You’ve finally gotten senior exec buy-in to include people with disabilities in your research study – what now?

Getting the green light from leadership to include people with disabilities in your research is a huge step forward. It means you can stop relying on assumptions about accessibility and usability and instead hear directly from the people who live those experiences. But before you send out invitations or fire up Zoom, there’s some groundwork to do to make sure your sessions are inclusive, productive, and respectful.

Here’s how to approach user testing with people with disabilities so you get the most valuable feedback, for both your team and your participants.

1. Start with the right participants

The first trap to avoid is treating ‘people with disabilities’ as a single, interchangeable category. If your product’s audience is 25- to 35-year-olds in regional areas, and you bring in a 65-year-old city-dweller who uses a screen reader, you might get great accessibility insights but miss how your core audience interacts with your product.

Aim to match both disability type and your existing or target demographics. This will give you feedback that’s relevant to your audience while still exposing usability and accessibility gaps.

Pro tip: Don’t just recruit someone because they use assistive technology, match their life context too.

2. Find participants (and make it easy for them to say yes)

You can recruit through existing accessibility communities, disability organisations, or through specialist recruitment services like Intopia Connect. We work directly with people with a wide range of disabilities, access needs, and assistive technologies, making it easier for you to find the right participants quickly.

When recruiting:

  • Keep screening questions short and use plain language
  • Be clear about session format, tech requirements, and payment
  • Offer flexible times – people may need to work around support workers, transport schedules, or medical appointments

3. Let people use their own devices

Whether your session is remote or in person, where possible, allow participants to use their own devices and setup.

Why? Because that’s how they actually interact with the world, with their own operating systems, browser extensions, custom settings, and assistive tech. Testing on a generic device might reveal some things, but it won’t reflect their real experience.

This means:

  • For in-person sessions, be prepared to work around different screen sizes, input methods, or physical layouts
  • For remote sessions, make sure your tools work across their devices, and be ready with a backup plan if they don’t

4. Key considerations for remote (online) sessions

Remote testing is often the most accessible and flexible option, but it comes with its own set of challenges:

  • Platform choice: Use a meeting tool that supports keyboard shortcuts, captions, and screen reader compatibility.
  • Instructions: Send clear, plain-language instructions ahead of time (including any links or login details).
  • Audio/video: Not everyone can share screens or cameras. Be flexible in how feedback is given (screen sharing, verbal description, or chat)
  • Support: Have a tech support contact on standby so participants aren’t left troubleshooting alone

5. Key considerations for in-person sessions

When running face-to-face sessions:

  • Venue accessibility: Check physical access, ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms, and wayfinding
  • Transport: Provide clear directions, public transport info, and parking details
  • Assistance: Allow for support workers, interpreters, or service animals
  • Session length: Build in breaks – fatigue or pain can be a factor for some participants

6. Respect people’s time, energy, and choice of payment

People with disabilities are not just ‘testing for accessibility’, they’re bringing the same valuable user perspective as anyone else, with the added bonus of identifying accessibility barriers. Pay them fairly for their expertise and time.

Where possible, let participants choose how they are paid, either via direct bank transfer or with a gift card.

If using gift cards, make sure:

  • They are accessible for the participant to use
  • They have no hidden fees or costs that reduce the incentive amount
  • They do not expire

This flexibility helps remove barriers and ensures participants receive the full value of their contribution.

7. Analyse feedback in context

When reviewing results, remember that a barrier for one person might not be the same for another, even if they have the same disability type. Look for patterns, but don’t erase individual experiences.

The bottom line

Inclusive research is not just about ticking a diversity box. When you recruit the right mix of participants, give them the tools they actually use, and create accessible, respectful testing environments, you’ll get feedback that helps you design better products for everyone.

Work with us to recruit the right participants
At Intopia Connect, we connect you with people with disabilities who are not only experienced in using assistive technologies but also match your target audience demographics. Whether you need participants for remote testing, in-person sessions, or hybrid approaches, we make it easy to find the right people, manage the logistics, and ensure every participant is respected and supported.

Get in touch today to make your next round of user testing more inclusive, and more insightful.