ISO/IEC Guide 71 and
harmonized with the classification of US Section 508 Standards and EN 301 549, premising the use of
office equipment.
5.1.2 Blindness
A disability that represents the state of being unable to use vision. A prior learning is premised because
operations and actions rely on tactile sense and hearing sense. Blind people cannot make use a mouse
but can use a personal computer with a keyboard and screen reading out software. Some users use
devices such as smartphones.
5.1.3 Low vision
A disability that represents the state of being able to use vision, but it is limited. The eyesight cannot be
corrected to the degree to bear daily life even with eyeglasses. If vision can be corrected, it is not called
low vision even if eyesight is low. Some users utilize the accessibility feature of an operating system
to use a personal computer and carry a loupe with a high magnification rate. They also use assistive
devices like magnifying printed papers including books. Some users move their eyes closer to about 3
cm from the device to operate it.
5.1.4 Colour blindness
A disability that is different from normal colour sensitiveness. Colour blindness includes total colour
blindness, which is being completely unable to distinguish any colour, and colour weakness which is
difficulty distinguishing some colours. For example, it is well known that people with colour weakness
have difficulty distinguishing red and green, but there are some other combinations of colours which
are not easily distinguished. They can distinguish better by adjusting to higher contrast, but that may
change the colour tone of the user interface, which makes to persons with low vision, who rely on
colours to see, more difficult to recognize the operational parts. Meanwhile, due to aging, it becomes
difficult for people to distinguish white and yellow, and black and dark blue.
5.1.5 Deafness
A disability that represents the state of being completely unable to use hearing. Since deaf people are
unable to hear the words they themselves say, speech impairment can be induced. In daily life, as they
cannot hear the surrounding sound, it is sometimes difficult to avoid danger promptly. They may not
recognize whether a loud sound is going on or off. So, they may not even realize a vacuum cleaner is not
plugged.
5.1.6 Hearing impairment
A disability that represents the state of being partly able to use hearing by using a hearing aid or
cochlear implant. However, in many cases, they do not hear as clearly as people without a hearing
4 © ISO/IEC 2020 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 10 ----------------------
ISO/IEC 10779:2020(E)

disability, and consonants are especially unclear. They recognize the words by predicting through the
earlier conversation, or the situation. So, if the subject of conversation suddenly changes, the persons
with hearing impairment may not keep up with conversation. The ability to hear lowers due to aging,
and it becomes difficult for old persons to recognize especially the higher tones.
5.1.7 Speech impairment
A disability that represents the state of being unable to speak or being able to speak partially. There are
various cases, including speech impairment induced from congenital hearing impediment, or removing
larynx at cancer surgery. When a person is completely unable to speak, writing messages is the main
mean to communicate.
5.1.8 Impairment that limits upper limb strength and action
A disability where it is difficult to perform operations which need strength of hands and fingers, fine
motor control or both hands, because of low muscle force, low control capability, prosthetic hand
and finger, inability to use one hand, difficulty in simultaneous movement or involuntary movement
(tremor).
The difficulties are not limited to the operations that need strength, but also the operation of touch
panels or mouse, which need only low strength but require fine finger movements.
Some people may have no thermal nociception due to loss of sensation. Aging lowers muscle strength
and control capability.
5.1.9 Impairment that limits reach ranges
A disability that limits accessible ranges, which includes persons who use a cane or a wheelchair,
and impairment of upper limb and persons with low height. A wheelchair user without upper limb
problem normally uses a manual wheelchair, and wheelchair user who has upper limb problem uses an
electric wheelchair. In both cases, as the users have to stretch a hand out from the sitting position, the
accessible ranges of the high area, the low area, and th
...