Kalamazoo: A Community Where All People Belong
Commitment to Inclusion Checklist
Truly including everyone in a community can only make it stronger by using the gifts, passions,
perspective and knowledge of all of its residents. Organizations equipped to welcome people of all
interests and capabilities benefit from a wider participant pool and are pioneers in creating a community
culture of inclusion. In this light, the Kalamazoo: A Place Where All People Belong Network developed
the Commitment to Inclusion Checklist. Completing Checklist helps your organization measure your
readiness to accommodate people with disabilities. From this, you can gauge strengths, determine areas
that need strengthening, and measure progress.
Organization Leadership and Administration:
 Our organization has a written diversity statement about participants, volunteers and employees
that includes individuals with disabilities.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization’s financial planning and budget includes funds to accommodate individuals
with disabilities.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization’s leadership expects members of our organization to promote and support the
inclusion of individuals with disabilities
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our outreach materials and program information reflect the diversity of people in our community
including those with disabilities
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization values giving individuals with disabilities the opportunity to choose what
programs and activities they participate in.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization does not create separate programs for individuals with disabilities only.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes
Support for Individuals with Disabilities:
 Our staff asks for help in order to support the participation of individuals with disabilities
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff has the knowledge and skills to support individuals based on their specific needs
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff provides alternative ways for individuals with disabilities to access information or
instructions.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff is flexible with program delivery so that everyone can participate.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff adapts equipment used activities so that everyone can participate.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff continues to learn and grow in ways that support full inclusion for all
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Our staff sets realistic and individual expectations for successful participation.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always
Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities to Build Relationships and Contribute:
 Individuals with disabilities participate in and contribute to activities in our organization.
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Individuals with disabilities are valued participants in discussions, conversations and activities
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Always

Individuals with disabilities are valued participants in activities and are supported by other
people that are present
1
2
3
4
5
Never
Sometimes
Accessibility:
 Our facilities are accessible for all people.
1
2
3
Not yet
in progress
Always
4
5
Yes

Our written communication materials are available different formats to accommodate as many
people as possible.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization makes accommodations for people with low vision to be able to participate
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization provides a professional sign language translators or closed captioning if needed
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes

Our organization continually evaluates the accessibility of facilities and activities so that
everyone can participate.
1
2
3
4
5
Not yet
in progress
Yes
For more information about how you can welcome and support all people, especially those with
disabilities please contact Allison Hammond at www.thearcadiainstitute.org or
ahammond@thearcadiainstitute.org or 269-254-8224.
Kalamazoo: A Place Where All People Belong