Participatory visual methods are often promoted as a way to attend to power dynamics in research, as well as foster ownership and participant autonomy. However, what happens when these methods are conducted online? How can researchers foster safer online spaces that are accessible to people with different needs and circumstances? How does the online space introduce or complicate conceptions of equitable participation? In this episode, guests Dr. Keri-Lyn Durant and Dr. April Bell discuss their experience with hybrid and online facilitation of digital storytelling. They reflect on the practices of building trust, safety, and care when discussing sensitive or stigmatized topics - all of which contribute to a space of vulnerability where intimate stories are shared, and friendships are formed. While power dynamics between researcher and participants may remain, the guests describe how they ensure ethics and participant autonomy in the making and sharing of digital stories. By providing thoughtful questions and equity-informed practices, this episode will help support new and established visual methods practitioners create more equitable and accessible online spaces for participatory visual methods.

Conversation Outline:

• Introduction (0:00-3:27)
• Addressing the digital divide and balancing structure with flexibility (3:28-6:48)
• Fostering trust, safety, and care (6:49-14:24)
• Building a container of care for online spaces (14:25-19:31)
• Centering autonomy and addressing power dynamics in online spaces (19:32-33:09)
• The transformative impact of digital storytelling (33:10-35:03)

Referenced resource: Disrupting Death: Conversations about medicalassistance and dying [audio podcast]. https://www.disruptingdeath.ca/episodes.

Learn More:

• For more information on the project, to view theepisode transcript, and to learn more about online digital storytelling and photovoice, visit: aim4communityhealth.ca/exploring-participatory-visual-methods-online/
• For more on the Centre for Community BasedResearch

To cite this episode:

Martin, J. (Host). (2025, Apr 10). Equity and Accessibilityin Participatory Visual Methods for Online Spaces: A conversation with April Bell and Keri-Lyn Durant [audio podcast episode]. In Let Me Just Share My Screen. Production by Janna Martin, Centre for Community Based Research and Trillium Health Partners.