Sharing Research, Surveys and Participation Opportunities Through YDRF
Before submitting a research study, survey, consultation or participation opportunity to YDRF, please read the guidance below. It explains the information we require and our expectation that opportunities offer at least two ways to take part, including at least one non-digital participation method.
Once you have reviewed the guidance, you can submit your opportunity using the submission form linked on this page.
YDRF is committed to helping researchers, public bodies, charities and community organisations engage with disabled people and other members of our community.
We are happy to share opportunities to participate in research studies, surveys, consultations, workshops and engagement activities through our communications channels, primarily our newsletter which is delivered to our community by email, audio and post.
Please note: YDRF will not normally publish participation opportunities that rely solely on online surveys, web forms or other digital-only response methods. Read on for more information.
Our Inclusion Requirement
To be included in YDRF communications, opportunities must offer:
- At least two ways to respond or register interest in total
- Of those two methods, at least one must be a non-digital response method
Examples of non-digital response methods include:
- Telephone
- Text message/SMS
- Postal response
- Paper survey
- In-person registration
- Voicemail feedback
Digital methods such as online surveys, web forms and email can be included, but they should not be the only way that people can participate.
Why We Have This Requirement
Many organisations now communicate and collect information online by default. While digital methods can be convenient, they do not work for everyone.
Some people may:
- Have limited or unreliable internet access
- Prefer not to communicate online
- Find digital systems inaccessible or difficult to use
- Need support to complete online forms
- Be more comfortable communicating by phone, post or in person
When participation opportunities rely on a single digital method, some people are excluded before they have had the chance to contribute.
Providing multiple ways to take part helps remove barriers and allows a wider range of people to share their experiences and expertise.
Our requirement for a non-digital participation option is not simply about technology. It recognises that barriers to participation are often created by the way opportunities are designed and promoted. Offering multiple ways to take part helps remove those barriers and creates opportunities for a wider range of people to contribute.
Benefits for Researchers and Organisations
Offering more than one way to participate can:
- Increase response rates
- Reach people who might otherwise be excluded
- Improve the diversity of participants
- Strengthen the quality of evidence and insight gathered
- Demonstrate a commitment to inclusive engagement
In our experience, opportunities that provide a range of participation options are more likely to reach people whose voices are often missing from research and consultation activities.
Information We Need
When submitting an opportunity to YDRF, please include:
- A clear description of the activity
- Who can take part
- What participation involves
- Any incentives or payments offered
- The closing date (if applicable)
- At least two ways to respond or register interest
- Contact details for access-related questions
- Information about available adjustments or support
Access and Communication
We encourage organisations to think about accessibility from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought.
A simple statement such as: “We welcome participants with different access needs. Please contact us to discuss what would help you take part.” can help people feel confident about getting involved.
Further Guidance on Inclusive Research
YDRF’s submission requirements are intended to help remove barriers to participation and ensure that more people have the opportunity to contribute their views and experiences.
If you are planning research, consultation, engagement or co-production activities and would like guidance on making them more accessible and inclusive, we recommend exploring:
A Toolkit for Including Disabled People in Research, developed by the Disability Community Project (DISCO) at the University of York.
The toolkit contains practical advice on:
- Planning inclusive research
- Recruitment and communication
- Accessible participation methods
- Working with disabled participants
- Removing barriers throughout the research process
We encourage researchers and organisations to consider accessibility and inclusion from the earliest stages of project design, rather than attempting to adapt activities after they have been developed.
The toolkit can be accessed at the DISCO Project website.
YDRF is not affiliated with the toolkit, but we believe it is a useful resource for anyone seeking to engage disabled people in research and consultation activities.
Questions?
If you are unsure whether your opportunity meets these requirements, please contact YDRF before submitting. We are happy to discuss ways to make participation opportunities more inclusive and accessible.