[Draft] Research and Development Working Group (RDWG) Charter

Scope

RDWG works within W3C to identify accessibility knowledge gaps which impact accessibility of W3C technologies, and to identify research findings, researchers, and research opportunities to inform and fill those gaps where possible. This first goal is complementary to the work of APA WG (previously PFWG), in that specific accessibility gaps identified in APA specification review without immediate technical solutions would shift to RDWG. A secondary goal is to identify potential accessibility barriers in emerging and future web technologies and develop a catalog of research topics and research questions to inform W3C members and the broader web research community of key areas requiring focus and resources to ensure accessibility. A tertiary goal is the incorporation of accessibility considerations into research on web technologies, including industry research, and research funded by governmental, technological and scientific funding agencies.The desired outcome of more research in web accessibility and awareness of accessibility in mainstream web-related research should decrease the number of potential barriers in future web-related technologies.

RDWG's scope of work includes:

• Coordinate with relevant groups within W3C, including APA WG (previously PFWG) and WCAG, to identify gaps in knowledge impeding development or resolution of accessibility support in ongoing standards development;

• Contribute input through review and comment on work in other W3C groups where appropriate on future development of WAI guidelines and specifications from the perspective and expertise of the accessibility research community;

• Explore trends in accessibility research and development, drawing upon group member expertise and engagement with existing groups such as WAI IG, to identify areas of research (existing or absent) that may significantly impact accessibility of the Web, and maintain a catalog of research challenges on key topics;

• Develop and publish brief reports and summaries to inform W3C membership of research-based recommendations for addressing key issues identified;

• Utilize existing platforms, such as WAI IG, to engage researchers and developers to discuss web accessibility research directions, and support the exchange between researchers with complementary expertise across W3C member organizations and external groups across industry, academia, and government;

• Develop approaches to promote awareness and provide guidance on incorporating accessibility to researchers, research organizations, and funding agencies in various areas.

Consistent with W3C Process requirements on Task Forces, the RDWG may form task forces composed of RDWG participants or join other W3C task forces to carry out assignments when under the chartered scope of RDWG. Any such task force must have a work statement (including objectives, communication, participation, and leadership) that has been announced on the RDWG mailing list, approved by the RDWG, and is available from the RDWG home page. RDWG task forces should produce requirements documents that outline the scope and expectations for work. Task forces may set up separate teleconferences and hold face-to-face meetings per the W3C process and with the approval of the RDWG.

Success Criteria

• Regular dialog with the APA WG and other W3C Working Groups to identify accessibility knowledge gaps and to provide assistance in identifying applicable research or recommendations via WG Notes and/or by defining research questions, challenges, or opportunities to be placed in the Research Catalog. Priority will be given to accessibility gaps blocking or otherwise limiting accessibility features in existing specification work;

• Timely completion of brief reports from previously held symposia on web accessibility metrics, mobile accessibility, text customization, easy-to-read, user modeling, accessible e-learning, and accessible way-finding, utilizing a condensed publishing format to ensure quality and usability of these reports to W3C membership and the broader accessibility research community;

• The completion of two virtual symposia focusing on selected research topics of particular interest from the broad spectrum of technologies, applications, and industries. The symposia adopt a new, asynchronous model including recorded presentations and moderated discussion forum. Each symposium includes research contributions and a summative report, possibly as a WG Note, detailing the outcomes of each symposium;

• Meeting approximately every other week dedicated to informal discussions of research topics that are not being investigated or are not being sufficiently investigated;

• A public facing resource which collates the group deliverables, including: research reports and summaries; Tips for Accessibility-Aware Research; and a catalog of research topics that are not being investigated or are not being sufficiently investigated;

• Provision of mailing lists, face-to-face meetings, alternating weekly planning and research meetings, and other medium to support the RDWG forum and promote research partnerships;

• Based on successful completion of the listed success criteria, the group expects to re-charter.