Tipsheet for Accessibility and Equity in Online Engagement

Online tools and platforms can help increase accessibility to public engagement initiatives for those facing barriers related to geographic distance, physical mobility or scheduling conflicts. However, it is important to remain mindful of barriers that can impede people from learning about, accessing or participating safely and meaningfully in a digital engagement process.

The table outlines potential barriers related specifically to online engagement, and particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with questions to consider and strategies that can help address these barriers. Barriers that are addressed are digital accessibility, language and communication, date and time, safety and security, privacy and data security, and financial accessibility.

This tipsheet was created by the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, and is shared with permission.