Disability Inclusive Communication and Outreach

Region 5

In California, one in four adults has some type of disability. To provide disability inclusion we must ensure all people can live fully in the world on their own terms. Accessibility means identifying and removing barriers, whether structural or attitudinal, for people with disabilities so they can fully participate in society.

In partnership with the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF), eleven in-person statewide training sessions educated 100 percent of the Trusted Messenger Network, 121 community-based organizations.

Participants walked away reflecting on how their programs, materials, and interactions could be more accessible, accommodating, and inclusive.

Image Description (pictured left): Mural showing the intersection of disability rights and civil rights movement at the Ed Roberts Campus in Berkeley 

Resources for Independence Central Valley believes that all people can live independently, with dignity, make their own choices, and participate fully in the community if given the right tools and resources.

They serve as a trusted messenger to cross-disability communities in Fresno, Kings, Madera, Merced, and Tulare Counties. With the Central Valley experiencing more extreme heat days, putting people with disabilities face a heightened risk of injury or death because they are more likely to be low income, lack air conditioning, and cooling centers are not always readily accessible due to transportation barriers. 

Communication Tactics: Tips for accessible information and communication

  • Enlist trusted messengers who represent people with various disabilities.
  • Use plain language and everyday words and avoid policy and medical language.
  • Avoid policy and medical language
  • Provide information in accessible formats such as ASL, braille, closed captions, audio description, and easy- to-read materials with large text and pictures or visual cues.
  • Use a microphone when speaking to groups for people.
  • Describe graphics so those who are blind or have low vision can follow along with presentations.
  • Include audio description on videos as well as alternative text labeling for graphics on digital materials for people who use screen reading software.

Through the partnership with the State, we have reached people with disabilities who are usually left out because of access to accurate and timely information. For example, the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Service Center produced a vlog in ASL on knowing the signs of extreme heat.

We also served as a local resource to other community-based organizations to serve people with disabilities. One such partnership has been with the Valley Center for the Blind to connect with individuals who are blind or have low vision who may not have equitable access to information due to lack of expensive Assistive Technology or the skills needed to browse the web and social media platforms.

Sarah Harris | Resources for Independence Central Valley