The aim of this study was to describe prerequisitesfor online collaboration for user participation in co-design of online digitalservices as perceived by people with impairments and to develop requirementsfor how online collaboration should be designed to be accessible for allparticipants.

An exploratory study was conducted in parallel to activities intwo co-design projects. Researchers, accessibility experts, designers and 31members of disability organisations participated. All participants had livedexperience of impairments.

Data was co-analysed by all participants using aqualitative thematic analysis with an inductive approach. Sixty-threerequirements for accessible online collaboration were identified pertaining tofour themes: digital tools and accessibility; preparation of an onlinecollaboration activity; performing and participating in an online collaborationactivity; and documenting and evaluating an online collaboration activity.

Conclusion: the co-design process can be strengthened by transition to onlinecollaboration, owing to the possibility of having more frequent interaction,economising the participants’ energy and the design process being moretransparent.

Using accessible online tools, careful planning, and meetingpreparation, and establishing a trustful and convivial atmosphere during eachactivity, are the cornerstones for accessible online collaboration. People withimpairment can participate in online collaboration if the activities meetaccessibility requirements.

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