Tag: inclusion

Making our world accessible with ISO standards

These include standards for assistive technology, mobility devices, inclusivity for aged persons and much more. In fact, the subject is so vast, we even have guidelines for standards developers to ensure they take accessibility issues into account when writing new standards.

Developed by ISO in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), ISO/IEC Guide 71, Guide for addressing accessibility in standards, aims to help standards makers consider accessibility issues when developing or revising standards, especially if they have not been addressed before.

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Recent natural disasters trigger complaints from disability groups

The national disability rights group ADAPT recently sent a letter to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, criticizing the release earlier this year of a strategic plan without “preparedness, planning or response elements” specifically for people with disabilities, unlike past plans that addressed disability rights and accessibility.

Meanwhile, the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, a national coalition, has filed a civil rights complaint naming FEMA and three other federal agencies for failure to provide equal access to shelters.

During recent East Coast hurricanes, advocates say that shelters have lacked reasonable accommodations, including wheelchair accessible restrooms. In some cases, evacuees were sent to nursing homes if they couldn’t return to their previous community residences because of damage when shelters shut down.

Read entire article Recent natural disasters trigger complaints from disability groups | Courtney Perkes |DisabilityScoop

Accessing my world – ISO standards to remove barriers

ISO standards to remove barriers

Few things can be more frustrating than thoughtlessness and bad design that excludes people. But sometimes the best way to cater for people’s differing needs is not clear. That’s where ISO Standards come in. Covering everything from placement of signage for blind people to safer pedestrian crossings for the deaf or hard of hearing, ISO Standards are all about inclusion.

Beginning with a process that brings disabled people together with experts in the accessibility, ISO publish Standards that make life easier for those who are challenged.

Working together for access for all

Access everywhere. That’s the goal. It means looking with fresh eyes at the construction of buildings, re-imagining mobility, and developing assistive technology that helps people reach their potential. In fact there are so many things to take into account that ISO even has guidelines for standards developers to address accessibility when writing standards.

Source: iso.org

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