Autumn 2025
Current Trends in Accessibility Research
Instructors:
- Leah Findlater
- Lucy Jiang
This directed research group will focus on understanding and synthesizing current trends in accessibility research for people with disabilities. By reading and analyzing a selection of recent research papers (e.g., from CHI and ASSETS 2025), we will examine questions such as:
- What types of research problems are most commonly being addressed?
- What range of populations are being included?
- What models of disability are being employed, both explicitly and implicitly?
- What additional research opportunities exist outside of these current efforts?
We will meet weekly to discuss one or more readings and to reflect on directions for future work. Students will be expected to submit reading reflections and / or help lead the weekly discussions.
Enrollment Information
- Meeting time: Thursdays from 1 - 1:50 p.m. The first meeting of the DRG will take place during Week 1 (Thursday, September 25, 2025).
- The meetings are planned to be in-person, but we could potentially switch to virtual if there is a strong motivation to do so.
- Credits: This DRG is typically for 2 credit hours, though 1 credit hour may be possible. Check with instructor.
- Who should apply: Students at any level who are excited about reading peer-reviewed research papers and participating in academic research-oriented discussions are welcome to apply.
- This DRG does count toward the PhD directed research requirement
- To apply: Space in this DRG is limited. Please complete this application form by Tuesday, September 16 at 11:59 p.m.
- Anticipated notification date: We plan to make decisions within 48 hours of the application deadline.
- Questions? Email Leah Findlater (leahkf@uw.edu) or Lucy Jiang (lucjia@uw.edu)