I am an IDA program administrator. Our organization complies with the ADA, so physical access is not an issue. None of our consumers appear disabled and no one has asked for any special accommodations, and I'm honestly afraid to ask. We don't really have the funds to provide any special programs for people with disabilities, but I don't want to exclude anybody either. Any suggestions?

Thank you for your interest. You are not alone in feeling unsure on how to deal with issues of accommodation. The fact is that you probably already serve people with disabilities. Most disabilities are not visible and many people do not disclose their disabilities voluntarily. In our training seminars, we encourage providers not to overly concern themselves with the specifics of a disability or whether a person openly identifies as being disabled.

Rather, ask what an individual needs in order to be successful in your program. In this sense, it is not about providing special programs specifically for people with disabilities. It is about doing what best serves each individual participant. Sometimes that means providing additional services-such as documents in large print or on computer disc- other times, moving to a quiet space or using materials free of complicated jargon resolves the issue- cost free.

Remember, providing the tools (frequently inexpensive or free) that allow participant's success in your program will benefit both people with various needs, as well as increase your program's success rate. Often, it is just a matter of creative problem solving.

WID provides technical assistance for asset building programs and individuals with disabilities.

Call 510-251-4341
or email Megan O'Neil
Access to Assets Project Coordinator