The Charter was developed by the organisations who are members of the Technology Taskforce, and sets out ten commitments to good practice on IT accessibility.
Any organisation that wants to make a public commitment to embedding accessibility in everything it does, from dealing with workplace IT adjustments, to dealing with its IT suppliers, can sign the Charter. By doing so, it declares that it will make ten commitments on accessibility as part of its IT strategy.
These commitments include executive sponsorship; ensuring colleagues understand about disability and accessibility; making effective adjustments or accommodations for colleagues and clients; and developing and buying accessible IT systems.
The members of the Technology Taskforce believe that these commitments are challenging, but that they are within the reach of any organisation determined to attain good practice across all of its business. They are aspirational: we do not expect a signatory to achieve every element from the date of signature, but instead to work corporately towards each one while respecting its spirit.
The Charter was formally launched in November 2011. We are delighted that 17 blue-chip companies and government departments, all members of the Technology Taskforce, signed up at launch. Following its launch, we welcome signature from other organisations that are prepared to commit to its aims.
If you would like to sign the Charter please download the guidance and process notes in order to start your organisation’s internal engagement and conversations on IT accessibility. The version for formal signature, a Word template for you to add your organisation’s name and logo, can be found here.
We would like to record who has signed up to the Charter so we can recognise that commitment and encourage others to follow your lead, so if you are able to sign, please let us know using the form included with the process notes.