Survey: Accessibility of At-Home COVID-19 Tests for Users with Disabilities

2Widespread access to over-the-counter at-home COVID-19 tests was a crucial component of the United States public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For at-home testing to be effective, it is essential for the tests to be not only available but also usable and accessible to people with disabilities. In the present study, a survey was conducted to collect feedback about peoples experiences using over-the-counter COVID-19 tests, with an aim to identify barriers to the accessibility of COVID-19 tests for people with disabilities. Survey respondents self-identified as having little to no vision, low vision, or limited dexterity. The survey covered ten at-home COVID-19 test brands. For each test that a respondent had used, the survey included questions about whether the user was able to complete the test independently or whether they needed assistance, the ease of use for performing each part of the testing procedure, and any difficulties that the user encountered while using the test. The survey also included questions for each test regarding the use of mobile applications, digital instructions, and customer service. This report presents the results of nearly 400 responses to the accessibility survey. The results offer an improved understanding of accessibility barriers for at-home COVID-19 tests; designers of at-home diagnostic tests can apply this knowledge in order to improve the accessibility of over-the-counter COVID-19 tests and other at-home diagnostic tests to people with disabilities.