Accessibility is fundamental to ethical, high-quality research. Building inclusive practices isn’t just about compliance—it’s about ensuring that our work serves and reflects the full diversity of our communities. From study design to data collection and team collaboration, accessible research benefits everyone.

Catherine Roy, Accessibility Advisor for the Equity Team at Â鶹ɫÇéƬ, shares the following 10 tips (with details below) to help researchers integrate accessibility into their work and create environments where all participants and team members can thrive.

1. Plan accessibility from the start, not as an afterthought.
2. Choose research sites that are physically accessible.
3. Offer multiple ways to participate in your study.
4. Use plain language in consent forms and materials.
5. Budget for accessibility — it’s part of research excellence.
6. Ask participants what they need — don’t assume.
7. Make sure transportation is inclusive and flexible.
8. Test your digital tools for assistive technology compatibility.
9. Use inclusive imagery when documenting your work.
10. Build diverse teams that include disabled researchers.

1. Plan accessibility from the start, not as an afterthought.


Thinking about accessibility from the beginning helps ensure that your research design, methods, and environments are inclusive. Early planning avoids costly last-minute fixes and sends a clear message that accessibility is a core value.

2. Choose research sites that are physically accessible.


When conducting fieldwork, consider whether your locations are wheelchair accessible, have washrooms that meet accessibility standards, and can be navigated by people with mobility or sensory disabilities.

3. Offer multiple ways to participate in your study.


Some participants may prefer online interviews, written input, or audio submissions over in-person formats. Providing flexible options helps include a wider range of people and reduces barriers to participation.

4. Use plain language in consent forms and materials.


Clear, jargon-free language helps ensure that everyone can understand the purpose of your research, what’s expected of them, and their rights as participants. It also builds trust and transparency.

5. Budget for accessibility — it’s part of research excellence.


Accessible formats, support workers, transportation, or adaptive equipment may involve costs. Planning for these in your budget signals that inclusion is part of good research practice, not an extra.

6. Ask participants what they need — don’t assume.


Accessibility isn’t one-size-fits-all. Invite participants to share any accommodations they require. This shows respect and creates a more equitable experience for everyone involved.

7. Make sure transportation is inclusive and flexible.


If your research involves travel to field sites, ensure that participants and team members can get there safely and comfortably. This may mean covering accessible transit options or offering flexible meeting points.

8. Test your digital tools for assistive technology compatibility.


If you’re using online platforms for data collection or communication, check that they work well with screen readers and other assistive technologies. Accessibility in digital tools is key to equitable engagement.

9. Use inclusive imagery when documenting your work.


Photos and visuals should reflect a diversity of people, bodies, and access tools. This challenges stereotypes and shows that disability belongs in research settings.

10. Build diverse teams that include disabled researchers.


Representation matters. Collaborating with researchers who have lived experience of disability strengthens your work and helps embed accessibility into every stage of the research process