Accessibility
Taking part in research with a screen reader
A practical guide for screen reader users on completing online surveys, handling grid questions, and joining focus groups to share valuable feedback.
Taking part in focus groups if you are deaf or hard of hearing
Focus groups and interviews are built around conversation, which can make them seem off limits if you are deaf or hard of hearing. They should not be. With the right support, you can take part fully, and your perspective is valuable in research about almost anything.
Key points
- Deaf and hard of hearing people can take part fully in focus groups and interviews with the right support.
- Common options include live captions, sign language interpreters, text-based sessions and one-to-one interviews instead of groups.
- Telling the research team early gives them time to arrange the right support.
- Your lived experience matters in everyday studies, not only in research about hearing.
Why your voice matters in research
Deaf and hard of hearing people use the same banks, shops, apps, transport and products as everyone else. Yet they are often left out of research simply because studies are not set up for them. When that happens, companies miss problems such as announcements that are only spoken, videos without captions or customer service that only works by phone.
Including deaf and hard of hearing participants leads to better products for them, and often for everyone. If you have ever turned on captions in a noisy room, you have benefited from design that started with deaf users.
Support you can ask for
Live captions
Many video platforms offer automatic captions, and they have improved a lot. For research, where accuracy matters, human captioning is more reliable. A trained captioner types what is said in real time. In the US this is often called CART, short for Communication Access Realtime Translation.
Sign language interpreters
A qualified interpreter can translate between spoken language and your sign language, such as ASL, BSL or ISL. In video groups, the interpreter appears in their own video window, ideally pinned so you can always see them. In person, they sit or stand where you can see both them and the speaker.
Text-based sessions
Some studies can be run by text chat instead of spoken conversation. Online bulletin board studies, where participants answer questions in writing over several days, can be a good fit.
One-to-one interviews
A group discussion with several people talking can be hard to follow, even with captions. A one-to-one interview can be easier, and the researcher can adapt the pace to suit you.
Hearing technology
If you use hearing aids or cochlear implants, ask whether a facility has a hearing loop, or whether you can connect your device directly to a computer for video calls.
Making groups work better
Moderators can make a huge difference with a few simple practices:
- asking people to speak one at a time and say their name before speaking
- keeping cameras on and faces well lit, which helps lip reading
- pausing for captions or interpreters to catch up
- sharing any written materials or videos with captions in advance
- checking in with you during the session
If you are comfortable doing so, tell the moderator what helps you most. They want the session to work.
Ask early. Interpreters and human captioners are often booked days or weeks ahead. Mentioning your needs when you accept an invitation, or adding them to your profile, gives the research team time to arrange them.
How to tell us what you need
On Reward Hours, you can add access needs to your profile at any time. This is optional and used only to arrange support for studies. Useful details include:
- your preferred way to communicate, such as sign language, captions or text
- which sign language you use
- whether you prefer one-to-one sessions or are comfortable in groups
- any hearing technology you use
When you receive an invitation for a focus group or interview, we use this to arrange support. If an invitation does not mention support, reply and ask. You should never have to pay for access support in a study.
What if support cannot be arranged?
Occasionally, a study with a very short timeline cannot arrange an interpreter in time. A good research team will explain this, offer an alternative format if possible and make sure you are considered for the next suitable study. Please tell us if this happens, so we can keep pushing for better planning.
Common questions
Will asking for an interpreter reduce my chance of being chosen?
It should not. Arranging support is part of running research properly, and researchers increasingly want to include deaf participants.
Is the interpreter's time counted against my session?
No. Interpreted sessions sometimes run a little slower, and good moderators plan for that.
Can I bring my own interpreter?
Sometimes, if they agree to the same confidentiality terms as everyone else. Discuss it with the research team in advance.
