Tarjan Center, Service Inclusion Project
Frequently Asked Questions

How do I recruit people with disabilities to my program?

Reach out to disability communities with recruitment practices and materials that are accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities.

  1. Reach out to disability organizations.*
    • Let it be known that you want to engage the abilities of people with disabilities.
    • Begin to establish relationships and collaboration. Present at each others' staff meetings. Exchange materials. Get feedback, from disability specialists, on the accessibility of your materials and practices.
    Search for local disability partner groups here: TCSIP Resources List


  2. Include welcoming messages in your program materials. *
    • Include active, positive images of people with visible disabilities in your promotional materials.
    • Insert an equal opportunity/non-discrimination statement in your outreach materials. E.G. "(Name of Organization) does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender, national origin, color, political affiliation, religion, age, or disability".
    • State your willingness to provide reasonable accommodations in your promotional materials. E.G. "Individuals with disabilities can make reasonable accommodations requests by calling [name of contact] at [telephone/TTY]".
    • Offer to have materials made available in alternative formats. Be prepared to deliver alternate formats when requested. Depending on the nature of the alternative format, you may need to request that you are notified within a particular time period. (e.g. at least two week’s notice)

  3. Hold recruitment events and activities in accessible locations.

  4. Post opportunities in our Volunteer! Search Engine
    Reach more about Inclusive Recruiting in: Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service.
*Adapted with permission from the National Service Inclusion Project website www.serviceandinclusion.org


Back to FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

    For Programs Looking to Include Volunteers with Disabilities
  1. What are my legal obligations surrounding including and accommodating volunteers with disabilities?
  2. Do volunteers with disabilities need special types of supervision?
  3. I'm worried about saying the wrong thing to people with disabilities. What are the basics I should know?
  4. Will all volunteers with disabilities need special assistance to volunteer?
  5. How do I recruit people with disabilities to my program?
  6. How can I make sure that people with disabilities can access my volunteer site?
  7. Should I create special volunteer opportunities just for people with disabilities?
    For Individuals Looking to Volunteer
  1. How do I decide where to volunteer?
  2. Should I disclose that I have a disability?
  3. If I apply for AmeriCorps could I lose my federal aid?

Guides and Learning Materials

    Are you looking for information about Disability Etiquette?
  • Disability Etiquette: Tips for Interacting with People with Disabilities [PDF] 
  • People First Language [PDF] 
  • Words with Dignity [PDF] 
  • Ten Commandments of Communicating with People with Disabilities [PDF] 
    Are you looking for information about Accessibility?
  • A Model for Accessibility [PDF] 
  • ADA Checklist for Existing Facilities [PDF] 
  • ADA Guide for Small Businesses [PDF] 
  • Making Accessibility Real: A Guide to Planning Meetings, Conferences and Gatherings [PDF] 
    Are you looking for information about Reasonable Accommodations?
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Fact Sheet on Reasonable Accommodations [PDF] 
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Step by Step Process for Providing Reasonable Accommodations [PDF] 
  • Accommodations and Supports for Including Special Populations in Leadership and Decision Making Activities [PDF] 
    Are you looking for information about Essential Functions?
  • National Service Inclusion Project’s Fact Sheet on Essential Functions [DOC] 
    Are you looking for information about Self Disclosure?
  • Disabilities and Self Disclosure [DOC] 
    Are you looking for general information about Including Persons with Disabilities in Service?
  • Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs Visit Website 
  • Inclusive Recruitment Practices [DOC] [PDF]
  • Ways to Motivate, Engage, and Keep Members [DOC] [PDF]

Do you have suggestions for other topics and resource materials surrounding including volunteers with disabilities? Please contact us.