Why recruiting people with lived experience is a valuable service

Inclusive Design, accessibility, Behind the scenes | 7 October 2025

When you see a fee and a final report, it’s easy to overlook what went into it.

Inclusive design isn’t just about gathering feedback. It’s about helping you build a space, product, or experience that’s truly accessible – for real people, with real lives.

Here’s what you’re really investing in:

• Meaningful employment of people with disability as user researchers and accessibility specialists
• Outreach and engagement with individuals who bring lived experience
• Building and maintaining participant databases with care, consent, and privacy
• Scouting accessible venues and sourcing appropriate technology
• Coordinating individual access needs – including transport, support workers, and sign language interpreters
• Facilitating safe, respectful interactions between clients and participants
• Developing tailored tools such as questionnaires, itineraries, and interview guides
• Ensuring insurance, safety, and ethical protocols are in place
• Paying participants fairly for their time, insight, and emotional labour
• Supporting the team behind the scenes – admin, training, and mentoring to build confidence and work-readiness among lived experience contributors

Every project is different. Every participant’s needs are unique. And every step is designed to uphold dignity, access, and impact.