Increasing Access for People with Physical Disabilities

What do we mean by increasing access? Changing attitudes within our organization or initiative Changing the way we communicate with others Changing physical things, such as the structure of the spaces we use and the formats in which we present information

Why should you make your organization or initiative more accessible ? It's simply the right thing to do Makes for a larger pool of potential volunteers, members, and staff Increase diversity in your initiative or organization Makes it possible for more people to make use of any services or programs you provide 3

When should you make your organization or initiative more accessible When should you make your organization or initiative more accessible? (cont.) With the advent of the Americans with Disabilities Act, it's also the law When you are looking to increase your numbers of volunteers, members, or staff. When you are thinking about new spaces When you're planning a conference, retreat, or some other special gathering 4

Who can help you increase access? Local Independent Living Centers (ILC's) Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers (DBTAC) Attorneys People with disabilities in your community 5

How do you go about increasing access? Change attitudes within your organization or initiative Change the way you communicate with regard to disabilities Change the physical structure of the spaces we use and make information available in alternative formats 6