Workplace Access
Disability is something that is with you all the time. That doesn’t mean I think about it all the time, but to cope with it you have to know it’s there and make the best of it. It can be your friend or enemy. Nathan, who has cerebral palsy.
Unfortunately the not-for-profit sector often has little choice in their building or its accessibility. However, not everyone with a disability requires a building to be fully accessible for them to volunteer, and each individual’s needs differ depending on their circumstances. Even if your building is not accessible according to the current standards, your organisation can still be inclusive to many people with disabilities.
Although you may not be able to redesign your building to ensure everyone can access it, you may be able to make small changes with regards to furniture placement or future purchases. It is a good idea to conduct a small accessibility audit on your building and facilities, so when a person calls to ask if they are able to access your building, staff members can respond accurately.
What you can do
You can find accessibility checklist and tips on the Disability Services Commission website. The site contains a wealth of information that can assist your organisation to become accessible. Take a look at the Disability Services Commission Access Resource Kit for specific information about how you can audit the accessibility of your organisation.
