Disability Inclusion & Accessibility

Did you know that 1 in 8 people live with a disability? Join us to learn how your organization can provide accessible services and programming to individuals with disabilities. 

Learning Objectives

• Understand ways in which nonprofit organizations can meet the needs of individuals with disabilities, whether through hiring practices, direct service, or volunteer programs. 
• Acquire knowledge around resources through which nonprofit organizations can adapt their existing programming to the needs of individuals with disabilities. 
• Understand the rights of individuals with disabilities and appropriate language around disability. 

Description

An introduction to the best practices for developing disability-inclusive programming and staffing within nonprofit organizations. This session will cover disability awareness, inclusivity in program delivery, and environmental adaptation. Participants will have the opportunity to examine their organizations in order to identify barriers to disabled community members and identify ways to allow people with disabilities to access their services more easily.

Participants will leave with increased knowledge around the disability community, how to best meet their needs, and ways through which they can improve the quality of their programming in order to serve individuals with disabilities. 

Level

Introductory

Audience

Program Staff, Volunteer Coordinators, Executive Directors, Board Members 

Presenter

Jessie Calero is a young nonprofit professional who was born and raised in Albuquerque. Jessie received her Bachelor’s and Master's degrees from the University of New Mexico, focused on inclusive education through the arts. She has ten years of experience working with individuals with disabilities, seven of which were within the nonprofit sector. Now acting as the Development Director at Mandy's Farm, and as a disabled individual herself, Jessie actively works in the community to increase accessibility and resources for individuals with disabilities. 

Guiding Practices for Nonprofits

• Nonprofits should support employees who disclose a disability and request a reasonable accommodation beyond what is required by the American with Disabilities Act. 
• Nonprofits should clearly define "diversity", "equity" and "inclusion" as they pertain to the organization's mission, vales, and strategic goals. 
• Nonprofits should consider lived experience, involvement with services, and professional and technical competencies, in addition to education experience, when recruiting new employees, Board members and other volunteers.
•  Nonprofits should ensure that services are accessible to clients and should make this information publically available.  

The Guide is available as a free digital download at CNPENM.org/Guide. Hard copies of the Guide and Companion Workbook will be available for purchase at this training for $25 each with a credit card or check.

The Center for Nonprofit Excellence often takes photos during our trainings to share on social media. If you prefer not to be photographed, please let us know in the Special Needs field when you register.