Re: VIBS Write-In Instruction Modifications

[Mark S Earley <meglobal@earthlink.net>]

Would we then be open to objections and concerns about people who cannot
type? Would such a large keyboard be confusing and disorienting to
visually impaired voters? 

It was strange, first they mentioned that fewer keys, with tactile
shapes, would be easier to understand. They referred to the iVotronic 4
as an example of a good solution - only 4 buttons total. Then later, they
complained about confusion due to the same key handling more than one
type of command depending upon the situation. At this point I mentioned
that their first preference of having fewer keys (like the iVotronic)
would cause even more use of multiple functions per key, but they somehow
missed the inconsistency in their positions.

Mark

At 1/13/2002 08:38 PM, you wrote:

Is it possible to provide a qwerty keyboard with every VIBS set-up?
 
Greg

----- Original Message -----

From: Steve Knecht

To: rcr@dieboldes.com

Cc: Deborah Seiler

Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2002 7:19 PM

Subject: Re: VIBS Write-In Instruction Modifications

Mark,

I'm curious about item one and the key assignment explanations.  Are the folks recommending this blind themselves, or is this something that they've checked out with the blind?  If they have and this is supported by the blind, then perhaps its a good idea.  I'm curious whether this is coming from folks with or without keypad experience. 

 

Deborah have you run into this type of request?

----- Original Message -----

From: Mark S Earley

To: RCR

Sent: Sunday, January 13, 2002 2:00 PM

Subject: VIBS Write-In Instruction Modifications

The outcome of the BS 4.1.6 evaluation by the Florida Division of Elections is they are requiring three modifications before certification will be granted.

One of the changes is modification of the Write-In Instruction Set and prompts. There two basic modifications required in the write-in mode:

Explain the assignments of letters to the 2 through 9 keys more fully.

Change the wording of: "To finish entering this write in candidate, press 0."

========================

Examples of possible modifications:

1. Explanation of letter assignments to keys:

"To enter letters of the candidate name, press 2 through 9. The 2 key is assigned A, B, C. The 3 key is assigned D, E, F. The 4 key is assigned G, H, I. The 5 key is assigned J, K, L. The 6 key is assigned M, N, O. The 7 key is assigned P, Q, R, S. The 8 key is assigned T, U, V. The 9 key is assigned W, X, Y, Z. Press a key multiple times to cycle through the letters assigned to that key. When you have entered a letter correctly, press 0 to accept that letter and move on to the next letter. If you forget what key a letter is assigned to, press various keys until you get close to the letter you want, then press that key several times to locate the correct letter. Remember to be methodical and patient while voting.

For Space, press 1.

To Cancel your write in vote, press 0."

Repeat this prompt until the first letter is entered. Then go back to the regular prompts. example:

Voter enters 7777 for the letter S.

You have entered S.

To accept S, press 0.

To delete S, press *.

Voter presses 0 to accept S. Prompt returns to:

To enter letters of the candidate name, press 2 through 9.

For Space, press 1. etc.

It may be a good idea to include the sentence: "If you forget what key a letter is assigned to, press various keys until you get close to the letter you want, then press that key several times to locate the correct letter." in the repeating prompt.

2. Change the wording of "To finish entering ... to:

"To accept your entries and vote for this write in candidate, press 0."

Note that the required changes must be done before the FL Div will certify Ballot Station with Audio Ballot capabilities. They have stated several times that if we get them something promptly, they will expedite the evaluation and certification.

Mark