Ohio AmeriCorps Inclusion Project
Project Description:
The Ohio AmeriCorps Inclusion Project was designed to increase the participation of people with disabilities as members in national and community service in Ohio. This project addresses barriers to service, including, but not limited to, concern about loss of benefits, perceived lack of qualifications, and lack of collaborative partnerships between the national service and disability communities.
The Ohio Community Service Council (OCSC) and The Ohio State University Nisonger Center established a contractual partnership in July, 2004 to provide Americorps sites across the state of Ohio with training and technical assistance to increase the participation of people with disabilities in Ohio Americorps programs. Specific activities included in the contract are listed below.
1. Analyze member position descriptions to identify essential job functions needed to perform service activity effectively
2. Review current recruitment practices of programs as they relate to potential placement of individuals with disabilities
3. Facilitate partnerships between local Americorps programs and local disability organizations
4. Assist in issues of reasonable accommodation (i.e. design, local resources, etc.)
5. Assist in the development and implementation of an effective process to monitor the number of individuals with disabilities participating in Ohio Americorps programs
6. Provide disability education and awareness training as appropriate
7. Facilitate statewide disability advisory group as merited
In addition to the above activities, Ohio AmeriCorps Inclusion Project staff has completed a comprehensive statewide survey of all Ohio AmeriCorps programs. The survey has generated substantial results, indicating that 20 members disclosed disabilities in the past year, while 17 additional members were suspected of having disabilities but did not disclose. Other topics covered in the survey include accommodation, recruitment, and overall commitment to inclusion of people with disabilities. In the coming year, we expect to recruit an additional 3-6 members and 12-18 volunteers with disabilities.
Keyword(s):
national and community service, inclusion, recruitment, accommodation
Core Function(s):
Performing Technical Assistance and/or Training, Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information
Area of Emphasis
Employment-Related Activities, Quality of Life
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Adults with Disabilities, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Urban
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
