Embed training into participation workflows. Training should be part of how committees operate, not a separate activity that people might not attend.
Avoid generic training. Start with what people will actually do in the process.
Provide training based on the skills and tasks associated with the roles and responsibilities
Provide accessibility training regularly, not just once. Update it as best practices change.
Offer regular training for staff and chairs on:
Accessibility and human rights laws
Disability inclusion
Different access needs (for example: D/deaf, blind, mobility, learning, fatigue)
How to speak and work respectfully with people from different backgrounds
How to arrange accommodations (like captions, interpreters, accessible documents, or extra time)
How to manage conflict during meetings
Using plain language during speaking
Examples
India – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) BIS partners with universities and NGOs to offer accessible training for underrepresented groups, including courses in multiple languages, sign language, and text-to-speech tools. They also have "shadow committee" programs with mentorship for newcomers.
Germany – Deutsches Institut für Normung (DIN) DIN offers structured training programs for chairs and committee members, focusing on inclusive leadership and effective facilitation. These programs cover topics such as managing diverse teams, addressing accessibility needs, and promoting equitable participation. DIN's training emphasizes the importance of cultural norms and provides chairs with the tools to create an inclusive environment that values all contributions.
UK – BSI BSI ensures accessible meetings by default, offering real-time captions, sign language interpretation, and accessible materials in advance. Committee chairs are trained to describe visuals, pause often, and actively invite input from all participants. Inclusion is built into meeting culture, with chairs responsible for communication equity.