Understanding How Accessibility Practices Impact Teamwork in Mixed-Ability Teams that Collaborate Virtually

TL;DR

This study explores how accessibility practices in virtual mixed-ability teams influence teamwork dynamics, highlighting their role in coordination, rapport, and camaraderie, and offering design recommendations for better collaboration tools.

Contribution

It provides empirical insights into the broader impact of accessibility practices on teamwork in virtual mixed-ability settings, an area previously underexplored.

Findings

Accessibility practices shape task coordination and rapport.

Camaraderie challenges include balancing empathy and accountability.

Non-disabled team members view allyship as a learning process.

Abstract

Virtual collaboration has transformed how people in mixed-ability teams, composed of disabled and non-disabled people, work together by offering greater flexibility. In these settings, accessibility practices, such as accommodations and inclusive norms, are essential for providing access to disabled people. However, we do not yet know how these practices shape broader facets of teamwork, such as productivity, participation, and camaraderie. To address this gap, we interviewed 18 participants (12 disabled, 6 non-disabled) who are part of mixed-ability teams. We found that beyond providing access, accessibility practices shaped how all participants coordinated tasks, sustained rapport, and negotiated responsibilities. Accessibility practices also introduced camaraderie challenges, such as balancing empathy and accountability. Non-disabled participants described allyship as a learning process and skill shaped by their disabled team members and team culture. Based on our findings, we present recommendations for team practices and design opportunities for virtual collaboration tools that reframe accessibility practices as a foundation for strong teamwork.