Accessible Evaluation for All: Designing with Disability in Mind
Wednesday, November 12, 2025
4:20 PM - 5:20 PM CST
Unless disability topics are the target research question, methodological approaches and evaluation practices often overlook considering whether participation is accessible to people with disabilities. Furthermore, from a universal design perspective, the process of ensuring evaluation participation is accessible for people with disabilities can, in turn, enhance useability for all participants. Insights from people with disabilities are critical to shaping programming and services that genuinely meet the needs of the entire community. The first panel member will present practical lessons learned through the adaptation of an evaluation to be accessible to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This includes navigating IRB submissions, consulting advisory boards, and staff training considerations. The second presenter will discuss the process of developing and implementing a Research Advisory Board (RAB) of people with lived experiences of disability to provide thoughtful feedback over the course of the evaluation process. Click to fill survey.
Rachel Byers – Project Coordinator, Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice, Utah State University