Information Access: What is a Champion?

Policy / Information Access / What is a Champion?

Info Access Values & Resources

A champion is not perfect. But they are always trying. Improve information access by following these values.

Accessibility

People with disabilities should be able to get information important to them. Information should be:

  • Clear, understandable and jargon-free.
  • Written at a 5th – 8th grade level.
  • Shared in different ways.
  • Available for all ages.
  • Available in braille, large print and audio recordings when needed.
  • Available by talking to a knowledgeable and helpful person.
  • On accessible websites.
  • Given to support a person’s informed choice.
  • Helpful whether or not a person can get any services.

Inclusion

All people should have access to information that respects their culture, is translated well and meets their community’s needs and preferences.

  • We respect all cultures, types of families and languages.
  • We translate information so that meaning and intent are not lost.
  • We accept and respect people’s life choices, beliefs and the LGBTQ+ community.

Collaboration

People with disabilities, families, advocates, service providers and policymakers should work together to make information access inclusive.

  • We make sure the lived experience of people with disabilities and families is a part of solutions.
  • We pay people with disabilities and families for their knowledge and expertise.
  • We listen to understand.
  • We are direct and honest.
  • We support each other’s efforts.

Continuous Improvement

Plans for information access should be regularly reviewed to make sure they work well and meet changing needs.

  • We create lasting solutions.
  • We use feedback and data to improve.
  • We hold ourselves and others accountable.
  • We change as our understanding of cultures grows.
  • We are not road-blocked by change in leadership, fear or jadedness.
  • We keep up with new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI).

What Champions Receive

Sign the pledge to get:

  • A free poster
  • A badge for your website
  • Your organization added to our Wall of Champions
  • A self-evaluation form and other tips
  • Connections
  • Added to our Constant Contact email list
  • Invitations to info access events
Sign the Pledge
Information Access Champion poster in English
Defensor De Acceso A La Informacion cartel en español

Wall of Champions