Tarjan Center, Service Inclusion Project
Frequently Asked Questions

Should I disclose that I have a disability?

No volunteer organization can require you to disclose your disability. However, there are good reasons to consider disclosing.

    Why should I disclose that I have a disability?

  • A potential volunteer and service site must be made aware of any disability in order to provide accommodations to make it possible or easier for a prospective volunteer/ member to serve.
  • A person with a disability who does not self-disclose has no protection from discriminatory practices under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
      • Self-disclosure: It’s your decision
    • Self-disclosure of a disability does not mean everyone will know about your disability. In fact, by law this information must be kept confidential.
    • It is up to you to determine how much and to whom information about your disability is disclosed. Keep in mind, however, that efforts to provide reasonable accommodations for you depend on the information you provide.
    Adapted with permission from the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service Download the Self-Disclosure Flyer.


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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.