An IDRC Project An Inclusive Design Research Centre Project

Long-term Actions

  • Let people share feedback anytime, not just during scheduled review periods.
  • Accept input from individuals, organizations, and communities whenever issues or improvements are noticed.
  • Clearly explain how to give feedback and what supports are available (e.g., plain language, captions, sign language/interpretation, screen-reader friendly).
  • Make feedback channels easy to find and use, such as online forms, email, phone lines, or mail.
  • Track and respond to feedback promptly so people know their input matters.
  • Regularly review and act on feedback to improve standards over time.
  • Share updates with communities on what changes were made because of ongoing feedback.
  • Ensure feedback loops are inclusive, so all voices, especially from underrepresented groups, can be heard.

Examples

  • Australia – Standards Australia Standards Australia includes built-in review cycles that actively seek feedback from users, not just committee members. They’ve piloted community surveys and interviews to understand real-world adoption and challenges, particularly in regional and underserved areas.
  • Kenya – Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) KEBS collaborates with universities and local organizations to monitor implementation in key sectors. Field studies and stakeholder feedback are used to track outcomes, ensuring that standards reflect practical realities and community needs.
  • Germany – German Institute for Standardization (DIN) DIN gathers usage data through stakeholder reporting and market analysis. They also run working groups post-publication to evaluate unintended consequences or gaps, especially for vulnerable populations.

Barriers these actions address

Publishing standards does not guarantee awareness or access

Why is this a problem?

Publishing a standard does not mean people will see it or be able to use it. If people are not aware of it or cannot access it, it will not help the communities it is meant to support.

Common problems include:

  • Limited outreach can leave out small organizations or marginalized communities.
  • People or organizations may not know the standard exists.
  • The standard may be written in complex or technical language that is hard to understand.
  • A lack of accessible formats can prevent some people from reading or using the standard.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Make published standards free and easy to access
  • Measure the developed standard's impact with affected communities
  • Promote standards in the communities they affect

No way to track the real-world impact of a standard

Why is this a problem?

Organizations often do not have tools to know if a standard is being used, understood correctly, or making a difference. Without ways to measure impact, standards may not reach their goals or serve all communities they intend to.

Common problems include:

  • No data on who is using the standard and how.
  • Difficulty improving standards because real-world effects are unknown.
  • No feedback on challenges or barriers in applying the standard.
  • Limited understanding of unintended negative impacts on marginalized groups.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Create an opportunity for public feedback before withdrawal
  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Make published standards free and easy to access
  • Measure the developed standard's impact with affected communities

Lack of transparency in how feedback is processed

Why is this a problem?

People often do not know what happens to their feedback or if it makes a difference. This can make participation feel pointless, especially for marginalized communities. When the process is unclear, people may stop taking part.

Common problems include:

  • No clear explanation of how feedback is evaluated or decisions are made.
  • No explanation about why some suggestions are accepted and others are rejected.
  • Feedback that affects communities disproportionately may carry less weight.
  • Lack of transparency reduces trust in the process.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Provide more than one way to give feedback
  • Use fair and transparent decision-making

Lack of public awareness of the standards feedback process

Why is this a problem?

Many people don’t know they can give input on standards during the enquiry stage. When people don’t know how or when to provide feedback, participation is low, and standards may not meet everyone’s needs.

Common problems include:

  • People being unaware of when public consultation periods happen.
  • Drafts being published online but without outreach, so few people see them.
  • Less contribution because of missed notifications.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Allow anonymous feedback opportunities
  • Create an opportunity for public feedback before withdrawal
  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Measure the developed standard's impact with affected communities
  • Provide more than one way to give feedback

Inaccessible feedback mechanisms

Why is this a problem?

Most feedback systems use digital tools that not everyone can use. Some online forms do not work with screen readers or other assistive technology. Requiring people to email a committee chair instead of using the standard feedback channels can deter people from providing feedback.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Allow anonymous feedback opportunities
  • Check and improve accessibility
  • Ensure websites are accessible
  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Measure the developed standard's impact with affected communities
  • Provide more than one way to give feedback

Consultation fatigue in D/deaf and D/disabled communities

Why is this a problem?

Many D/deaf and D/disabled community members are often asked for feedback, but rarely see real changes. This can lead to consultation fatigue, making people less willing to participate and reducing trust in standards organizations.

Common problems include:

  • Skepticism about whether participation will make a difference.
  • Feeling that feedback is ignored or not acted on.
  • Being asked for input many times without clear follow-up, leading to emotional and mental fatigue.

Ways to address the barrier

  • Establish continuous feedback loops
  • Help with information management
  • Help with travel planning
  • Set clear and realistic timelines for reviews, drafts, or revisions
  • Show accountability and build trust with D/deaf and D/disabled people