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Disability Wiki

Accessible Research Tools

All disabled people have the right to participate in research and knowledge production on an equal basis with others, as affirmed by Articles 30 and 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This page centers disabled people’s expertise and supports research practices that include disabled people as full participants.

Accessibility matters not only in services and spaces—it is essential in research itself. This page provides tools and guidelines to make research accessible to disabled participants and inclusive across disability types.

What “Accessible Research” Means

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Accessible research practices ensure that disabled people can:

  • Participate as research subjects: Surveys, interviews, and studies accommodate diverse access needs

  • Participate as researchers: Disabled people can conduct, analyze, and disseminate research

  • Access research outputs: Findings are published in accessible formats

  • Benefit from research: Studies address issues that matter to disabled communities

Core Accessibility Considerations

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Data Collection Tools

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Surveys, forms, and interview guides should be:

  • Screen reader compatible: Proper form labeling, logical structure, alt text for images
  • Visually accessible: High contrast options, adjustable text size, clear typography
  • Cognitively accessible: Plain language, clear instructions, manageable length
  • Linguistically accessible: Translation available, culturally appropriate framing

Participation Options

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Offer multiple ways to participate:

  • Format options: Written surveys, phone interviews, video calls, in-person meetings
  • Timing flexibility: Self-paced online surveys, reschedulable appointments
  • Location options: Remote participation, accessible physical locations
  • Support options: Permission for support persons, interpreters, assistive technology

Accommodating Diverse Needs

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Consider access needs related to:

  • Sensory disabilities: ASL interpretation, captioning, audio description, braille
  • Physical disabilities: Accessible venues, rest breaks, flexible positioning
  • Cognitive and intellectual disabilities: Plain language, visual supports, extended time
  • Mental health conditions: Trauma-informed approaches, opt-out options, follow-up support
  • Chronic conditions: Fatigue accommodation, flexible scheduling, remote options

Accessible Survey and Form Design

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Technical Requirements

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  • Use proper heading structure
  • Label all form fields clearly
  • Ensure keyboard navigation works
  • Test with screen readers
  • Provide clear error messages
  • Allow users to save and return

Content Requirements

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  • Use plain language (aim for 6th-8th grade reading level for general audiences)
  • Define technical terms
  • Break complex questions into simpler parts
  • Provide examples when helpful
  • Keep surveys as short as possible while gathering needed information

Response Options

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  • Provide “prefer not to answer” options
  • Allow open-ended responses where appropriate
  • Use consistent response scales
  • Consider offering multiple response formats (checkboxes, sliders, text)

Accessible Interview Practices

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Before the Interview

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  • Ask about access needs during scheduling
  • Provide materials in advance when possible
  • Offer multiple interview formats (phone, video, in-person)
  • Confirm accommodations (interpreter, captioner, etc.) are arranged
  • Share questions or topics in advance if requested

During the Interview

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  • Allow participants to take breaks
  • Check in about pacing and energy
  • Be flexible with time
  • Accept communication in whatever form works for the participant
  • Have a plan if technical difficulties arise

After the Interview

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  • Offer to share transcripts for review
  • Provide findings in accessible formats
  • Compensate participants appropriately
  • Follow up on any support needs that arose

Universal Design in Research

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Universal Design principles can guide research design from the start:

Multiple Means of Engagement

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  • Offer various ways to participate
  • Provide choices about timing, format, and level of involvement
  • Make the purpose and value of research clear

Multiple Means of Representation

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  • Present information in various formats (text, audio, visual)
  • Provide materials at appropriate complexity levels
  • Use clear, consistent design

Multiple Means of Action and Expression

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  • Allow participants to respond in whatever format works best
  • Accept various types of evidence and expression
  • Provide assistive tools when helpful

Tools and Resources

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Survey Platforms with Accessibility Features

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When selecting survey tools, evaluate:

  • Screen reader compatibility
  • Keyboard navigation
  • Color contrast options
  • Mobile responsiveness
  • Ability to save and return

Many popular survey platforms have accessibility guides. Test your specific survey with assistive technology before launching.

Document Accessibility

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Research-Specific Guidance

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Why Accessible Tools Are Essential

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Inaccessible research methods cause real harm:

  • Exclusion: Disabled people are systematically excluded from studies that affect them
  • Bias: Research findings don’t reflect disabled people’s experiences or needs
  • Poor policy: Decisions get made without accurate information about disabled populations
  • Injustice: Disabled people are studied but not included as partners

Making research accessible:

  • Expands who can participate, improving data quality
  • Reduces bias and exclusion
  • Upholds disabled people’s rights to participate in knowledge production
  • Produces research that actually serves disabled communities

Resources

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Accessibility Standards

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Inclusive Research Guides

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Accessible Document Creation

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Section titled “Related Pages”

This page centers disabled people’s expertise and supports research practices that include disabled people as full participants. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.

Contribute to This Page

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Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.

Suggest an edit or addition →

This page centers disabled people’s expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.