Abstract

An inclusive service environment is respectful, supportive, and equalizing — engaging individuals with disabilities at all levels of the organization. This effective practice, submitted by Elesheva Soloff of the National Service Inclusion Project in April 2009, outlines a sample plan for shaping accommodation options which can help volunteers and members with disabilities participate in service successfully.

Back to top

Issue

Once an individual requests an accommodation, the process of evaluating your ability to provide that accommodation begins.

Back to top

Action

Step 1: Determine Why the Service Member Needs an Accommodation

For example, is the service member having trouble using his computer because of a motor limitation? A vision disability? Or is he having trouble reading because of a learning disability?

Accommodation options will be vary based on the nature of the disability.

Step 2: Explore Options

Begin by asking the individual what he needs to perform the service. However, if the service member cannot suggest options, contact the National Service Inclusion Project (see contact information to follow) or Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for assistance. JAN offers several methods for exploring accommodation options including one-on-one consultations, Accommodation and Compliance Series fact sheets, and the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource (SOAR).

Step 3: Choose the Best Possible Option

Before choosing the accommodation to be implemented, discuss the options with the service member who requested the accommodation. Although your organization is free to choose among effective accommodation options, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recommends that supervisors consider the preference of the service member.

Step 4: Provide Effective Training

An often overlooked step in the process of providing reasonable accommodations is offering necessary training. In some cases, service members and their supervisors must learn how to use new equipment or develop new methods or processes. Without adequate training, an accommodation may fail.

Step 5: Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Accommodations

Once an accommodation is in place, it’s always a good idea to check in with the service member to make sure the accommodation is working and to determine whether any change has occurred that would alter current accommodation needs. The best way to evaluate is to engage in an open and ongoing dialogue. Let the service member know up front that she can explore other options if the current accommodation is not working or if an additional accommodation becomes necessary. This should be done before a difficulty with an accommodation becomes a performance issue.

Back to top

Context

Accommodations refer to all of the technology, services, and changes in policy, procedures, and the constructed environment that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions or to equally participate in events and programs. The list of potential types of accommodations is limited only by creativity. An accommodation will vary depending on the individual need, the disability, the program, resources available, and the tasks that need to be completed.

Back to top

Citation

Sample Process for Determining Effective Accommodation Options, from the National Service Inclusion Project Fact Sheet.

Back to top

Posted On

Back to top

For More Information

Back to top

Related Practices

• Providing and maintaining effective reasonable accommodations: five practical tips

Back to top

• Login or register to post comments
• 
• Print-friendly page
• Send to friend