Learn how to provide effective and inclusive services for people with disabilities. Discover the best practices that can enhance your community service programs.

I remain surprised at how frequently the right to play is not included in programs and policies for persons with disabilities. On 20 November 1989 (adoption of the CRC) the right to play became part of the internationally recognized human rights of children. This right is enshrined in article 31 of the CRC which also contains other rights and can be considered as the key provision on the cultural rights of the child. Children and adults living with disabilities lack to most basic resources to play. Handcycling across five southern African countries in 2023, there was a shortage of equipment, coaches, venues, and resources to ensure that children and adults living with disabilities can exercise the right to play. @Bidiiyetu-nolimits.org

What are the best practices for community service organizations to serve people with disabilities?

Community service organizations play a vital role in supporting people with disabilities to live independently, participate in society, and access their rights and opportunities. However, providing effective and inclusive services for this diverse group of people requires more than good intentions and resources. It also requires adopting some best practices that can enhance the quality, accessibility, and impact of community service programs. In this article, you will learn about some of these best practices and how they can benefit both service providers and service users.

1 Involve people with disabilities

One of the best practices for community service organizations is to involve people with disabilities in the design, delivery, and evaluation of their services. This means not only consulting them, but also empowering them to make decisions, share their perspectives, and contribute their skills and talents. By doing so, service organizations can ensure that their services are responsive, relevant, and respectful of the needs, preferences, and aspirations of people with disabilities. Moreover, they can foster a culture of participation, collaboration, and empowerment that can enhance the self-esteem, confidence, and independence of people with disabilities.

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Euphrasia Marimo

MSW, LSW
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1. Accessibility: Ensure physical spaces, events, and information are accessible to individuals with various disabilities. This includes ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and materials in formats like Braille or large print. 2. Inclusive Programming: Design activities and events that cater to a diverse range of abilities. Consider the needs of individuals with different disabilities when planning, and encourage participation from all members of the community. 3. Communication: Provide information in multiple formats to accommodate various communication needs. Use clear and simple language, offer sign language interpreters, and make information available through various channels such as websites, emails, and social media.

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Faezeh Elahi

Social welfare planner,researcher,lecturer
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community service organization should identifying roots needs of disabled people and advocate their rights,recognize barriers of disability,provide and facilitate outreach services for them, Evaluating and monitoring services and no doubt they themselves know their own needs, organizations should play a role in evaluating and monitoring services,encourage them to participation to all planing and procedures of performance,help them to self awareness and confidence, self development by give opportunity, through being members,learn skills which would benefit them in the open employment market,promote their right to live as citizens in society,

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Olaf Kula

Demonstrating that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things regardless of disability
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I try to take a LITE approach to involving us in design and decision making. 'Listen' requires matching the disability constituency, to the challenge. Wheelchair users have little to contribute to appropriate signage for hearing impaired. 'Include' means that persons with disabilities must have a voice and a vote. Empowerment requires both. 'Testing' is crucial by the appropriate constituency. Before rolling out a design make sure its users test it. 'Evaluate' this seems obvious but I have so many instances where testing did not happen, e.g. accessible toilets at the bottom of a staircase.

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2 Adopt a human rights approach

Another best practice for community service organizations is to adopt a human rights approach to their work. This means recognizing that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else, and that their services should promote and protect these rights. A human rights approach also means challenging the barriers and discrimination that people with disabilities face in society, and advocating for their inclusion and equality. By adopting a human rights approach, service organizations can not only improve the well-being and dignity of people with disabilities, but also contribute to social justice and change.

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Olaf Kula

Demonstrating that ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things regardless of disability
Report contribution
I remain surprised at how frequently the right to play is not included in programs and policies for persons with disabilities. On 20 November 1989 (adoption of the CRC) the right to play became part of the internationally recognized human rights of children. This right is enshrined in article 31 of the CRC which also contains other rights and can be considered as the key provision on the cultural rights of the child. Children and adults living with disabilities lack to most basic resources to play. Handcycling across five southern African countries in 2023, there was a shortage of equipment, coaches, venues, and resources to ensure that children and adults living with disabilities can exercise the right to play. @Bidiiyetu-nolimits.org

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3 Use universal design principles

A third best practice for community service organizations is to use universal design principles to make their services accessible and usable for all people, regardless of their abilities or impairments. Universal design principles are guidelines that help create products, environments, and systems that are easy to understand, operate, and adapt for different users. For example, using clear and simple language, providing multiple modes of communication, and offering flexible and personalized options. By using universal design principles, service organizations can ensure that their services are not only accessible, but also user-friendly, efficient, and satisfying for people with disabilities.

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4 Collaborate with other stakeholders

A fourth best practice for community service organizations is to collaborate with other stakeholders who can support and complement their services. These stakeholders may include other service providers, government agencies, local communities, families, and employers. By collaborating with other stakeholders, service organizations can leverage their resources, expertise, and networks to provide more comprehensive and coordinated services for people with disabilities. Moreover, they can create partnerships and alliances that can enhance their advocacy, influence, and sustainability.

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5 Monitor and evaluate outcomes

A fifth best practice for community service organizations is to monitor and evaluate the outcomes of their services for people with disabilities. This means collecting and analyzing data and feedback that can measure the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of their services. By doing so, service organizations can identify their strengths and weaknesses, learn from their successes and failures, and improve their services accordingly. Moreover, they can demonstrate their accountability, transparency, and value to their funders, partners, and beneficiaries.

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6 Innovate and adapt

A sixth best practice for community service organizations is to innovate and adapt to the changing needs, expectations, and opportunities of people with disabilities. This means being open to new ideas, methods, and technologies that can enhance their services and address emerging challenges and opportunities. For example, using online platforms, mobile apps, or virtual reality to deliver services, or exploring new ways of engaging and empowering people with disabilities. By innovating and adapting, service organizations can not only keep up with the times, but also create a culture of creativity, learning, and growth.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the best practices for community service organizations to serve people with disabilities?

1

2

3

4

5

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7

1 Involve people with disabilities

2 Adopt a human rights approach

3 Use universal design principles

4 Collaborate with other stakeholders

5 Monitor and evaluate outcomes

6 Innovate and adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Work

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What are the best practices for community service organizations to serve people with disabilities?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Involve people with disabilities

2 Adopt a human rights approach

3 Use universal design principles

4 Collaborate with other stakeholders

5 Monitor and evaluate outcomes

6 Innovate and adapt

7 Here’s what else to consider

Social Work

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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