Fact sheet 1: Adjustments and supports

Good evaluation should make sure people with disability have an equal chance to take part. Some participants might need additional support to help them take part fairly. These are sometimes called reasonable adjustments. The best way to understand what adjustments and supports people need is to ask them.

Examples of adjustments and supports

The types of adjustments needed will depend on the needs of participants.

This table includes examples of adjustments and supports. These examples show ways to help make evaluation activities more inclusive and accessible.

Make sure questions are easy to understand

• Work with experts to make sure information is accessible.
  This includes design, questions, briefings and background information in accessible languages.
• Suggest sending questions early ahead of any activity and ask:
  • if they make sense
  • ways to improve them.

Make sure everyone can use and understand the content

• Provide support to read and understand information. Check preferred method to read information such as:
  • sign languages, for example Auslan, Deafblind and First Nations sign languages
  • languages other than English, for example First Nations languages.
• Offer to provide information in Braille.
• Note that people might prefer screen readers, so it is best to check.
• Support the use of support workers.
• Offer materials in large print, Easy Read, Plain English, and any requested languages or formats. You can learn more at Language and definitions.
• Offer different ways for people to take part in activities. For example, speaking, writing and drawing.

Give people time to learn about and respond to content 

• Provide questions in advance so people are not surprised and do not feel pressured to come up with an answer. Then ask people to say if the questions don’t make sense or if they have any other concerns.
• Give participants enough time to understand, complete and send documents.

Make sure the environment feels safe and accessible for participants

• Give participants plenty of time so they can make sure they can attend on the day or time.
• Acknowledge inequity of device, technical and internet access, and have alternative processes available if needed.
• Think about how many people you are meeting with. Some participants might feel more comfortable in smaller groups and others might prefer to take part online.
• Make sure participants know they can withdraw at any time.
• Take time to follow up and offer support if difficult subjects are talked about. 

Make sure physically accessible 

• Run evaluation activities in places that are physically accessible. What this looks like depends on the participants’ needs. It could mean choosing places that have:

  • an elevator or no steps
  • accessible toilets
  • sensory-friendly spaces – for example, spaces without bright lights
  • hearing loops
  • accessible parking.

  Make sure to know how everything works before the day of activity.

• Make sure the chosen place allows people to adjust lighting, noise levels and temperature to create a suitable environment and make sure people are comfortable. 

Provide travel and money support

• Offer to organise transport and accommodation or offer to reimburse up to a reasonable amount if participants wish to organise their own transport and accommodation.
• Support or cover transport, accommodation and meal expenses, including any other expenses for carers, support workers, Guide Dogs and other support animals.