Documents

Ensure all documents are accessible

• Use plain language and avoid technical jargon when possible.
• Include infographics, diagrams, and visual explanations to break down complex concepts. Ensure that all visual items include textual descriptions and alt text where appropriate.
• Use real-world examples to ground abstract ideas.
• Maintain a living glossary of technical terms and acronyms
• Include a summary page at the beginning of each document outlining its purpose, key content, and its relevance to other work
• Ensure all documents including drafts, meeting notes and final publications are accessible from the start, and throughout the collaboration process not just at the end of the process
• Publish standards in accessible formats like properly structured Word documents and tagged PDF documents

• Train chairs and committee members in accessible document creation practices

• Inaccessible digital documents
• Inaccessible digital collaboration tools
• Inaccessible registration systems
• Too much background information for new members
• Underestimated workloads
• People don’t start at the same place