ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 provides practical advice to help standards developers address accessibility in standards that focus directly or indirectly on any type of system that people use in order to promote comprehensive accessibility for products, services, and facilities. The document's primary focus is the accessibility needs of those with disabilities, children, and the elderly
Guide 71 has three main objectives:
The document provides guidance on the consideration of accessibility issues during the standards development or revision process, particularly in areas where they have not been addressed before. It should also be useful to manufacturers, designers, service providers, and educators with an accessibility focus.
ISO/IEC Guide 71:2014 was prepared by the ISO/IEC Joint Technical Advisory Group (JTAG) and subsequently adopted by ITU-T Study Group 16. Its publication is accompanied by a joint policy statement by IEC, ISO, and ITU on standardization and accessibility.
"It is an important goal for the whole of society that all people, regardless of their age, size or ability, have access to the broadest range of systems," said IEC General Secretary and CEO Frans Vreeswijk. "Standards that include accessibility requirements can support the development of devices and systems that can be accessed by a greater number of users."