Definition 4: Accessibility

Definition

To make research accessible is to make it attainable and easy to access for people of all capabilities. To do this, researchers must limit the barriers so that people of different abilities can be included in research. 

In Context

One of the main goals of community engaged research is to promote social justice and inclusion. Including underrepresented groups is essential because it ensures that the research reflects the needs and perspectives of the entire community, not just the majority or those with more power. This helps to address and reduce existing power imbalances within social structures and institutions. (Taylor) 

By involving people who have been made underrepresented, the research can be more comprehensive and equitable, leading to solutions that benefit everyone. Additionally, inclusion fosters diversity of thought, which can lead to more innovative and effective approaches to problem-solving. In essence, ensuring the participation of underrepresented groups results in more fulsome, accurate, and meaningful research that challenges gaps in past research that did not include marginalized communities in respectful or accessible ways. 

Actions to make research methods more accessible

1. Making assistive technology available (captions, screen reader, described video)

2. Making research materials available in different languages

3. Using dyslexia-friendly fonts and using direct language

4. Conduct research and events out of wheelchair-accessible buildings, provide building maps, and locate where the elevators, bathrooms, and water fountains are

5. Evaluating the ways your research/methods may cause further harm to different communities and how that will be addressed

6. Make the language of the research and findings readable for the study participants and not behind a paywall

7. Take emotionalities into consideration for those who might experience stress, anxiety, and PTSD

Reflection Questions

• What materials and processes will be needed as part of your study? Considering different abilities, how can you make the research materials easy for everyone to access?

• What are some barriers that you predict will prevent people from engaging with your research? What are some of the ways you will limit barriers to research?

• How will you make the results of your research accessible?