Penny Forward is sharing this paid research opportunity because we believe that people who are blind or have low vision should be compensated for their knowledge and lived experience.
Greater accessibility can create better opportunities for education, employment, and financial independence. Research that helps make digital documents more accessible can contribute to a future where people with disabilities can participate more fully in the workplace and other areas of life.
The research team is looking for people with experience designing and authoring documents who are interested in making digital content more accessible.
About the Research Study
The study, titled “Born-Accessible Approaches in Designing Documents,” is being conducted through the Maryland Initiative for Digital Accessibility at the University of Maryland, College Park, in collaboration with Adobe Research.
The researchers are studying new approaches to making digital content accessible during the authoring process.
Participants will test new user-experience prototypes designed to help people create more accessible documents using template-based design.
The goal is to learn whether these accessibility features are easy to use and effective.
Who Can Participate?
The researchers are looking for people who:
- Have experience designing and authoring documents
- Are interested in making documents accessible
- Are willing to provide feedback on new accessibility features
Participants do not need to create or upload their own documents during the study.
What Will Participants Do?
Participants will take part in a two-hour Zoom session.
During the session, researchers will explain the features being tested and ask participants to provide feedback using a “think aloud” approach.
Participants will:
- Test and evaluate accessibility concepts
- Provide verbal feedback about their experience
- Complete a post-study survey
The study is focused on gathering participants’ perspectives and feedback. You will not be required to create or upload any materials.
Participants Will Be Compensated
This is a paid research opportunity.
Participants who complete the study will receive a $50 Tango gift card, which will be delivered digitally.
At Penny Forward, we believe that the knowledge and lived experiences of blind and low-vision people have real value.
When organizations are developing accessible technology and documents, the people who will actually use those tools should have a meaningful voice in the design process. They should also be compensated for the time and expertise they contribute.
How to Sign Up
Interested participants can begin by completing a short survey.
The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete.
After completing the survey, the research team will follow up with participants to find a convenient time for the Zoom session.
Questions About the Study?
For questions about the research opportunity, contact:
Abhinav Kannan
Phone: 240-733-7306
Email: abhinavk@umd.edu
Why Accessibility Research Matters
Digital accessibility is becoming increasingly important as more education, employment, business, and everyday activities move online.
Making accessibility part of the document creation process from the beginning can help prevent barriers before they reach the people who need to use those documents.
Research like this can help developers and designers better understand what works, what does not, and how accessibility tools can be made easier to use.
For blind and low-vision people, better accessibility can mean more opportunities to participate, work, learn, and contribute.
That is why Penny Forward is pleased to share this compensated opportunity with our community.
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