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
Committee work often takes more time than people think. This can become too much for people to manage, leading to fatigue and distress. It can be especially hard for people with disabilities, who may have changing energy levels, caregiving responsibilities, or need more time because of access needs.
Many members experience:
Too many meetings
Tasks that take longer than planned, like reading, writing, or editing
Pressure to do both technical work and advocate for underrepresented communities
Ways to address the barrier
Ensure all documents are accessible
Help with information management
Plan for regular check-ins with new members
Set clear and realistic timelines for reviews, drafts, or revisions