Maximize your reach with accessible technology

When communities use ReachWell for engagement they see 95%+ reachability within a few weeks of launching. Our community leaders expressed how helpful this approach is so we thought we'd share it with you! Use the checklist to evaluate your existing service/plan and capture areas for improvement.

In order to maximize reach, we've applied the follow approach to quickly connect all families.

1. Access

• Ensure information is being distributed in all practical ways: App, Email, Text, Call, Social Media* and Web (both your site and your partner sites). ReachWell supports all these methods (and more).
  *Social Media is not reliable as feeds are based on algorithms, not what's actually being posted.
• Ensure the information is being updated regularly and is consistent across channels. 

2. Language and Literacy

• Translate messages as they're delivered while accommodating support for human translators.
• Allow ELs (English Learners) to choose their own language; the language they share with registration is rarely accurate.
• Support unwritten languages with integrated audio and video translations.
• Support low-literate users with text-to-speech translation in English and their native language.

3. Disabilities: Accessibility features allow our vision or hearing impaired to stay informed.

• Text-to-speech is a great way to assist visually impaired citizens. Further, ensure they're supported with high-contrast text and image tags.
• ASL (Sign Language) speakers should be able to view messages in sign as well as text. Support messages with ASL videos.

4. Low Tech Literacy

• Signups, Sign-ins, passwords, logins, and devices are all hurdles to adoption. Ensure your platform doesn't require barriers to access basic public information.
• Private (PII) data must be protected but doing so with a simple 2FA code delivered via paper, text, email or call can easily overcome typical hurdles.

5. Low Income

• Disconnected / changing phone numbers is the primary reason great texting campaigns fail. Support families with an app to ensure they're connected regardless if their numbers change.
• Unchecked email is common as low-income families don't regularly use email as a communication tool; reach them on their computer (aka their phone) to keep them informed.

6. Undocumented or Unregistered Caretakers

• Undocumented families will refuse to download or sign up for any tool that requires personal information. Ensure your platform allows families to follow without location tracking or registering. Of course, PII info requires verification.
• Mom or dad contacts in the system may not be the true caretaker. This information can also change frequently and relying on families to update their admins is an impossible expectation. Provide families with the open access they need and when they are identified, ensure a simple "add" process exists to associate them with their classes or providers.

DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST