Germany – DIN: Removing Cost Barriers DIN has launched a pilot stipend model allowing individuals without organizational backing especially Disabled experts to receive financial support for participation and waived membership fees. They collaborate with disability networks to find participants with lived or community-based expertise. Opens traditionally corporate-led spaces to independent, underrepresented voices.
Kenya – KEBS KEBS works with local disability organizations to provide honorariums, transport costs, and interpretation for Disabled participants. Support is often delivered through partner NGOs, with advance payments offered to avoid reimbursement delays. KBES Uses trusted community partners and localized funding methods to improve access in underserved areas.
Most standards work is unpaid but takes a lot of time and expertise. Some people get support from their employers, but for many D/deaf and D/disabled people, this is not available. Membership fees and unpaid work make it harder or impossible for them to participate.
Ways to address the barrier
Build in travel funding
Create a shared support system
Provide monetary compensation and financial support
Many organizations don’t set aside money for accessibility. This makes it hard for people with disabilities to fully participate. When there is no dedicated funding, accessibility is often treated as optional instead of essential, which can prevent full participation.
Common problems include:
No budget for sign language interpreters or live captions
No support for accessible tools, platforms, or documents
No help with travel or personal assistance
Increased stress and fatigue for participants who have to manage accessibility themselves
No funds for extra staffing needed to support accessibility
Ways to address the barrier
Allocate a dedicated accessibility budget
Build in travel funding
Create a shared support system
Help with travel planning
Provide monetary compensation and financial support