Participatory Research

Research methodologies that actively involve the communities being studied as partners in the research process, from defining research questions to collecting data to interpreting findings. In accessibility research, participatory approaches are essential for ensuring that technologies and solutions reflect the actual needs and expertise of disabled people. Effective participatory research with marginalized disabled communities requires additional considerations including protecting participants from consequences of sharing sensitive information, providing accessible compensation, and maintaining ongoing relationships rather than extractive one-time engagements.