Why is this important?
Accessible registration requires simple, user-friendly processes that work with assistive technologies such as screen readers, proactive accommodation support, and financial assistance. Offering multiple registration options, clear role expectations, readily available accessibility services, and compensation helps remove barriers and enables diverse D/deaf and D/disabled participants to fully engage in standards development.
Actions
Explore actions for making the registration process more inclusive:
Be transparent in the application process
Quick Actions
- Publish clear selection criteria for technical committee members that reflect inclusion and diversity goals.
- Provide role descriptions that outline:
- Time commitments
- Tasks and responsibilities
- Compensation or volunteer expectations
- Provide information on accessibility supports including:
- What accommodations are available by default (e.g., captioning, large print, flexible schedules)
- What can be provided by request (e.g., sign language interpretation)
- How to request support, and who to contact
- Communicate regularly with applicants about their status and timelines.
- Offer alternative ways to participate such as public comment periods to those not selected.
Barriers these actions address
- Inaccessible registration systems
- Lack of clear and accessible onboarding process
- Lack of organizational support
- Unclear participation information
Check and improve accessibility
Long-term Actions
- Create a permanent dedicated accessibility group within the organization to track inclusion over time.
- Celebrate improvements in accessibility and inclusion to show the group’s progress.
- Regularly assess the inclusiveness and accessibility of meetings and processes through feedback
- Consider accessibility across formats, devices, and languages.
- Design digital content so people with disabilities can access, understand, and use it.
- Conduct accessibility audits with usability and assistive technology experts to ensure all digital platforms including websites, member portals, application sites and feedback mechanisms are accessible.
- Offer alternative ways to participate: in-person, phone, relay services, video calls, or paper applications.
- Proactively consult with D/deaf and D/disabled committee members to determine specific access needs
- Provide accommodations to participants, including:
- Sign Language interpreters (ASL, LSQ, etc.)
- Real-time captioning (CART)
- Note-taking services
- Clear and consistent turn-taking protocols
- Accessible digital files and materials in advance
- Ensure physical spaces (if used) are accessible for mobility devices, sensory needs, and rest requirements. (Physical Space)
Barriers these actions address
- Inaccessible registration systems
- Inaccessible digital documents
- Inaccessible feedback mechanisms
- Inaccessible virtual meetings
- Recruiting for diversity
Provide monetary compensation and financial support
Quick Actions
- Compensate D/deaf and D/disabled participants who are not affiliated with an organization for their time, expertise and contributions.
- Create funding programs that cover:
- compensation
- travel and accommodation for in-person meetings
- assistive technologies and communication supports (e.g., sign language/interpretation, real-time captioning)
- training programs to build understanding of standards development
- staff accessibility training
- Partner with disability-led organizations to co-develop funding mechanisms and engagement strategies.
Barriers these actions address
- Lack of financial support or payment
- No funding for accessibility accommodations