An Australian first online toolkit, co-designed by people with disability, to improve inclusive and accessible volunteering opportunities, is now live and free to access.
The new resource comprises a one-stop shop of tools, tips and templates for people with disability, carers, the disability sector and volunteering-involving organisations. It is part of the Volunteerability Program, and a partnership between Orana Australia, Southern Volunteering South Australia (SA) Inc, and Northern Volunteering South Australia (SA) Inc, funded by the Australian Department of Social Services.
Orana CEO Jim Liu said the toolkit would help debunk unfair stereotypes and assist organisations and volunteer managers build and improve inclusive practices for people of all abilities.
“There are broader community benefits too. On the one hand we have organisations desperately seeking volunteers, and on the other hand there a large number of people with disability who want to help out their community,” Liu said. “Our toolkit will hopefully break down the barriers to bridge that gap.”
Annette Holden, Volunteerability disability awareness session co-facilitator, said volunteering had changed her life for the better after she became legally blind more than a decade ago. The former Adelaide-born journalist and communications officer for Australian prime ministers and senators said there is a huge pool of talented and skilled people who want to engage in the community, who are isolated and could do some incredible volunteering work if given the opportunity.
Volunteerability was set up in 2020 to support South Australians living with disability find meaningful volunteering roles and has assisted more than 150 people with disability who want to volunteer and has provided free disability awareness sessions to more than 876 South Australians, including local government, sporting, community and school groups.
For more information on the Volunteerability Toolkit, visit www.volunteerability.com.au or contact (08) 8375 2080 or volunteerability@orana.asn.au
Photo: Annette Holden with guide dog Maple