Usability and accessibility research
We believe in accessible communications for everyone.
This section covers research in a number of related areas: usability of devices and services, and accessibility, particularly in relation to older people and those with disabilities; specific communications technologies such as audio description and text relay; and the accessibility of communications services for the purposes of active citizenship.
Our access and inclusion research looks at how well communications services meet the needs of consumers, especially those who may be in vulnerable circumstances.
In an effort to understand consumers' needs, we research the experiences of disabled customers and other users of access services.
Disabled consumers' use of communications services 2016 (PDF, 3.3 MB) Jan 2017
Disability research - technical report 2016 (PDF, 165.3 KB) Jan 2017
Disabled consumers' use of communications services Oct 2015
Citizens and communications services Oct 2014
Disabled consumers' ownership of communications services Sep 2013
Services for disabled users of communications services Oct 2010
Next-generation services for older and disabled people Sep 2010
Disabilities mystery shopping – main report Aug 2010
People with visual impairments and communications services Nov 2008
Usability in the communications sector Jun 2008
Digital television switchover and disabled, older, isolated and low-income consumers Jun 2007
Universal service obligation: deaf and hearing-impaired consumers and text phone services Jun 2004
2021
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2021 (Channel 4)
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-June 2021
2020
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2020
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2020
2019
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2019
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2019
2018
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report 2018
Television and on-demand programme services: access services report Jan-Jul 2018
For older reports, see the National Archives.