Project Description:
National Service programs such as AmeriCorps provide an opportunity for people to contribute to their communities, as well as offer valuable work experiences. Until recently, people with cognitive disabilities generally have been excluded from national service. In addition to welcoming them as members, national service programs also can offer important support services to people with disabilities, including personal assistance services (PAS). For many people with disabilities, PAS fosters independence, inclusion, and active citizenship. Each year, over 400 Georgians exit Shepherd Center, an Atlanta facility specializing in catastrophic care in need of PAS. Under the present state of criteria, many are ineligible for these services.
The objectives of the GA PAS Corps/AmeriCorps project are: (1) to provide personal assistance services to individuals with disabilities increasing their quality of life (2) to contribute to the development of members as service providers through the national service experience (3) to strengthen our communities through the support of disability support groups, self-advocacy organizations and community service projects. Each member will receive personal assistance service training, ADA training, Disability Awareness training, Life Skills and Leadership training, Shepherd Center Training and AmeriCorps specific trainings. The GA PAS Corps will seek input from members with disabilities on best practices in order to better serve people with disabilities. Pre and post member surveys will evaluate impact of GA PAS Corps/ AmeriCorps service experience on quality of life. Members with disabilities and minority members will constitute 50% of the Corps each year.
As a result of their service with the IHDD/UCEDD PASCorps AmeriCorps: members will provide over 87,000 hours per year of direct support that will enhance the independence, productivity, and community involvement of people with disabilities; people with and without disabilities serve together in a National Service program and members will have increased comfort levels and the formation of relationships due to this inclusive service experience; disability support groups will be strengthened by the efforts of GA PAS Corps / AmeriCorps self-advocacy coordinators resulting in a 50% increase in advocacy participation of persons with disabilities and family members; collaborations with the Shepherd Center and other community organizations will strengthen the inclusion, support, and quality of life of people of disabilities in the state of Georgia.
Target Audience:
Students/Trainees (long or intermediate trainees), Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Specific Groups
