The information in this section will assist you in creating an inclusive recruitment message and materials; provide you with methods for effective outreach to the disability community; and address the importance of diversity in your National Service Program.

Recruiting National Service participants with disabilities relies on the same fundamental principles that guide all effective recruitment practices:

• Targeting potential participants with the abilities and experience needed to participate successfully in your program.
• Using images and language that promote diversity and give potential applicants the feeling that they will be welcomed.
• Sending recruitment materials and announcements to every appropriate contact.

Display Welcoming Images And Language

• Include images of volunteers and staff with visible disabilities in brochures, flyers, application packets, videos, and other recruitment tools.
• Identify local individuals or organizations that will review materials to ensure accurate language use and positive portrayals of participants with disabilities.
• Make questions related to disability optional on application forms.

Provide Access

• Include a TTY (text telephone) number encouraging individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired to call.
• Include a statement regarding the provision of materials in alternate formats in all promotional materials.
• Identify alternative methods of filling out application forms for individuals who may have difficulty completing a written application.
• All published materials should contain an accommodation statement, such as:

“Individuals with disabilities can make reasonable accommodation requests by calling (name of contact person) at (telephone/TTY number).”

• Include disability in your non-discrimination statement:

“<Name of Organization> does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender, national origin, color, political affiliation, religion, age, or disability.”

• Check the accessibility of your web site. Visit www.cast.org, which houses "Bobby," a tool that will assess your web site for free.
• Schedule information sessions in accessible locations.

Knowledgeable Staff

Train all staff to work with applicants and volunteers with disabilities in the following areas:

• TTY/operator assisted relay service
• How to locate and hire sign language interpreters
• Materials in alternate formats
• Transportation issues
• How to identify meeting places that are accessible

This material has been adapted from the UCP National’s Access AmeriCorps Project.