Accessibility

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Many users have different abilities that require them to interact with Samsung devices in different ways. These include users who have visual, physical or age-related limitations that prevent them from fully seeing or using a device, and users with hearing loss who may not be able to perceive audible information and alerts.

This page includes Accessibility instructions and guidelines when you implement the features to ensure that people with disabilities have access to advanced communications services.

Important

In particular, if you plan to submit app to United Status, developers need to check the app has to meet guidelines of Federal Communications Commission.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Report and Order implementing provisions of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 ("CVAA") to ensure that people with disabilities have access to advanced communications services.

List of the Accessibility Rules

IP Closed Captioning

The CVAA required the Commission to expand the scope of its existing closed captioning rules to cover devices with small screens and video programming delivered by means of IP. Video programming distributors and owners—i.e., content providers—bear responsibility for captioning content. However, manufacturers of end-user equipment designed to receive, play back, or record programming have an obligation to ensure those captions are accessible on the multitude of devices that are capable of displaying video. Effective date of this rule is January 1, 2014.
Please see the IP Closed Captioning Compliance Guide for further details.

User Interface

The CVAA required the Commission to create rules intended to (1) enable consumers who are blind or visually impaired to more easily access video programming on a range of video devices, and (2) enable consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing to more easily activate closed captioning on video devices. Effective date of this rule is December 20, 2016.
Please see the User Interface Accessibility Compliance Guide for further details.

Advanced Communications Services (ACS)

ACS are four categories of communication:

  • Interconnected VoIP services
  • Non-interconnected VoIP services
  • Electronic messaging services
  • Interoperable video conferencing services

Examples of ACS include text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and some forms of video calling/video chat. Providers of ACS are responsible for complying with the FCC’s ACS rules.

Please note that Internet browsers that are installed or included by a manufacturer in a device and used for ACS fall under the Commission’s ACS rules as well. Effective date of this rule is October 8, 2015.

Note

Effective date of ACS rule for mobile devices is October 8, 2013. However for TVs is October 8, 2015.
Please see the ACS Compliance Guide for further details.

Compliance Guide for Accessibility

IP Closed Captioning Guide

Content Providers (CPs) who are using content that has been distributed via broadcast with captions in 2012 or later in US must support closed captions for IP video.
Note: This excludes user-generated content and anything that wasn’t captioned when it was shown on broadcast in US.
In particular, applications bundled with a device are considered to be part of the device, and are covered by more stringent rules pertaining to devices. For these bundled applications, a CP must use either their own solution or manufacturer's solution for captioning This solution must handle complicated closed caption user attributes as listed in the FCC rules. The definition of these attributes draw from the CEA 708 standard.

If a CP wants to use Samsung’s solution, we recommend using CEA-708 or SMPTE-TT.

If a CP wants to use their own solution, the CP must fully comply with all FCC's requirements relating to the user attributes of closed captions.
Refer the original text of the regulations (IP Captioning Order, Jan 12, 2012 (FCC-12-9A1))

Regulation Description
Presentation All apparatus shall implement captioning such that the caption text may be displayed within one or separate caption windows and supporting the following modes: text that appears all at once (pop-on), text that scrolls up as new text appears (roll-up), and text where each new letter or word is displayed as it arrives (paint-on).
Character Color All apparatus shall implement captioning such that characters may be displayed in the 64 colors defined in CEA-708 and such that users are provided with the ability to override the authored color for characters and select from a palette of at least 8 colors including: white, black, red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, and cyan.
Character Opacity All apparatus shall implement captioning such that users are provided with the ability to vary the opacity of captioned text and select between opaque and semi-transparent opacities.
Character Size All apparatus shall implement captioning such that users are provided with the ability to vary the size of captioned text and shall provide a range of such sizes from 50% of the default character size to 200% of the default character size.
Fonts All apparatus shall implement captioning such that fonts are available to implement the eight fonts required by CEA-708 and § 79.102(k). Users must be provided with the ability to assign the fonts included on their apparatus as the default font for each of the eight styles contained in § 79.102(k).
Caption Background Color and Opacity All apparatus shall implement captioning such that the caption background may be displayed in the 64 colors defined in CEA-708 and such that users are provided with the ability to override the authored color for the caption background and select from a palette of at least 8 colors including: white, black, red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, and cyan. All apparatus shall implement captioning such that users are provided with the ability to vary the opacity of the caption background and select between opaque, semi-transparent, and transparent background opacities.
Character Edge Attributes All apparatus shall implement captioning such that character edge attributes may be displayed and users are provided the ability to select character edge attributes including: no edge attribute, raised edges, depressed edges, uniform edges, and drop shadowed edges.
Caption Window Color All apparatus shall implement captioning such that the caption window color may be displayed in the 64 colors defined in CEA-708 and such that users are provided with the ability to override the authored color for the caption window and select from a palette of at least 8 colors including: white, black, red, green, blue, yellow, magenta, and cyan. All apparatus shall implement captioning such that users are provided with the ability to vary the opacity of the caption window and select between opaque, semi-transparent, and transparent background opacities.
Language All apparatus must implement the ability to select between caption tracks in additional languages when such tracks are present and provide the ability for the user to select simplified or reduced captions when such captions are available and identify such a caption track as “easy reader.”
Preview and Setting Retention All apparatus must provide the ability for the user to preview default and user selection of the caption features required by this section, and must retain such settings as the default caption configuration until changed by the user.
Safe Harbor Apparatus which implement Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers Timed Text format (SMPTE ST 2052-1:2010: “Timed Text Format (SMPTE-TT)” 2010) (incorporated by reference, see § 79.100) with respect to the functionality in subparts (1) through (10) of this paragraph shall be deemed in compliance with subpart (c) of this section.

Main Attribute for IP Closed Captioning

Attribute Requirement
Character Color Support 64 colors (provider’s color)
Support minimum 8 user’s colors (override)
Character Opacity opaque and semi-transparent opacities(2 steps i.e., 25% & 75%)
Character Size 50% ~ 200% of default size
Fonts 8 Fonts described in CEA-708
Users must be provided with the ability to assign the fonts included on their apparatus as the default font for each of the eight styles
Caption Background Color and Opacity Support 64 colors (provider’s color)
Support minimum 8 user’s colors (override)
opaque, semi-transparent(2 steps i.e., 25% & 75%), and transparent
Character Edge Attributes no edge, raised, depressed, uniform, drop shadow edges
Caption Window Color Support 64 colors (provider’s color)
Support minimum 8 user’s colors (override)
opaque, semi-transparent(2 steps i.e., 25% & 75%), and transparent
Language Selection When multi language captions are exist
Preview and Setting Retention Support preview and setting retention of user selection
Note

  • Minimum 8 colors: white, black, red, green, blue, yellow, magenta and cyan.
  • 8 Fonts described in CEA-708
    Font Value Description
    0 Default (undefined)
    1 Monospaced with serifs (similar to Courier)
    2 Proportionally spaced with serifs (similar to Times New Roman)
    3 Monospaced without serifs (similar to Helvetica Monospaced)
    4 Proportionally spaced without serifs (similar to Arial and Swiss)
    5 Casual font type (similar to Dom and Impress)
    6 Cursive font type (similar to Coronet and Marigold)
    7 Small capitals (similar to Engravers Gothic)
  • Since IP closed caption Report and Order (FCC 12-9) refer to the VPAAC Report’s technical requirements, it’s needed to allow the users to vary between 3 or 4 levels of opacities:
    • at least three settings, including opaque (100% opacity) and semi-transparent (at 75% or 25% opacity) for character opacity;
    • at least four settings, opaque (100% opacity), semi-transparent (at 75% or 25% opacity), and transparent (0% opacity) for caption background opacity;
    • at least four settings, opaque (100% opacity), semi-transparent (at 75% or 25% opacity), and transparent (0% opacity) for caption window opacity

User Interface Accessibility Guide

Applications that designed to receive or play back video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound must comply with user interface rule.
Note: This excludes audio only applications
In particular, applications bundled with a device are considered to be part of the device, and are covered by more stringent rules pertaining to devices. For these bundled applications, a CP must enable consumers who are blind or visually impaired to more easily access video programming. Therefore TTS (text-to-speech) functionality needs to be supported on essential functions.
Also for these bundled applications, a CP must enable consumers who are deaf or hard of hearing to more easily activate closed captioning and video description.

Which Functions (Essential Functions) Must Be Accessible to the Blind and Visually Impaired?

The FCC defines “appropriate built-in apparatus functions” as those used for receiving, playing back, or displaying video programming, specifically:

  • Power On / Off;
  • Volume Adjust and Mute;
  • Channel / Program Selection;
  • Display Channel / Program Information;
  • Configuration – Setup (including video display and audio settings, preferred language for onscreen guides or menus, setup options for parental controls, etc.);
  • Configuration – CC Control (enabling or disabling the display of closed captioning);
  • Configuration – CC Options (including font size, font color, background color, opacity, etc., of closed captions);
  • Configuration – Video Description Control (changing from the main audio to the secondary audio stream that contains video description, and vice versa);
  • Display Configuration Info (displaying how user preferences are currently configured);
  • Playback Functions; and
  • Input Selection.

Activate mechanism for Closed Captioning and Video Description

CP must permit the user to activate closed captioning and video description through a mechanism that is reasonably comparable to a button, key, or icon. We recommend icons for the closed captioning and video description on/off.

ACS Guide

Applications that designed for advanced communications services (“ACS”) must comply with ACS rule.
Applications bundled with a device are considered to be part of the device, and are covered by more stringent rules pertaining to devices. For these bundled applications, a CP must supports ACS rule’s requirements.

The term ACS means: (1) Interconnected VoIP service; (2) Non-interconnected VoIP service; (3) Electronic messaging service; and (4) Interoperable video conferencing service.

The term interconnected VoIP service is a service that: (a) enables real-time, two-way voice communications; (b) requires a broadband connection from the user's location; (c) requires Internet protocol-compatible CPE; and (d) permits users generally to receive calls that originate on the public switched telephone network and to terminate calls to the public switched telephone network.

A non-interconnected VoIP service is a service that: (a) enables real-time voice communications that originate from or terminate to the user’s location using Internet protocol or any successor protocol; and (b) requires Internet protocol compatible customer premises equipment; and (c) does not include any service that is an interconnected VoIP service.

The term electronic messaging service means a service that provides real-time or near real-time non-voice messages in text form between individuals over communications networks.

An interoperable video conferencing service means a service that provides real-time video communications, including audio, to enable users to share information of the user’s choosing.

Requirements for ACS

First, that input, control, and mechanical functions shall be locatable, identifiable, and operable in accordance with each of the following, assessed independently

  • Operable without vision. Provide at least one mode that does not require user vision.
  • Operable with low vision and limited or no hearing. Provide at least one mode that permits operation by users with visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200, without relying on audio output.
  • Operable with little or no color perception. Provide at least one mode that does not require user color perception.
  • Operable without hearing. Provide at least one mode that does not require user auditory perception.
  • Operable with limited manual dexterity. Provide at least one mode that does not require user fine motor control or simultaneous actions.
  • Operable with limited reach and strength. Provide at least one mode that is operable with user limited reach and strength.
  • Operable with a Prosthetic Device. Controls shall be operable without requiring body contact or close body proximity.
  • Operable without time-dependent controls. Provide at least one mode that does not require a response time or allows response time to be by-passed or adjusted by the user over a wide range.
  • Operable without speech. Provide at least one mode that does not require user speech.
  • Operable with limited cognitive skills. Provide at least one mode that minimizes the cognitive, memory, language, and learning skills required of the user.

Second, that all information necessary to operate and use the product, including but not limited to, text, static or dynamic images, icons, labels, sounds, or incidental operating cues, must comply with each of the following, assessed independently.

  • Availability of visual information. Provide visual information through at least one mode in auditory form.
  • Availability of visual information for low vision users. Provide visual information through at least one mode to users with visual acuity between 20/70 and 20/200 without relying on audio.
  • Access to moving text. Provide moving text in at least one static presentation mode at the option of the user.
  • Availability of auditory information. Provide auditory information through at least one mode in visual form and, where appropriate, in tactile form.
  • Availability of auditory information for people who are hard of hearing. Provide audio or acoustic information, including any auditory feedback tones that are important for the use of the product, through at least one mode in enhanced auditory fashion (i.e., increased amplification, increased signal to noise ratio, or combination).
  • Prevention of visually induced seizures. Visual displays and indicators shall minimize visual flicker that might induce seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy.
  • Availability of audio cutoff. Where a product delivers audio output through an external speaker, provide an industry standard connector for headphones or personal listening devices (e.g., phone like handset or ear cup) which cuts off the speaker(s) when used.
  • Noninterference with hearing technologies. Reduce interference to hearing technologies (including hearing aids, cochlear implants, and assistive listening devices) to the lowest possible level that allows a user to utilize the product.
  • Hearing aid coupling. Where a product delivers output by an audio transducer which is normally held up to the ear, provide a means for effective wireless coupling to hearing aids.

Development Guide for Accessibility

Samsung Developers site supports related APIs and Tags to implement IP Closed Captioning and Text To Speech for Accessibility. Each development guide can be different based on Samsung product platform.

Guide Type Tizen
IP Closed Captioning Guide - Subtitle
- TvInfo API
User Interface - Text To Speech

Test Reference for Accessibility

This Test reference will be used for checking apps which need to meet FCC regulation in US.
Under FCC regulation, if app needs to be automatically downloaded on our Devices, the app has to implement there mandatory checklists below.

IP Closed Captioning

Attribute Mandatory Check List
Character Color - Check whether exist basic 8 colors (white, Black, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Magenta, Cyan) in the App setting menu.
- Check caption color changed and matched after change color in the App setting
Character Opacity - Check whether exist opaque, translucent(more than 2) in the app setting menu
- Check caption opacity changed after change opacity in the App setting
Character Size Check character size changed after change size in the App setting
Fonts - Check below 8 Fonts type exist in the App setting menu.
0 : Default (undefined)
1 : Monospaced with serifs (similar to Courier)
2 : Proportion/ally spaced with serifs (similar to Times New Roman)
3 : Monospaced without serifs (similar to Helvetica Monospaced)
4 : Proportion/ally spaced without serifs (similar to Arial and Swiss)
5 : Casual font type (similar to Dom and Impress)
6 : Cursive font type (similar to Coronet and Marigold)
7 : Small capitals (similar to Engravers Gothic)
- Check font changed after change font type
Caption Background - Check exist basic 8 background color in the app setting menu
-check caption background color changed and matched after change background color.
Color and Opacity - Check exist caption background opacity(Opaque, Translucent(more than 2)) in the app setting) in the app setting
- Check background changed after change background opacity.
Character Edge Attributes - Check edge attributes item exist(no edge, raised, depressed, uniform, drop shadow edges)
- Check edge shape changed
Caption Window Color [Caption Window Color]
- Check caption Window color exist(White, Black, Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Magenta, Cyan)
- Check caption window color changed and matched after change window color.
[Caption Window Opacity]
- Check caption window opacity exist(Opaque/Translucent(more than 2)) in the app setting
- Check caption window opacity changed and matched after change window opacity.
Preview and Setting Retention - Preview: Check preview function support
- Support save settings: After change setting about closed caption in app menu and power off/on, check caption displayed as previous saved settings.
Single Step Activation Check mechanism to single step activation should be supported if there is closed caption or video description (such as icon)
Multi Lingual In case of supporting multi lingual, supporting country should be able to change. And in case of supporting amplified or reduced captions, 'easy reader' should be displayed, user should be able to select it.

User Interface

Attribute Mandatory Check List
Execute/Exit When executing/exiting, voice guide should be supported and executing/exiting should be distinguished
Volume/mute If there is a function to be able to adjust volume or mute, when taking a mute or adjusting volume, voice guide should be supported.
Channel/Program - If there is a function to select channel or program, voice guide of selected channel of program should be supported
- If there is function to express channel or program information, voice guide of channel/program information should be supported
Settings - If there is a function for accessing/altering settings, an audio guide must be provided for options focused during movement within the Settings menu.
- If there is function to express setting information, when focusing current value to be set, voice guide should be supported
- If there is a enable/disable function on closed caption, When selecting on/off/icon of it, voice guide should be supported.
- If there is setting option of closed caption to be able to change or access, when moving on closed caption menu, voice guide of focused option should be supported
Description If there is a enable/disable function on video description, When selecting on/off/icon of it, voice guide should be supported.
Playback If there is playback function on app, when tricking or recording, voice guide should be supported
Recording In case of supporting broadcast recording function, check that 1st audio, 2nd audio are all saved.