Application Form Considerations
If your position description and application forms are accessible to all people, then you are demonstrating that your organisation actively welcomes all people. This will benefit not only people with disabilities but also people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds. Make sure your positions are written in simple English, with use of universal symbols or pictures if appropriate, without abbreviated words, and are also available in large format or electronically. Allowing people to complete the form orally may also be helpful to some people.
The forms you currently use could be fine, but you might consider adding a supplementary form (opens as a PDF file) you will need a pdf viewer to read this or see below.
Volunteer Referrals Sample Supplementary Form (HTML format)
What can you do
When developing position descriptions and application forms, it’s beneficial to consider the following. Do your forms demonstrate use of:
- Easy to understand English?
- Unnecessary abbreviations or use of in-house language that the applicant may not easily understand?
- Universal symbols and pictures where appropriate on your application form to enable these to be easily understood by everyone?
- Alternative formats?
Also -
- Do you provide alternative methods for applications? For example, online applications, visiting your organisation, information sessions or expressing interest by phone?
- Are you flexible about times for information sessions and interviews?
- The Disability Services Commission has produced some very helpful documents on accessibility which can be found at www.disability.wa.gov.au
