A White Paper on the Design of Software Application Programs
to Increase Their Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Prepared by
Gregg C. Vanderheiden Ph.D.
Trace R&D Center
University of Wisconsin-Madison
in conjunction with Information Technology Foundation
(formerly ADAPSO Foundation)

as a resource document to software developers interested
in increasing the accessibility of their application programs

Release 1.2
June, 1992

This White Paper is designed to stimulate discussion on
the design of more accessible application software,
leading to the development of design guidelines for use by
industry. Comments, corrections, input, ideas, and issues
are solicited. Address comments to:
Gregg C. Vanderheiden, Ph.D.
Trace R & D Center
Dept of Industrial Engineering,
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI 53705
Internet VANDERHE@vms.macc.wisc.edu
Bitnet vanderhe@wiscmacc

(c) Copyright 1991 Board of Regents
University of Wisconsin System

• Introduction and Table of Contents
• Part I: Why Make Application Software More Accessible
• Part II: What Problems Do People with Disabilities Have? and Why?
• Part III: What is the Role of Standard Application Software Manufacturers in Computer Accessibility?
• Part IV: What Are Others Doing that Application Software Manufacturers Can Take Advantage Of?
• Part V: What Should Application Software Manufacturers Do?
• Appendix A: Initial Listing of Specific Techniques
• Appendix B: Resources Available to Help
• Appendix C: A Collection of General Notes on Accessibility
• Appendix D: Section 508 Procurement Guidelines