CEN/CENELEC Guide 6

CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 is a significant document that provides guidelines for addressing the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities in standardization. This guide is a collaborative effort by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC).

Overview

CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 aims to ensure that the needs of older persons and persons with disabilities are considered in the development of standards. The guide provides a framework for standard writers to incorporate accessibility and usability considerations into their work. This is crucial for creating inclusive standards that facilitate the participation of all individuals in society.

Purpose

The primary purpose of CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 is to promote the inclusion of accessibility requirements in European standards. By doing so, it helps to remove barriers that older persons and persons with disabilities might face when using products, services, or environments. The guide encourages standard writers to think about the diverse needs of users and to design standards that are usable by as many people as possible.

Key Principles

CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 is based on several key principles:

• Accessibility: Ensuring that products and services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
• Usability: Making sure that products and services are easy to use and understand.
• Inclusivity: Designing standards that consider the needs of a diverse range of users.
• Universal Design: Applying design principles that aim to make products usable by everyone, regardless of their abilities.

Application

The guide is intended for use by standard writers and developers across various sectors. It provides practical advice on how to incorporate accessibility and usability considerations into the standardization process. This includes:

• Identifying potential barriers that might affect older persons and persons with disabilities.
• Consulting with relevant stakeholders, including organizations representing these groups.
• Applying the principles of universal design to ensure broad usability.

Impact

The implementation of CEN/CENELEC Guide 6 has a significant impact on the development of standards in Europe. By promoting accessibility and usability, the guide helps to create a more inclusive society where everyone can participate fully. It also aligns with broader European policies on disability and aging, supporting the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Related pages

• European Committee for Standardization
• European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
• Accessibility
• Universal Design