Why is this a problem?
Chairs and facilitators often need help to run inclusive and accessible meetings, but support is limited. Common problems include:
- Few resources are available on how to lead inclusively and accessibly to ensure everyone, including D/deaf and D/disabled people, can participate.
- Little guidance is provided on managing diverse or cross-cultural groups.
- Time and resources to manage both technical and accessibility tasks are limited.
- Handling conflict resolution without enough training and support.
- Knowledge of accessible technology for virtual meetings and document sharing is not common.
Ways to address the barrier
Choose accessible meeting spaces
Actions for Physical spaces
Empower chairs and facilitators to manage conflict
Actions for Facilitating , Organizing , and Training and knowledge building
Host onboarding meetings before committee work begins
Actions for Preparing for committees
Make remote/virtual/online meetings accessible
Actions for Organizing and Technology
Provide chairs with practical support and tools for accessibility
Actions for Training and knowledge building
Provide ongoing accessibility and inclusion training
Actions for Training and knowledge building
Provide translation and interpretation for everyone
Actions for Language and Organizing
Use inclusive approaches for decision-making
Actions for Facilitating