Tarjan Center at UCLA | Service Inclusion Project

Do volunteers with disabilities need special types of supervision?

No. Volunteers with disabilities are no different from other volunteers in their motivations or expectations around volunteering. In general, volunteers stay when they feel valued, when they know they are making a difference, and when they receive the right balance of challenge and support.

What are some ways to motivate, and retain all volunteers? *
One of the most difficult tasks confronting volunteer managers and national service supervisors is helping members and volunteers develop and sustain a steady commitment to service. What are ways to keep members and volunteers motivated? Supervisors/managers may wish to consider this list of practices and strategies to motivate, engage and retain members and volunteers.

Members/Volunteers are likely to develop and sustain commitment to goals when...

...they are clear about the mission, values, and goals of the organization or program and can see them in action. It is important that supervisors not only share information about the organization, but also model the principles and values associated with the cause (e.g. the national service movement).
...they feel appreciated for their contributions. Members and volunteers usually value a direct supervisor's approval more than that of any other person on staff. Letting them know that their diligence, contributions, service, and positive attitudes really matter can go a long way in developing and sustaining motivation.
...they are competent and confident. Performance assessment, praise, and constructive feedback help identify problems early and build confidence and competence. Over time, members and volunteers begin to feel more and more capable.
...they have influence in developing their roles in the program. Influence creates ownership and ownership builds commitment. Allow members and volunteers to participate actively in the planning processes that determine their roles and responsibilities.
...their personal goals are met. Get to know your members/volunteers as individuals and try to understand what motivates each one. Use that information in assigning work so that both program and personal goals are met.

How do I ensure retention of participants with disabilities?**
For participants with disabilities, an inclusive service environment, effective accommodations, and open communication are critical to retention. There are some strategies that you can undertake to help participants with disabilities be successful in your program:

Create and maintain a truly inclusive service environment
Hold participants with disabilities to the same levels of accountability as other participants
Develop clear expectations and hold participants to these expectations
Keep the lines of communication clear and open
Develop clear position descriptions that outline tasks, essential functions, and expectations
Take action when you see that a participant is not participating

To learn about managing volunteers with disabilities visit the Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs.

Also, read the National Service Inclusion Fact Sheet: A Step by Step Process to Provide Reasonable Accommodations
*Adapted with permission from: Stepping up to the Challenge: Strategies for Motivating and Sustaining Members in National Service by Nicholas C. Zefran, Training Director, National Crime Prevention Council.
**Parts of this text were adapted with permission from Creating an Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs Published through Corporation for National and Community Service Cooperative Agreement #95CA000031 in January 2004 - First Edition.

Back to FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

For Programs Looking to Include Volunteers with Disabilities

For Individuals Looking to Volunteer

How do I decide where to volunteer?
Should I disclose that I have a disability?
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.