From Lab Runner to Sign Language Bridge: How the WISH Study Changed My Perspective on Inclusive Research
Updated: Oct 6
An Unexpected Journey
For more than two decades, the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) has been at the forefront of health research and capacity building in Uganda and across Africa. Its research has contributed significantly to improving the prevention and treatment of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), cryptococcal disease, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, and other infectious diseases. In recent years, IDI has also expanded its work to include maternal and child health, clinical pharmacology, artificial intelligence in health, and implementation science. Through collaborations with local and international partners, IDI has generated evidence that informs clinical guidelines, strengthens health systems, and improves the quality of care for communities in Uganda and beyond.
My name is Johnson Magoola, and for most of my ten years at the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI), my role has been behind the scenes. As a Lab Runner, I transport study samples, support home visits, archive research records, and help keep studies running smoothly. I never imagined that learning sign language would one day become one of the most meaningful parts of my career.
That opportunity came through the Women Inclusive Services for Health (WISH) Study, where I discovered that research is not only about collecting data but also about ensuring every voice is heard.
The WISH Study, part of the Maternal and Infant Lactation Pharmacokinetics (MILK) Programme, sought to understand the barriers women with disabilities face when accessing HIV, maternal, and reproductive health services. Conducted in Kampala and Northern Uganda, the study explores how disability, poverty, geography, and communication challenges affect health-seeking behaviour and uses community engagement to develop more inclusive solutions.
Beyond My Role as a Lab Runner
My involvement in the study went far beyond my usual laboratory responsibilities. I had previously pursued a certificate in sign language, and this was an opportunity to work alongside experienced sign language interpreters as a qualitative data collector and transcriber. For the first time, I helped women with hearing impairments participate fully in research discussions, ensuring their experiences were accurately captured. That experience transformed my understanding of inclusion.
Communication is often an invisible barrier in healthcare. Many people with hearing impairments struggle to explain their health concerns because appropriate communication support is unavailable. Without interpreters, important experiences remain unheard, and research misses valuable perspectives. During the WISH Study, I witnessed how simply providing sign language interpretation created an environment where participants could speak openly and confidently.
Learning New Skills Through Research
Beyond data collection, I also developed new skills in qualitative research. I learned to use digital data collection tools, transcribe interviews, and contribute to data analysis. Working with interviews conducted in Luganda, Acholi, and Langi taught me the importance of preserving participants' original meaning, emotions, and cultural context during transcription. Every word mattered because these records would later inform recommendations for improving healthcare services.
Traveling across different regions revealed that barriers to healthcare vary considerably. In Kampala, women with disabilities often described long waiting times, inaccessible facilities, and limited disability-friendly services. In Northern Uganda, the challenges were compounded by long travel distances, limited specialised services, poverty, and lingering cultural beliefs surrounding disability.
Yet despite these differences, one lesson remained constant: when communication barriers were removed, women actively shared their experiences and became equal partners in the research process.
Why Inclusive Research Matters
Fieldwork was not always easy. Long journeys, emotionally difficult interviews, and the responsibility of maintaining confidentiality required patience and professionalism. Working with sign language interpretation also demanded additional time, concentration, and close teamwork. However, the rewards far outweighed the challenges. Seeing participants express gratitude simply because they had finally been heard reinforced why inclusive research matters.
The WISH Study also challenged my own assumptions about disability. I realised that many of the barriers people face are not caused by disability itself but by systems that fail to accommodate different communication needs. Small adjustments, such as providing qualified sign language interpreters or accessible communication materials, can significantly improve both healthcare experiences and research quality.
Perhaps the greatest lesson I learned is that inclusive research produces better evidence. When every participant has the opportunity to contribute comfortably, researchers gain a more complete understanding of community needs, resulting in stronger findings and more equitable health policies.
Conclusion
I believe healthcare systems and research programmes can become more inclusive by investing in sign language training for health workers, expanding disability-friendly maternal health services, strengthening partnerships with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities, and using research findings to guide policy and practice. These changes would not only improve access to care but also ensure that women with disabilities are recognised as equal participants in shaping health services.
Participating in the WISH Study has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. While I began as a Lab Runner supporting research operations, I found myself becoming a bridge between researchers and women whose voices are too often overlooked. Inclusive research is not simply about collecting better data. It is about dignity, equity, and ensuring that every person has the opportunity to be heard. That is a lesson I will carry with me throughout my career.
By Johnson Magoola,
Lab Runner - MILK and DOLPHIN studies
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