If you feel a bit overwhelmed by the information and guidance on accessibility in ICT procurement, you might be tempted to first reach out for help from a subject matter expert (SME). But, hold that thought for a moment. Experts in accessibility will tell you that the very first thing you need to do, actually, is to obtain executive support for your plans. You should first be aware of the materials already available to help you gain executive support. If you struggle with getting executive support, then you may need SME support to get that first step achieved. Only once this is achieved should you proceed to getting SME support to implement the Priority ICT accessibility procurement standards.
1. Arm yourself with statistics, arguments, and other messages that can be used as the basis of a compelling case to decision makers. There may be questions coming at you that you haven't previously considered. Read this guide on Communicating the Case for a Stronger Commitment to Digital Inclusion. This short slide deck was produced as part of the Smart Cities for All project, but the content applies very broadly for any group that is interested in implementing ICT accessibility in any public procurement policy project.
2. Read guidance from people who have successfully made the accessibility pitch to executives. There are systematic steps you can take to improve your odds of obtaining the necessary finances, staffing and other resources to implement Standards. Read Introducing organization-wide accessibility approaches: a guide to making a successful pitch.
3. Remember that the first thing to do is always to gain executive support, so use SMEs who can help you do this first. Then use SMEs to help with implementation of the Standards. Use our guide to Find help from within your own organization, from external support organizations, or from subject matter experts in the field.
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