Making Volunteer Opportunities Inclusive

Engaging People with Disabilities

Building an inclusive environment where diverse volunteers can feel welcome and able to utilize their skills is essential for all nonprofits. However, persons with disabilities are often underrepresented in volunteer activities. Many people with disabilities experience physical and attitudinal barriers in their daily activities. These same barriers may result in skilled and enthusiastic volunteers with disabilities choosing not to volunteer.

It is important that we remove barriers to participation in all aspects of society, especially in emotionally rewarding activities such as volunteering. Volunteering opportunities are particularly important for people with disabilities and other populations that experience barriers because they can alleviate social exclusion. Volunteering also allows individuals who may require assistance or supports for some of their daily activities to be in a position of helping others and develop a greater sense of self-efficiency.

Making your organization inclusive may require changes in recruitment, training, task development, volunteer support, environment, policies and procedures. Many of these changes are inexpensive to implement and there are a variety of resources already developed to help your organization. When volunteer opportunities are inclusive, it is easier for people of all abilities to volunteer throughout their lifespans and you make your organization more effective because you have diverse perspectives and talents to pursue your mission. Disability can be experienced by anyone at any time and it is experienced differently by everyone. By learning to recognize barriers to participation and meeting the needs of people who may or will experience disability, you will be able to increase your pool of volunteers, better engage with your community, and provide an environment for all of your volunteers and staff that is inclusive and flexible enough to adapt to changes in abilities and lifestyle.

Removing Barriers To Inclusion

Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits that giving to others through volunteering provides. Barriers to participation of people with disabilities are often unintentionally created and, once identified, are often easily removed.

Using Information And Communication Technology For Inclusive Volunteering

Information and communication technology (ICT) can be used in a variety of ways to support individuals with disabilities and others in participating in volunteerism.