Accessibility

Using information and communications technology (ICT) and the Internet can be difficult for people with disabilities or age-related limitations, a significant and growing percentage of the population. For example, more than 50% of working-age computer users in the United States are affected by mild to severe visual, hearing, dexterity, speech or cognitive impairments that limit their abilities¹. By 2010, 20% of the U.S. workforce will be 55 or older².

Reflecting these trends, the number of accessibility regulations and standards is rapidly increasing globally. In Canada, the European Union, Japan, parts of Latin America and the United States, government agencies must purchase accessible ICT.

Everyone should have the opportunity to use and benefit from ICT. We integrate accessibility into HP products and websites to improve the user's experience and meet customer requirements.

	Approach

Accessibility features on HP products include buttons identifiable by touch, switches positioned within easy reach and large adjustable displays. In addition, some customers need specialized "assistive technology" (AT) devices such as screen magnification or large-print keyboards. HP works with AT vendors to improve product compatibility with these devices.

HP's Accessibility Program Office facilitates implementation of our Accessibility Policy. We provide training to our customer support, sales, marketing and web development teams. Our Accessibility Toolkit for product designers includes information on requirements and best practices in accessible design.

Keeping up with the rapid increase in accessibility regulations worldwide is a challenge. HP advocates for harmonized accessibility standards through our membership of the European-American Business Council and the United States Information Technology Industry Council. We participate in the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Committee Special Working Group on Accessibility. This group is defining user accessibility needs and developing an inventory of current accessibility standards.

Case studies detailing our accessibility products and services are available on our Accessibility website.

	"HP's commitment to improve accessibility to technology and information through its products and partnerships provides real benefits to people with disabilities." Andrew J. Imparato President and CEO American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD)

¹ Based on a research report commissioned by Microsoft Corporation and conducted by Forrester Research, Inc., in 2003. See http://www.microsoft.com/enable/research/workingage.aspx.
² According to Bureau of Labor Statistics.