Data for all: Data literacy lessons from a mini-course on data inclusivity and accessibility

Intertwining data literacy with inclusion and accessibility is critical to support increasing diversity in research. How data is collected, analyzed, and visualized is impacted by societal biases, which consciously (or unconsciously) create barriers to research learning and engagement by individuals with disabilities. This presentation will share the experience developing and facilitating a synchronous, online four-part mini-course designed to advance and increase the use of inclusive and accessible practices in producing and making use of health data. Featuring experts in intersections of DEIA and data governance, global informatics, and data visualization, the program provided guidance and practical applications for incorporating accessibility and inclusivity in data-based research. Topics covered in the course included inclusive data governance, particularly of Indigenous data, global data inclusivity, research data accessibility, and making data reporting and visualizations accessible to individuals with disabilities.

This presentation will include responses and feedback from both students and instructors suggesting next steps to bring accessibility principles and practices into data literacy instruction. Actionable items from the course will be synthesized and shared to go beyond raising awareness and complying with standards. The presentation will identify common best practices and the different needs and accommodations that contribute to a cultural shift in global inclusivity and universal accessibility.