How can you make your volunteer program accessible for people with limited mobility?

1 Assess your needs

The first step to making your volunteer program accessible is to assess your own needs and preferences as a volunteer or a volunteer coordinator. What kind of tasks can you do or assign comfortably and safely? What kind of accommodations or support do you need or can provide? How can you communicate your needs or expectations clearly and respectfully? By answering these questions, you can identify your strengths and challenges, and plan accordingly.

2 Research your options

The next step is to research your options and find out what kind of volunteer opportunities are available or suitable for you or your volunteers. You can look for online platforms, local organizations, or social groups that offer flexible, remote, or adapted volunteer roles. You can also contact potential host organizations or agencies and ask them about their accessibility policies, facilities, and equipment. You can also seek feedback from other volunteers or coordinators who have experience with limited mobility.

3 Be creative and adaptable

The third step is to be creative and adaptable, and look for ways to customize your volunteer experience or program. You can explore different types of volunteer work, such as advocacy, mentoring, fundraising, or administration. You can also use technology, such as video calls, online tools, or mobile apps, to connect with your team, access information, or complete tasks. You can also adjust your schedule, location, or duration to fit your needs and availability.

4 Seek support and feedback

The fourth step is to seek support and feedback from your network, your organization, or your volunteers. You can reach out to your friends, family, or peers who have limited mobility or who can offer advice, encouragement, or assistance. You can also communicate with your organization or your volunteers regularly and share your progress, challenges, or suggestions. You can also ask for feedback from your supervisor, your colleagues, or your beneficiaries, and use it to improve your performance or satisfaction.

5 Celebrate your achievements

The fifth step is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your contribution as a volunteer or a volunteer coordinator. You can acknowledge your efforts, skills, and impact, and appreciate the difference you are making in your community. You can also celebrate with your team, your organization, or your volunteers, and express your gratitude, appreciation, or recognition. You can also share your stories, insights, or lessons learned with others, and inspire them to get involved.

6 Learn and grow

The sixth step is to learn and grow from your volunteer experience or program, and use it as an opportunity to develop personally and professionally. You can reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, goals, and values, and identify areas for improvement or growth. You can also seek new challenges, opportunities, or skills, and expand your knowledge, network, or impact. You can also evaluate your volunteer experience or program, and identify what worked well, what didn't, and what can be done better.