Accessible and Inclusive Research Practices

Brian Turner, product director at the Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI), created and developed a clinical trial recruitment tool for the public to easily access and register for UCSF studies.

The UCSF Office of Disability Access and Inclusion (ODAI), part of the Office of Diversity and Outreach, presents the following best practices for enabling research participants with disabilities to participate in research studies at UCSF. UCSF engages in the interactive process to assist individuals with disabilities to participate equitably as research participants. Reasonable modifications (commonly called accommodations) are a key part of this process.

The UCSF IRB strongly encourages enrollment of people with disabilities. Please review the Participant Accessibility Guidelines (Requires MyAccess). For questions about the guidelines, please contact the UCSF Office of Disability Access and Inclusion. To receive consultation on implementing the guidelines, please submit a consultation request to UCSF CTSI Consultation Services.

Research Accessibility Consultations

CTSI is offering free Research Accessibility consultations aiming to ensure disability access for research participants. Researchers and Clinical Research Coordinators can get advice on responding to reasonable accommodation requests from participants or potential participants during screening or study visits.

Learn more: Research Accessibility Consultations website

Contact: [email protected] 

  • Get advice on responding to reasonable accommodation requests from participants or potential participants during screening or study visits. [Please note: CTSI does not approve and facilitate accommodations requests, however consultation is available. Access is the responsibility of the research unit.] 
  • Please ensure individuals with disabilities are not screened out due to their disability (either the condition being studied or another condition), and/or screened out due to need for reasonable accommodations. Please submit a CTSI Consultation Services intake form prior to denying accommodations whenever possible.