Why is this a problem?
Publishing a standard does not mean people will see it or be able to use it. If people are not aware of it or cannot access it, it will not help the communities it is meant to support.
Common problems include:
- Limited outreach can leave out small organizations or marginalized communities.
- People or organizations may not know the standard exists.
- The standard may be written in complex or technical language that is hard to understand.
- A lack of accessible formats can prevent some people from reading or using the standard.
Ways to address the barrier
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
Promote standards in the communities they affect
Long-term Actions
- Work with D/deaf, D/disabled, under-representated and local community organizations to share new standards.
- Host community briefings, workshops, or explainer sessions to make the standards easier to understand.
- Provide toolkits in digital and print formats that explain the standards in plain language.
- Show how the standards can be applied in real-life situations and how people can use them to advocate for change.
- Use multiple communication channels such as social media, newsletters, and community boards to reach different groups.
- Offer translations, captions, or sign language/interpretation versions to make sessions inclusive.
- Encourage feedback from the community on how well the standards meet their needs.
- Highlight success stories where communities used standards to make a positive impact.
Barriers these actions address
- Publishing standards does not guarantee awareness or access
- Recruiting for diversity