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Getting started with accessibility research
Thursday, February 20, 2025 • Rosenfeld Community
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Getting started with accessibility research
Speakers: Elana Chapman , Li Wen Huang , Divyen Sanganee and Annabel Weiner

Summary

In partnership with Fable, watch this panel discussion aimed at UX researchers on how to get started with accessibility research. Featuring industry experts from Discover, LEGO, and Ally Financial, this session demystifies what accessibility research entails, and demonstrates how inclusive design isn’t possible without the participation of people with disabilities. Together, we identify the common barriers, strategies for modifying research methodologies for accessibility, and ways to gain internal buy-in for accessibility research within your organization. Moderator: Elana Chapman Panelists: Divyen Sanganee, Li Wen Huang, Annabel Weiner

Key Insights

  • Accessibility research enhances usability for all users, not just those with disabilities.

  • Engaging with community groups can provide invaluable insights and support for conducting accessibility research.

  • Flexibility in research methodologies, such as adapting existing approaches, is crucial for inclusivity.

  • Partnerships with users are essential for effective product design and improvement.

  • Addressing accessibility upfront can save time and resources in the later stages of product development.

  • Creating a culture of understanding rather than viewing individuals with disabilities as 'others' is key.

  • Accessibility should be a cross-functional effort, involving multiple stakeholders across the organization.

  • Educating team members on the social model of disability can shift mindsets towards more inclusive practices.

  • Gathering feedback early in the design process allows for more effective adaptations and improvements.

  • Having executive sponsorship can significantly enhance the visibility and importance of accessibility initiatives.

Notable Quotes

"I'm in the accessibility field, but I also have some certifications to show I know my stuff."

"You don't need to be an expert in accessibility before doing user research with people with disabilities."

"Trying something new is actually always an exciting thing."

"People with disabilities are very appreciative and they're willing to help us learn."

"Don't be afraid to dive in and learn from your mistakes as you go on."

"Where you're going is important for figuring out what stage you're at in terms of getting support for accessibility."

"For every hour a UX designer invests into accessibility pre-launch, they save up to four hours in engineering post-launch."

"If you're not doing anything about accessibility, you're discriminating against your future self."

"It's not like you have to completely recode the page; it's about making small changes."

"Participants with disabilities are just like us, and they want to use our products just as much."

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