Why is this a problem?
Chairpersons and facilitators often need help to run inclusive and accessible meetings, but support is limited. Common problems include:
- Few resources are available on how to lead inclusively and accessibly to ensure everyone, including D/deaf and D/disabled people, can participate.
- Little guidance is provided on managing diverse or cross-cultural groups.
- Time and resources to manage both technical and accessibility tasks are limited.
- Handling conflict resolution without enough training and support.
- Knowledge of accessible technology for online meetings and document sharing is not common.
Ways to address the barrier
Choose accessible meeting spaces
Action for Physical spaces
Empower chairpersons and facilitators to manage conflict
Action for Facilitating , Organizing , and Training and knowledge building
Host onboarding meetings before committee work begins
Action for Preparing for committees
Make online meetings accessible
Action for Organizing and Technology
Manage access conflicts
Action for Facilitating , Organizing , Preparing for committees , and Workload
Provide chairpersons with practical support and tools for accessibility
Action for Training and knowledge building
Provide ongoing accessibility and inclusion training
Action for Training and knowledge building
Provide translation and interpretation for everyone
Action for Language and Organizing
Use inclusive approaches when making decisions
Action for Facilitating