Log in or create a free Rosenverse account to watch this video.
Log in Create free account100s of community videos are available to free members. Conference talks are generally available to Gold members.
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 does not require prior expertise; focus on assistive technologies used rather than disability medical definitions.
-
•
Wizard of Oz testing can simulate screen reader experience on prototypes to gather early feedback before code is developed.
-
•
Engaging with internal employee resource groups and external disability communities builds trust and facilitates participant recruitment.
-
•
Participatory design elevates users with disabilities as co-designers and experts in assistive technology use.
-
•
Leadership sponsorship and educational videos showing real assistive tech use help build organizational buy-in.
-
•
ROI data shows investing time early in accessibility research saves significant engineering fixing time post-launch.
-
•
Decoupling user needs from medical disability labels helps navigate privacy and recruitment challenges.
-
•
Accessibility audits ensure compliance but usability research drives genuine user experience improvements; both are essential.
-
•
Temporary and situational disabilities plus aging populations vastly broaden the accessibility ecosystem beyond permanent disabilities.
-
•
Shifting mindset from empathy to understanding and barrier removal empowers better inclusive design without paternalism.
Notable Quotes
"You don’t need to be an expert in accessibility before doing user research with people with disabilities."
"People with disabilities are very appreciative and willing to help us learn because they understand we may not understand their challenges."
"Wizard of Oz testing involves someone pretending to be a screen reader by reading content and roles out loud."
"Participants are usually very forgiving if you’re not a perfect screen reader as long as you explain what you’re doing."
"Accessibility is really just improving the usability for everyone, not just for people with disabilities."
"For every hour a UX designer invests in 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 less about empathy and more about building an understanding of barriers and user needs."
"Assistive technology is a tool; we need to make sure we enable that tool to do its job."
"Accessibility audits check the box for compliance; usability testing ensures a good user experience."
Dig deeper—ask the Rosenbot:
















More Videos

"We encourage you all to be your own heroes and connect your own documents."
Jon Fukuda Ellie KryslDesign Planning and Management Support
October 3, 2023

"Representing a person as a circle feels more right—like we’re all equidistant at the same table."
Saara Kamppari-MillerCartography for Design Communities
September 10, 2025

"Gatekeepers expect compliance, whereas servant leaders want to make the vision smarter with the team."
Kevin BethuneReimagining Design: Unlocking Strategic Innovation
June 8, 2022

"We have to go slow to go fast."
Daniel OrbachZero to One: Co-Creating Operating Models with your Team
September 23, 2024

"The community is an ongoing prototype; members have a strong, frequent voice in shaping what good looks like."
Marc Fonteijn Ru ButlerIncrease your confidence, influence, and impact (through a Professional Community)
December 3, 2024

"It’s critical to measure perceived value and ask: Are you really solving the right problem with AI?"
Clara Kliman-SilverUX Futures: The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Design
June 7, 2023

"Take control when you notice resistance or chatter; acknowledge it and turn it into a constructive conversation."
Robin Beers Nalini Kotamraju Andy WarrPanel: Excellence in Communicating Insights
March 26, 2024

"Research in science fiction helps make research real and creative all the time."
Ana Maria Montero Barrantes Aditi Dhar Michelle Kaplan Nate Osborne Matt LaurenceThe Authentic UX Talent Show
January 8, 2024

"I got my PhD so I could get a seat at the table."
Kristen Honey"Let’s Talk About Data and Crisis”: Public Digital Service Delivery = Open Data + Human Centered Design
November 18, 2021