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
Long-term Actions
- Issue a public “notice of withdrawal” using multiple ways to reach people and share it with relevant community groups.
- Ask for input on how the withdrawal could affect people, especially equity-denied groups, and give enough time to respond.
- Let affected individuals and groups influence the decision before it is finalized.
- Use multiple accessible channels to share withdrawal notices, like email lists, newsletters, websites, community networks, accessible PDFs, ASL/LSQ videos, and direct outreach to known users.
- Create a searchable public archive of withdrawn standards, including:
- Why each standard was withdrawn
- What has replaced it (if anything)
- How to access older versions if needed
- Make all materials easy to understand in plain language and accessible formats.
- Keep the process transparent so communities know their feedback is considered.
Barriers these actions address
- No clear or inclusive process for retiring standards
- Lack of public awareness of the standards feedback process
- No way to track the real-world impact of a standard
Establish continuous feedback loops
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.
Barriers these actions address
- Publishing standards does not guarantee awareness or access
- No way to track the real-world impact of a standard
- Lack of transparency in how feedback is processed
- Lack of public awareness of the standards feedback process
- Inaccessible feedback mechanisms
- Consultation fatigue in D/deaf and D/disabled communities
Make published standards free and easy to access
Long-term Actions
- Make standards freely available or provide access opportunities for people who are not corporately funded.
- Provide versions in plain language so everyone can understand.
- Offer alternative formats, like screen-reader–friendly files, braille, or sign language/interpretation videos.
- Translate standards into other languages when needed to reach diverse communities.
- Ensure the website or platform where standards are published is fully accessible, including keyboard navigation, captions and high-contrast options.
- Allow downloading and offline access so people without consistent internet can still use the standards.
- Clearly explain how to access different formats and who to contact for help.
- Keep the publication updated and easy to find, with a central, accessible location.
Barriers these actions address
- Publishing standards does not guarantee awareness or access
- No way to track the real-world impact of a standard
Measure the developed standard's impact with affected communities
Long-term Actions
- Check how the standard works in real-life situations, not just on paper.
- Use surveys, community meetings, or one-on-one consultations to hear from people most affected.
- Focus on feedback from D/deaf, D/disabled, and other equity-denied communities.
- Track whether the standard meets its goals and solves the problems it was meant to address.
- Use the findings to decide whether to keep, revise, or retire the standard.
Barriers these actions address
- Publishing standards does not guarantee awareness or access
- No way to track the real-world impact of a standard
- Inaccessible feedback mechanisms
- Lack of public awareness of the standards feedback process