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Inclusive Recruitment Practices

Inclusive Recruitment Practices

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.