Engage Disability Support Structures and Networks

Disability support structures are usually a trusted source for information on opportunities for community members with disabilities and their families. Information coming from these structures is more likely to reach networks of people with disabilities, also enabling spread of information through word of mouth within this particular demographic.

Engaging structures such as Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs), local disability groups including community based organisations and self-help groups, and Disability-Specific/Expert organisations works to support various elements of a disability inclusive programme: they are a useful resource in promoting the programme within their networks; offering recommendations for service providers (such as sign language interpreters, providers of assistive devices, assistive technology, etc.) and; providing expertise on disability inclusion (including trainings and practical guidance on inclusive recruitment strategies).

Use your existing partnerships and/or Internet search to find contacts to disability support structures in a particular area, region and/or country. A number of larger disability support structures now have a presence on the internet though a website, directory and/or social media pages. If you already partner with some disability support structures, use them as a source and link to others in their networks.

Engage Community Leaders

Community leaders including religious leaders, ‘opinion shapers’, and representatives in the local government at community level are key sources of information about persons with disabilities and can use their influence to gain more information about persons with disabilities in a program area.

Snowball Searching

a snowballing method can be employed, where program participants can be used to identify persons with disabilities within a program area,
spread information about a program and gain their interest in participating.

Engage Community Based Organizations

Community-based Organizations and local branches of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities operating in a program area are key sources of information relating to
persons with disabilities and can play a key role in their mobilization using their existing networks.

Use Role Models with Disabilities

Highlighting successful or influential persons with disabilities in mobilization media messages, in community engagements and other recruitment strategies used in a program can be a powerful way to inspire and motivate other persons with disabilities and their families/ caregivers to take up opportunities presented by a program.

Use Diverse Media

Spread the word far and wide using alternative formats (audio, video, easy-reads) to get the word out. These increase coverage, reach of information and accessibility for people with different types of impairments. Ideally, use a combination of traditional media (Radio, community radio, TV, print newspaper) and digital (website(s), social media platforms). Be sure that information about the programme in various formats (audio, video, easyread documents) increases accessibility for people with disabilities and a wide reach of information.

Have Contact People on Hand

The lived experience of being repeatedly excluded from programming may make some persons with disabilities skeptical about participation. Additionally, if forms are required for registration, participants may need support in completing them, or getting the documentation they need. Having contact people on hand to provide further information about the programme as well as the disability inclusion support provided will help to encourage more persons with disabilities to participate.

Ensure there is Budget for Reasonable Accomodations in Recruitment

Ensuring there is budget for reasonable accommodations in recruitment is critical for success in the process. This is needed to cover costs like making forms available in large print, hiring a sign language interpreter for community outreach activities, ensuring recruitment activities happen in accessible venues, or providing transport facilitation to people with mobility challenges. Not having these accommodations in place from the recruitment phase would make the recruitment activities inaccessible to some, and could cause skepticism in the program for others.

To learn more about tools to help you gather disability data starting from mobilization click here.