100 points to know about...
Inclusive project management

Usability testing is a fundamental process for introducing a new product and service and a crucial consideration when implementing a new digital accessibility initiative. People with disabilities use various tools and devices to navigate online. Automated tools may help web administrators identify specific types of barriers that could affect people with disabilities (such as inadequate colour contrast). However, this is not always the case.

The solution is to use a combination of automated and human tests when developing digital content. Most importantly, human testing should involve people with disabilities. The goal is to gather valuable insights, and these users can provide varying perspectives. The reasoning is simple: when people live with a condition that changes their navigation habits, they have more awareness of how different tools work.

What insights can testers with disabilities provide?

• Language Guidance. An expert who has a disability may be able to highlight word choices that might seem insensitive, discriminatory or incomprehensible.
• Future-Proofing. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) are regularly updated to adapt to new technologies. People with disabilities can highlight problem areas to help a website maintain compliance.

How to recruit people with disabilities in planning Usability Testing?

• Plan for additional recruiting. Adding specific requirements for participants (such as the type of disability) may add more time and effort to the task. However, people with disabilities are more likely to participate in studies to support a more accessible product.
• Create a reliable database of contacts. Places to search for participants with disabilities are mailing lists, social media groups, local disabilities support groups, and university programs for students with disabilities.
• Consider pilot tests as a recruitment tool. Some disabled people are part of networks that actively share accessibility information, and news of a usability test experience can spread quickly.
• Add appropriate information to the recruitment. Additional information that you can include in the recruitment screener can be specifying the use of technology and alternative formats for printed materials.
• If it is necessary, arrange for interpreters. For example, if the participants involved in the user test are deaf, it could be crucial to find, schedule and pay for sign language interpreters.
• Plan to reimburse participants for necessary expenses. There might be some additional cost expenses and considerations. For example, transport might be complicated and expensive for people with disabilities.
• Schedule time for the participants to become familiar with the product. The usability test schedule might include time for the participant to interact with the product before the usability testing begins.