How can you support volunteers with disabilities?

1 Assess your accessibility

The first step to support volunteers with disabilities is to assess the accessibility of your physical and virtual spaces, your communication channels, and your policies and procedures. Accessibility means that everyone can access and use your facilities, services, and information without undue difficulty or discrimination. You can use accessibility checklists, audits, or surveys to identify and address any gaps or barriers that may prevent volunteers with disabilities from joining or performing their roles. You can also consult with volunteers with disabilities or disability organizations to get their feedback and suggestions.

2 Provide reasonable accommodations

The second step to support volunteers with disabilities is to provide reasonable accommodations that enable them to perform their tasks effectively and comfortably. Reasonable accommodations are adjustments or modifications that remove or reduce barriers or difficulties that volunteers with disabilities may encounter. For example, you can provide assistive devices, flexible schedules, alternative formats, or additional training. You can ask volunteers with disabilities what accommodations they need or prefer, and work with them to find the best solutions. You can also review and update your accommodations regularly to ensure they are still relevant and effective.

3 Foster a culture of respect and appreciation

The third step to support volunteers with disabilities is to foster a culture of respect and appreciation that values their contributions and recognizes their potential. Respect means that you treat volunteers with disabilities with dignity, courtesy, and fairness, and that you avoid stereotypes, assumptions, or judgments based on their disability. Appreciation means that you acknowledge and celebrate the skills, talents, and achievements of volunteers with disabilities, and that you provide them with opportunities for growth and development. You can foster a culture of respect and appreciation by providing positive feedback, mentoring, recognition, and inclusion in decision-making and social activities.

5 Communicate effectively and respectfully

The fifth step to support volunteers with disabilities is to communicate effectively and respectfully with them. Communication means that you use clear, concise, and appropriate language, tone, and methods when interacting with volunteers with disabilities, and that you listen actively and attentively to their needs, preferences, and feedback. You can communicate effectively and respectfully by using person-first or identity-first language, depending on the preference of the volunteer; by asking before offering help or assistance; by using accessible and inclusive communication tools and platforms; and by following up and following through on your commitments.

6 Collaborate and network

The sixth step to support volunteers with disabilities is to collaborate and network with them and other stakeholders who are involved or interested in disability issues. Collaboration means that you work together with volunteers with disabilities and other staff, partners, or supporters to achieve common goals, solve problems, or create change. Networking means that you connect and engage with volunteers with disabilities and other disability organizations, groups, or advocates to exchange information, resources, or opportunities. You can collaborate and network by creating or joining committees, teams, or coalitions; by organizing or attending events, meetings, or forums; or by promoting or advocating for disability causes or initiatives.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?