How can you interview sources with disabilities effectively?

Interviewing sources with disabilities can be a challenging but rewarding task for journalists who want to cover diverse perspectives and stories. However, it requires some preparation, sensitivity, and flexibility to ensure that the interview is respectful, accessible, and effective. Here are some tips to help you interview sources with disabilities effectively.

1 Do your research

Before you approach a source with a disability, do some background research on their condition, their work, their achievements, and their challenges. This will help you avoid asking insensitive or irrelevant questions, and show that you are genuinely interested in their story. You can also use reputable sources, such as disability organizations or experts, to learn more about the disability community and the issues they face.

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Katy Hall

Women in Construction & Neurodiversity advocate. Owner/Director of SC4 CARPENTERS LTD. Running an SME for ~25 years means I know my business inside & out - responsible for Strategy, Finance, HR & Marketing.
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To add to this, particularly for neurodivergent interviewees, research the benefits they bring. Whatever the disability focus on the positive, whilst being prepared for the challenges faced by the individual. Don't assume that everyone with their disability has the same challenges. Listen and learn.

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2 Ask for consent and preferences

When you contact a source with a disability, ask for their consent to be interviewed and to disclose their disability. Some people may not want to be identified by their disability, or may have privacy concerns. Respect their wishes and boundaries, and do not pressure them to share more than they are comfortable with. Also, ask them about their preferred mode of communication, whether it is phone, email, video call, or in-person. If they need any accommodations, such as an interpreter, a captioner, or a quiet environment, arrange them in advance and confirm them with the source.

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Katy Hall

Women in Construction & Neurodiversity advocate. Owner/Director of SC4 CARPENTERS LTD. Running an SME for ~25 years means I know my business inside & out - responsible for Strategy, Finance, HR & Marketing.
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Many people may be concerned about discussing their disability during the interview. If the interviewee hasn't mentioned it then there is no need for you to do so. Unless the interview is specifically about their disability self-check whether it is relevant to the interview.

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3 Use appropriate language

During the interview, use respectful and inclusive language that does not stigmatize or patronize the source. Avoid terms that imply pity, inferiority, or abnormality, such as "suffering from", "afflicted with", or "wheelchair-bound". Instead, use person-first language, such as "person with a disability", or identity-first language, such as "disabled person", depending on the source's preference. If you are unsure, ask the source how they want to be referred to. Also, avoid making assumptions or generalizations about the source's abilities, needs, or experiences, and listen to their own perspective.

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Ashley Couto

I Write About Business, Leadership, & Culture | Ft. Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur | Keynote Speaker | Advocating For A People-First Future of Work | 5’0” With 6'2" Energy
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You don't want to use identity-first language, always person-first language. Identity-first language centres disability as the core of someone's essence, displacing their personhood. A person-first approach, however, centers the individual first. This is an inaccuracy in this article that should be corrected.

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4 Be flexible and patient

During the interview, be prepared to adapt to the source's pace, style, and comfort level. Some sources may need more time to answer questions, or may have different ways of expressing themselves. Do not interrupt, rush, or finish their sentences, but give them space and time to communicate. If you need to clarify or repeat something, do so politely and calmly. If the source indicates that they are tired, stressed, or uncomfortable, offer them a break or end the interview. Do not force them to continue if they are not feeling well.

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Katy Hall

Women in Construction & Neurodiversity advocate. Owner/Director of SC4 CARPENTERS LTD. Running an SME for ~25 years means I know my business inside & out - responsible for Strategy, Finance, HR & Marketing.
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Planning for an in-person interview can be much more intensive and stressful for someone with a disability. From identifying a wheelchair accessible route, or planning the journey, to navigating a new environment and meeting new people. Others may find using certain technology challenging. Could you offer a pre-interview, or be flexible with timings, offering a time of day, location and interview method that best suits them?

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5 Follow up and fact-check

After the interview, thank the source for their time and cooperation, and let them know when and where the story will be published. If possible, send them a copy of the story before publication, and ask them to check for accuracy and consent. If they have any feedback, corrections, or concerns, address them promptly and respectfully. Do not edit or alter their quotes without their permission, and do not omit or distort their views. Acknowledge their contributions and expertise, and give them credit for their work.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Katy Hall

Women in Construction & Neurodiversity advocate. Owner/Director of SC4 CARPENTERS LTD. Running an SME for ~25 years means I know my business inside & out - responsible for Strategy, Finance, HR & Marketing.
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Don't make assumptions or jump to conclusions about their disability. Not everyone with the same disability has the same challenges or characteristics. Don't over-focus on the disability. The interviewee is a person and their disability is just one of many characteristics - it doesn't define them.

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How can you interview sources with disabilities effectively?

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1 Do your research

2 Ask for consent and preferences

3 Use appropriate language

4 Be flexible and patient

5 Follow up and fact-check

6 Here’s what else to consider

Journalism

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