What I've learnt about Inclusive Online Volunteering
Lucy Barlow is an intern with the VIVID team at CBM Ireland.
COVID-19 has highlighted the importance and advantages of online volunteering to people and not-for-profit organisations, including increased opportunities for persons with disabilities and connecting vast numbers of people worldwide. I have had the privilege of working as the EU project Intern on the VIVID project for CBM Ireland. I have primarily been working remotely due to the pandemic. In doing so, I have experienced the world of online volunteering, which has given me some practical insights into the many benefits and challenges it provides for persons with disabilities. One of VIVID’s aims is to promote the opportunities that online volunteering presents for persons with disabilities who are often excluded from humanitarian aid. To facilitate this aim, one of the partner organisations, Viatores Christi, carried out intriguing research. They explored perceptions, opportunities and challenges related to inclusive online volunteering and humanitarian aid. They found that participants believe it is an incredible opportunity for persons with disabilities, especially when compared to offline volunteering opportunities, as there are very few in development work. The researchers identified challenges associated with recruitment, training, volunteer management and disability-related assistive technology costs.
Through working remotely on VIVID, I have become aware of some challenges that persons with disabilities could face, such as complex tasks associated with technology. It can be overwhelming learning how to navigate an organisation’s online space and figuring out how to locate, download, and upload specific files to the correct places. I am very grateful that I can communicate easily with the VIVID team and CBM Ireland through Microsoft Teams chat and video, and via email. It provides a tremendous sense of ease, knowing that you can receive help and guidance whenever you need it. This particular aspect of my work made me aware of the importance of creating a team environment where online volunteers, especially persons with disabilities, feel that they can reach out to team members and mentors.
One element of the VIVID project that I have particularly appreciated is its emphasis on Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) being consulted for every training event online and offline to ensure that no one is left behind. It has taught me the pivotal role that DPOs play in ensuring disability inclusion in every aspect of life. I have attended exciting digital accessibility webinars, including learning how to make Word Documents, PowerPoint, social media and much more accessible. These webinars have highlighted that inclusive online practices are straightforward to learn and effortless to apply. However, I believe that most people and organisations are not educated about digital accessibility, which presents challenges for persons with disabilities who aim to volunteer online. It is wonderful to be a part of a project aiming to dissolve these barriers through research, peer mentoring, dissemination, and training events.
The VIVID project has made me optimistic that inclusive online volunteering could become significantly more universal in the humanitarian and development sectors if organisations consult DPOs in training their teams in digital accessibility, including adopting online inclusive practices, tools, and communication platforms such as Zoom. A notable advantage of online volunteering for persons with disabilities is the potential to work from the comfort of their own home. This aspect removes barriers associated with trying to work in the field or accessing an office.
