Organization setup and strategies
This stage focuses on organization wide strategies for inclusion which might require policy changes and funding. By embedding equity into policies, ensuring accessible systems, and providing accommodations and financial support, organizations can remove barriers and broaden participation in standards development.
Budget
Plan for access costs from the start. This includes pay, access help, technology, travel, and anything else people need to take part.
Organizing
Make the process easy to follow, with clear plans, flexible options, and the help members need.
Outreach, recruiting and registering participants
This stage focuses on clear and accessible communication with diverse communities, and engaging D/disabled and D/deaf people in standards development.
Public awareness
Share clear, accessible information about standards, how they are developed, and how to get involved in standards development.
Recruiting
Use accessible outreach to bring in D/deaf and D/disabled people with different life experiences.
Registration
Make sign-up simple and accessible, and give people the help they need to join.
Preparing for participation
This stage focuses on supporting D/deaf and D/disabled people in participating fully in the standards development process. This includes onboarding, capacity building, accessible resources, clarity in roles and expectations, compensation, and collaborative responsibility for inclusion.
Training and knowledge building
Give training in plain language and different formats. Help both members and organizers learn what they need.
Preparing for committees
Give new members the information and help they need to understand their role and take part.
Collectively drafting the standard
This stage focuses on working together to write the standard in an inclusive and accessible way. It includes making sure all activities are accessible, supporting different ways of contributing, sharing power and decision-making, and creating space for D/deaf and D/disabled participants to meaningfully shape the content of the standard.
Facilitating
Run meetings so everyone can join in. Use clear language, flexible ways to contribute, and access help.
Workload
Keep workloads realistic and make tasks clear and flexible so people do not burn out.
Physical spaces
Make spaces safe, comfortable, and easy to use. Include step-free access, clear signs, good lighting and sound, quiet areas, and accessible bathrooms.
Technology
Use tools that are easy to use and work with assistive tools. Make help available if problems come up.
Documents
Write documents in plain language and make them easy to read. Share them early and in accessible formats.
Language
Use plain, clear, respectful words. Explain terms and avoid jargon.
Travel
Make travel accessible, safe and comfortable. Offer flexible options, accessible transport and lodging, extra time, and cover related costs.
Publishing, feedback and maintenance
This stage focuses on accessible strategies for collecting feedback from the wider community and sharing final standards. It includes clearly explaining changes, offering multiple ways to give feedback, allowing enough time to respond, publishing in accessible formats, and making sure D/deaf and D/disabled people remain involved in the updating and maintenance of standards.
Getting feedback
Give people different ways to share feedback. Make the process simple and give enough time to respond.
Publishing standards
Make standards easy to find, understand, and use. Provide clear information, different formats, and access help.
Maintenance of standards
Keep standards up to date. Share changes clearly and keep including D/deaf and D/disabled people in decisions.
Withdrawal of standards
Explain clearly why the standard is being withdrawn and provide opportunities for feedback. Provide transition help for people affected by the standard, and allow for adjustment time.