MRS Unlimited's First In-Person Event: Unlimiting Research for Disability-Inclusive Ideas
15 January 2025

On the 27th of November 2024, MRS Unlimited hosted its first in-person event, Unlimiting Research: Disability-Inclusive Ideas to Create Better Research and Workplaces, at the Zappi Office in Camden. The evening brought together an inspiring group of changemakers committed to driving disability inclusion in research and the workplace. It marked a significant step forward in amplifying the voices of those historically excluded from research and ignited meaningful conversations about the barriers, opportunities, and potential of inclusive practices. These events really are the best opportunities to continue learning and adding to your professional development.

Thank you to all those who attended, spoke, and sponsored this event. We couldn’t have done this without you all.

The Event Highlights

Around 30 attendees from the research industry and client side including Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RiDC), BT, Leeds Building Society and Sainsburys Plc to explore the untapped potential of disability inclusion. The discussions began with an eye-opening reminder of the global context: while 15% of the world's population lives with a disability, the market research sector is yet to feel inclusive of this in and out of research. These figures speak for themselves and the necessity of putting disability-inclusive research at the forefront of the industry’s agenda.

Josef Baines from London Sport kicked off the evening with a presentation that was both enlightening and personal. Communicating through British Sign Language (BSL), supported by two interpreters, Josef challenged attendees to think critically about the barriers that people with disabilities face in the workplace and how research can help dismantle them.

Babita Earle from Zappi, the host speaker, pointed out that while areas like AI dominate the industry’s focus, disability inclusion remains an underexplored frontier. “Research at its core is about people,” she noted, “but when 1 in 4 people are not considered, our research is incomplete,” Babita emphasised that designing for inclusivity not only benefits marginalised groups but also improves outcomes for everyone.

The evening resonated with a shared sentiment: disability inclusion can feel overwhelming, but it’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. MRS Unlimited provides a safe space to support organisations on their journey toward creating an equitable world, highlighting both the social and economic benefits of bridging accessibility gaps.

The evening’s discussions centred on two key questions that we would ask you the reader to consider and to share any thoughts with us by email (provide email)l:

1. What would you like to know?
2. How do you feel about making research more inclusive?

Survey Insights: Progress and Barriers

Christine Hemphill, founder of Open Inclusion, presented findings from a recent survey on disability and age-inclusive research. While the intent to include disabled perspectives in research is high—75% of respondents believed it was very important—practical barriers like budget constraints (73%), recruitment time limitations (67%), and difficulty engaging participants (64%) remain significant obstacles. 

Key takeaways included:

• People aren’t “hard to reach”—we’re just not asking the right questions.
• The push for efficiency often excludes disabled participants, prioritising cost-cutting over inclusivity.
• Fear of “getting it wrong” is holding many organisations back, with confidence levels remaining low across the board.

Despite these challenges, Christine noted that shifting social trends and the priorities of younger workforces present a unique opportunity for progress.

Panel Discussion: Why Language Matters

The event concluded with a panel discussion between the three speakers Dan Clay from Basis Social and Naseem Allmomen from Magenta, facilitated by the Co-Chair of MRS Unlimited Kathryn Hall from True Insights. This discussion highlighted the importance of language in disability-inclusive research.  

These conversations were incredibly valuable in learning about how participants with or without would want to be asked about disabilities and also research professionals. 

• Ensuring that language choices align with the purpose of the research and are contextualised and appropriate for the audience. 
• Avoiding stigmatising language, such as “impairment”.
• Referring to disabilities as “long-term health conditions” where appropriate was seen as the best way to consider someone’s condition from the research.

The discussion also explored the intersectionality of disability and other identities, emphasising the importance of allyship and welcoming a community where individuals can thrive.

Key Recommendations

• Provide a clear rationale: Explain the purpose of including disability perspectives in research.
• Invest in training and tools: Build industry-wide capacity for disability-inclusive research practices.
• Bridge gaps with the community: Create stronger relationships with disabled participants and researchers.
• Shift the narrative: Focus on inclusivity as an opportunity, not a challenge, and embrace the journey.
• (Anymore?)

Closing Thoughts

MRS Unlimited’s first in-person event was a powerful step toward creating a more inclusive research industry. It reinforced the idea that when we design for inclusivity, we create better outcomes for everyone. The group is committed to helping practitioners move from intent to action, building confidence and connections along the way.

As Babita put it, “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing good intent and being willing to learn.” By amplifying marginalised voices, the research industry has the potential to drive meaningful change and create products and workplaces that truly reflect the needs of all people.

MRS Unlimited’s mission is clear: unlimited research to unlimited potential. 

Special thanks to the MRS Unlimited steering group members for your support and the MRS, particularly Michelle Denslow for your support and help in organising the event.

Written by Tom Richer, MRS Unlimited Content Creator and steering group members Kathryn Hall