The total access system

ABSTRACT

In this paper, we describe the Total Access System (TAS) developed by the Archimedes Project at Stanford University's Center for the Study of Language and Information. The purpose of the TAS is to ensure everybody is able to access information regardless of individual needs, abilities, preferences and culture. Rather than modifying the computer that is to be accessed, the TAS provides individuals with a personal information appliance, called an accessor, that provides alternative ways to perform all of the necessary keyboard, mouse and/or monitor functions. With this approach, disabled users can transparently use the full capabilities of any system without penalty and with whatever performance augmentation they may require to be competitive.

REFERENCES

• 1: Norman, D. A. The Design of Everyday Things. Doubleday, New York, 1990.
• 2: Donald A. Norman, The invisible computer, MIT Press, Cambridge, MA, 1998
• 3: Scott, N. The Universal Access System, American Voice Input/Output Society Conference, Atlanta., 1991.
• 4: Details of the law and pending amendments relating to Section 508 are on the U.S. Department of Justice Web site at www.usdoj.gov.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: User-centered design

Additional Classification:
  H. Information Systems
  H.5 INFORMATION INTERFACES AND PRESENTATION (I.7)
      H.5.2 User Interfaces (D.2.2, H.1.2, I.3.6)
          Subjects: Interaction styles (e.g., commands, menus, forms, direct manipulation)

  K. Computing Milieux
  K.4 COMPUTERS AND SOCIETY
      K.4.2 Social Issues
          Subjects: Assistive technologies for persons with disabilities

General Terms:
Algorithms, Design, Human Factors

Keywords:
TAP, TAS, access technology, accessibility, accessor, assistive technology, disability, total access system, universal access