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Models, Frameworks and Charters

The following are a curated list of available planning models or frameworks for achieving accessibility at an organisation through self assessment - there are currently 3 of these, with a short description of their structure. We also have a further 2 charters that are related to accessibility within the publishing sector as a whole, the text of which is presented in full with links to more information. Towards the end, there is a university press specific charter that covers EDI in general, and finally a US accessibility legislation based framework to assess maturity.

AbilityNet Digital Accessibility Maturity Model (DAMM)

This functions as a 7 step management tool to help leverage all capacity at an organisation to map existing accessibility, devise roadmaps and check in on progress. This model has 5 “dimensions” that are seen as parts of an overall strategy: vision, leadership, processes, capability and procurement, and 5 levels of achievement in each. The free downloadable version of the model includes a list of suggested questions to ask when consulting with stakeholders. 

AbilityNet HE and FE Accessibility Maturity Model

The HE and FE maturity model enables you to judge the maturity of your whole organisation's digital accessibility. This again has 7 sections with sets of questions with levels of 'agreement' as a response, which are then automatically scored to give you an overall rating of Bronze Silver or Gold. This interactive resource helps you:

  • Determine where you are in the Accessibility Maturity Spectrum
  • Understand risks; build on benefits
  • Identify support needs

W3C Accessibility Maturity Model (draft)

This describes 7 “dimensions” where accessibility appliesapplies, including communications, ICT development lifecycles and the organisational culture, along with suggestions in each dimension of points (or organisational functions) where accessibility can be evidenced, as well as varying levels of achievement in each point. This practical and customisable guidance, with a structure for co-ordinating evidence, is the most helpful method of presenting information to busy, praxis based professionals.

Accessible Books Consortium Charter for Accessible Publishing

Our objective is to make our e-books accessible to all. With this objective in mind, we, the signatories to this Charter, hereby commit to:

  1. statingStating our accessibility policy on our web-site, including adherence to this Charter;
  2. nominatingNominating a senior manager who will be responsible for accessibility;
  3. raisingRaising awareness among, and provide technical training for, relevant staff;
  4. designatingDesignating and publicising a point of contact in our organization to assist persons with print disabilities to access our publications;
  5. testingTesting our digital publications for accessibility, incorporating appropriate feature descriptions and metadata;
  6. monitoringMonitoring our progress in this area;
  7. promotingPromoting the adoption of accessibility standards throughout the supply chain; and
  8. supportingSupporting national and international collaboration with organisations representing persons with print disabilities so as to increase the availability of publications in accessible formats.

Contact us if you wish to become a signatory to the Charter for Accessible Publishing.

 

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