Utah Conservation Corps Inclusion Toolkit
Project Description:
Project Context.
AmeriCorps is a network of national service programs that engage Americans in intensive service to meet the nation's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is an AmeriCorps program dedicated to improving the quality of public lands and the communities surrounding them through partnership projects, service, and education.
The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) is starting its third year of the "Access to Service" inclusive crew program. Traditionally, the nature of UCC projects has required members to be in excellent physical condition, excluding potential corpsmembers with disabilities. Through the Access to Service program, projects have been developed to include crew members with disabilities in a significant and meaningful way. Crew members with disabilities are beginning to be more actively involved in all phases of the project.
Project Focus.
Most AmeriCorps and Conservation Corps programs understand the importance of inclusion, but are just not sure where to begin. The Center for Persons with Disabilities at USU has been funded to facilitate Conservation Corps to include persons with disabilities into their programs by developing an inclusion toolkit, or guidebook.
The Utah Conservation Corps Inclusion Toolkit will enable service and conservation corps to become proactive, rather than reactive, about the inclusion of corps members with disabilities. It will provide corps with a step-by-step guide to becoming an inclusive program, including program models, sample curriculum and adaptive equipment. The toolkit will include video clips to accompany written materials.
Project Products/Services.
The inclusion toolkit will be developed and distributed to AmeriCorps State programs through the Utah Commission on Volunteers. It will also be made available to Service and Conservation Corps throughout the country through The Corps Network.
Keyword(s):
Disability Awarness, National Service, Americorps
Core Function(s):
Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities, Recreation-Related Activities
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
National
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
