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Fact Sheet: What To Look for In an Accessible Computer System

Acquiring accessible information technology can seem tricky at times, especially when thinking about purchasing new desktops and notebook computers. How can you ensure that people with the widest range of abilities and disabilities can use the computers you are purchasing?

When purchasing any computer system, keeping in mind some basic features built-into the device will allow for a wider range of users to use the same equipment.

Desktop

Front

Rear

Optional

Front-mounted USB Ports

USB Ports

Speakers with Front-mounted audio controls

Front-mounted Audio Ports

Parallel Port

 

Large power button with LED indicator

Serial Port (if available)

 

Front-mounted CD-ROM

Network Interface

 
 

Audio connections (audio in, audio out)

 
 

VGA/Video Out

 
 

Standard keyboard connector

 
 

Standard Mouse connector

 

Notebook/Laptop

Front

Rear

Optional

Side-mounted audio ports (front-mounted preferred)

 

Minimum 16MB Video RAM

Side-mounted USB Ports

Additional USB Ports

 

Additional rear-mounted USB ports

   

Integrated Network interfaces (Wireless, Telephone, Ethernet)

   

PCMCIA slots

   

If you have any questions about this document, or would like any other assistance, please contact the Great Lakes ADA & IT Center at (800) 949-4232, or at www.adagreatlakes.org/