Disability Inclusion
Service and volunteer programs need to be proactive to ensure that everyone — including individuals with disabilities — has the opportunity to serve and to be active participants. Specific issues include inclusive language, outreach, and recruitment; legislation and legal responsibilities; reasonable accommodations; the definition of people with disabilities; management and retention of people with disabilities; Universal Design; and creating an inclusive service environment. Following are some of our most relevant resources for this topic area.
- Engaging Volunteers with Disabilities - Volume XXVII, No. 2 (July 2010) of the International Journal of Volunteer Administration
- National Service Inclusion Project - The training and technical assistance provider for this topic.
- Inclusion: Creating an Inclusive Environment - A comprehensive handbook on the topic.
- New!: Ensuring Programmatic and Facility Accessibility in National and Community Service Programs - A quick checklist to ensure your program complies with the law.
- DisabilityList - An e-mail discussion list to facilitate communication among national service programs involving persons with disabilities.
- Ask the Expert: Paula Sotnik - Inclusion
Online Courses
- Communicating with People with Disabilities
- Effective Communication, Alternative Formats, and Web Accessibility
- Inclusive Outreach and Recruitment
- Physical and Programmatic Access
- Understanding Disability Legislation for National Service Programs
Effective Practices
- Going beyond simulations to promote education about people with disabilities
- Providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities
- Adopting strategies for making national and community service programs disability-friendly
- Assessing the accessibility of your organization
Online Library Items
- Can Do! Volunteering: A Guide to Involving Young Disabled People as Volunteers
- Volunteer Connections: Creating an Accessible and Inclusive Environment
- Effective Practices Guide to Creating Inclusive and Accessible Days of Service
Related Websites
