Disability inclusion

The Australian Volunteers Program recognises that disability-inclusive development is good development. This applies to the program’s two diversity objectives: having diverse volunteers and ensuring inclusive practice, which aim to ensure no-one is left behind.

People with disabilities have much to offer across disability-specific work and all sectors our partners work in. People with disabilities and their representative organisations can greatly contribute to the program’s understanding and practice of disability-inclusive development.

The program takes a twin-track approach to disability inclusion by:

• mainstreaming disability inclusion across all aspects of the program,
• targeted initiatives to maximise inclusion and accessibility of the program for people with disabilities - as volunteers, staff, international and Australian partner organisations and program stakeholders.

Our approach to disability inclusion is underpinned by a series of commitments. To fulfill this goal, we have created a statement that outlines these commitments and how we are working to achieve it. Read the program's Statement of Intent to learn more.

The Australian Volunteers Program works towards being as inclusive as possible, and actively supports people with disabilities to participate in the program.

We define disability within the framework of the Australian Disability Discrimination Act 1992, which broadly includes physical, intellectual, psychiatric, sensory, neurological and learning disabilities. The program recognises that disability can be permanent or temporary, visible or invisible, as well as that some conditions and impairments are present from birth.

For more information, contact the team at inclusion@australianvolunteers.com or by using the link below. All conversations will be treated confidentially by the appropriate staff.