Addressing Accessibility in Standards (ISO) - Report

ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 provides guidelines for standards developers on how to include accessibility in their work. Here are the main points:

1. Understanding Accessibility:
   • Defines what accessibility means in standards development.
   • Highlights why it’s important to ensure products, services, and environments are usable by everyone, including those with disabilities.
2. Incorporating Accessibility:
   • Offers principles and methods for including accessibility requirements in the development process.
   • Suggests ways to identify and remove barriers for people with disabilities.
3. Framework for Accessibility:
   • Establishes a system for defining and implementing accessibility requirements.
   • Considers different types of disabilities and varying user needs.
4. Inclusive and Universal Design:
   • Encourages the use of inclusive and universal design principles.
   • Aims to create products and services that are accessible to everyone without needing special adaptations.
5. Collaboration and Input:
   • Stresses the importance of consulting with stakeholders, including people with disabilities and accessibility experts.
   • Recommends involving these groups throughout the development process to address accessibility thoroughly.
6. Implementation and Compliance:
   • Provides guidance on how to evaluate compliance with accessibility standards.
   • Suggests methods for testing accessibility features and usability.
7. Updates and Maintenance:
   • Highlights the need for regular reviews and updates of accessibility standards to keep up with technological advances and societal changes.

ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 aims to promote a more inclusive approach in standards development, ensuring accessibility is considered from the start to improve usability for everyone.

Relevance to All Standards Project

The ISO/IEC is actively working on ways to improve accessibility in their standards development process. They emphasize:

• The importance of consulting with stakeholders, including people with disabilities and advocacy groups.
• Involving these stakeholders throughout the standards development process to ensure accessibility is properly addressed.
• Regularly reviewing and updating accessibility standards to reflect new technology and changing needs.
• Having systems in place to ensure compliance and effective implementation of accessibility requirements.