Inclusivity considerations checklist

This aligns with our content principles and crisis standard. The draft checklist below is intended to be used as applicable in content creation. We want to be inclusive of all the audiences we serve.

Is the language accessible?

(Note: Language should be no higher than 5th grade reading level and avoid jargon/technical language when possible. If not possible, consider providing an explanation of technical language. The CDC recommends various techniques including reducing the number of words per sentence and by using one and two syllable words when possible.)

Are identified third party resources AND information provided inclusive of the below populations?

Note: Consider cultural competency, trusted messengers and regional availability for resources.

• Californians with limited financial resources or on-hand items;
• Californians that are still working, sometimes in challenging conditions;
• Californians without internet access;
• Californians with difficult housing situations (crowded housing, living with roommates, living in a hostile environment i.e. household with incidents of domestic violence);
• Californians struggling with depression or suicide; no permanent address and living with relatives/friends and bouncing from one relative/friend to another; living in cars
• Californians with disabilities;
• Communities of color;
• Immigrant Californians;
• Tribal communities;
• Californians that may speak English less than well;
• Californians in rural regions

If the resource is a new benefit or support

• What are the minimum requirements?
• Are there income restrictions?
• Is it available/ does it apply regardless of immigration status?

If YES, what privacy statement can be made about how personal information is protected (when applicable)? If NO, which immigrants are eligible? (limited to US citizens, legal permanent residents, etc?) Does it count under the “public charge” rule?

Other considerations

• Prioritize what people need to know, not what you think they should know.
• What is “it”, the thing we are highlighting as new information?
• Who does it affect?
• If for a specific audience, what are the primary languages for translation?
• Do you have the correct contact information for questions? E.g. contact person, phone, email, physical address, etc.

Working doc saved in our content principles document. :)