CERT Resources
Special Topics
Accommodating Special Needs
Volunteers with special needs are likely to have their own adaptive equipment or other items they need to participate in the CERT program. However, there are some accommodations that you can make to ensure that everyone gets the most from the CERT program.
Click on the links below to see accommodations for different types of needs.
- Accommodating Individuals With Visual Disabilities
- Accommodating Individuals With Hearing Disabilities
- Accommodating Individuals With Speech Disabilities
- Accommodating Individuals With Physical Disabilities
Accommodating Individuals With Visual Disabilities
Common accommodations for individuals with visual disabilities include:
- Making furniture in the classroom easy to maneuver around, if possible.
- Reserving a seat near the front of the room, allowing room for guide dogs.
- Allowing the individual to orient him/herself to the room before training begins.
- Encouraging the use of a tape recorder for class notes.
- Reinforcing all visual directions with verbal cues.
- Ensuring that lighting is adequate. (Remember, not everyone who is visually impaired is completely blind.)
- Saying aloud material that is written on chart paper or projected.
- Reading through any visually presented material.
- Asking questions to verify comprehension.
- Calling the individual by name when you speak to him or her.
- Identifying yourself when you approach the individual and when you leave.
- Providing a large print version of the course materials, if possible.
Accommodating Individuals With Hearing Disabilities
Some ways by which you can accommodate individuals with hearing disabilities include:
- Allowing the individual to select his or her seat.
- Identifying the speaker, and insist on only one speaker at a time.
- Verifying that you are speaking loudly and clearly enough.
- Repeating questions asked from others.
- Summarizing discussions.
- Positioning yourself so that the hearing-impaired individual can see your face. Remain in one position as much as possible when speaking.
- Writing complex questions on chart paper.
- Ensuring that you do not stand with your back to a light source. The hearing impaired need to be able to see you.
Accommodating Individuals With Speech Disabilities
Accommodations for individuals with speech disabilities include:
- Providing opportunities for the individual to speak, but do not require it.
- Allowing the individual to express him/herself. Do not find words for him/her.
- Maintaining comfortable eye contact while the individual speaks.
- Using your regular speaking voice when addressing the individual. Do not assume that the individual also has a hearing disability.
Accommodating Individuals With Physical Disabilities
When accommodating individuals with physical disabilities, ask the individual to explain his or her limitations. Then, depending on the individual's needs:
- Verify that the setting is wheelchair accessible.
- Allow the use of a tape recorder or ask another volunteer to provide notes.
- Modify activities as necessary. Remember that all activities are team-oriented, and that buddies and safety officers are always a requirement. These roles may be appropriate for a volunteer with a physical disability.