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Appendix A: Project Examples

I. Inclusive Crews Partnering with Land Management Agencies

Project Overview:

The UCC inclusive crew primarily worked on accessibility surveys and transition plans for the U.S. Forest Service. The crew surveyed campgrounds and trails according to the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG), which provide guidance for maximizing accessibility of outdoor recreation areas in the National Forest System, while protecting the unique characteristics of their natural setting. After completing surveys on the ground, the crew developed reports that identified physical barriers and described methods to make areas more accessible. The Forest Service can use this information in the development of transition plans.

This year, the crew also assisted the U.S. Forest Service in the development of a new accessibility information database that will provide the public with information on accessible campsites, facilities, and services. The accessibility information gathered and entered into the database, by the inclusive crew, automatically feeds Forest Service District web portals that are accessed by the public. Conservation Corps throughout the country are now able to enter accessibility information into this new database in a consistent manner, making the inclusive crew program model easily replicable by other corps.

The Minnesota Conservation Corps’ (MCC) Summer Youth Program is based out of St. Croix State Park and serves 85 youth for 8 weeks. It is unique in that it involves youth who are hearing, deaf, and hard of hearing. Youth will travel and work as a team to complete various conservation projects, including trails, restoration, and invasive weed removal. Corpsmembers also participate in educational activities 5 hours each week.  Hands-on learning includes environmental education, American Sign Language, and local history and culture.

The youth represent a cross-section of Minnesota with 40% from minority backgrounds, equal numbers of males and females, equal urban and rural participants, and 15-20% who are deaf or hard of hearing. Typically, at least 75% of MCC youth participants come from populations that are underrepresented in green-collar and science fields: females, youth of color, youth from low-income households, and youth with disabilities. The crew leaders also bring a wide variety of experience to the program. Some crew leaders are sign language interpreters and lead crews with deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing youth participants.

For MCC, the concept of “inclusion” is not limited to individuals identified as deaf, hard of hearing, or anything else. Inclusion is discussed as the need each of us feels to be a part of a group, make meaningful contributions, learn about others, and have the room to grow as a person.

Establishing Partnerships:

Before selecting project sponsors and securing projects, make sure that the sponsor understands that the project involves active participation from all crew members, regardless of their perceived physical or cognitive abilities. Corpsmembers on all crews are hired to complete the essential functions of the job which are spelled out in the position description and discussed during the interview process. Provide the project sponsor with information on inclusion, disability awareness, essential functions, reasonable accommodations, and job carving so that the sponsor and crew have a common understanding and shared expectations. Prior to the start date, schedule a meeting with the project sponsor and crew to discuss the project goals, reasonable accommodations, and individual responsibilities. Make sure that reasonable accommodations are determined and developed/purchased pre-season so that all Corpsmembers are ready to start work on the first day. If reasonable accommodations are not in place on the first day, Corpsmembers with disabilities will not start out on a level playing field.

If the project is to be sustainable, it must address a real and important need for the agency and/or community. In the case of the accessibility condition surveys, the UCC approached the U.S. Forest Service Logan Ranger District office, an existing UCC project sponsor, and brainstormed with them about a suitable project for an inclusive crew. The agency had a mandate to complete accessibility condition surveys and develop transition plans, and the crew had the skills and abilities to successfully meet this need. It was the perfect match. Since 2007, news of the project success has spread to the regional and national level. In 2009, UCC Corpsmembers with disabilities were instrumental in getting the USFS database up and running and usable with screen readers. The Forest Service web developers worked closely with the crew to make sure that the survey forms and database functioned properly and that they were accessible using screen readers. This was a fantastic professional opportunity for the crew. Janet Zeller, the U.S. Forest Service Accessibility Program Manager, has encouraged inclusive crews throughout the country to fill the database so that the public and the U.S. Forest Service have a clear understanding of the truly accessible outdoor recreation opportunities on Forest Service lands.

At the Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC), additional partnerships have been established to meet recruitment goals and provide quality pre-service training for crew leaders and youth participants. MCC maintains strong relationships with schools and community organizations in the Midwest that are local resources for the Deaf community. Program alumni and returning crew leaders have played a central role in trainings on American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Additionally, alumni have mentored new crew leaders who are also serving as ASL interpreters in order to provide structured professional development opportunities.

Establishing partnerships with service project hosts has required very little modification of standard procedures. Program information, flyers given to potential project hosts contain information on crews including members who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing. This has not served as a limiting factor for partnerships to our knowledge. In fact, it has encouraged some projects such as historic landmark restoration and projects in highly visible service locations. Prior to project implementation, corps staff will contact the project sponsor to review project details. At this point, if the crew has unique considerations that the project host needs to be aware of, clarifications of the crew’s ability and accommodations are made. Project hosts have the opportunity to ask for guidance specific to working with an inclusive crew and receive pointers on Deaf culture and American Sign Language. Many project hosts express how much they enjoyed working with the inclusive crews, specifically the youth and leaders who are deaf.

Adaptive Equipment Designs and Resources:

Assistive Technology (AT) Programs:

Assistive Technology (AT) is commonly referred to as products, devices, or equipment used to help individuals with disabilities increase, maintain, or improve their functional capabilities and independence. Statewide AT programs are located in every state and territory throughout the country. These programs provide a number of services, usually including training, technical assistance, device loan, demonstration, funding information, and more. The following website has a list of every state AT program: www.resnaprojects.org/nattap/at/statecontacts.html

The following AT is available through the Utah Conservation Corps. The cost of materials and shipping must be paide in advance. Contact Kate at kate.stephens@usu.edu to order:

  • Wheelchair Attachments for Roll-A-Wheel
  • Wheelchair Attachments for Smart-Tool level
  • Hard Hat Attachment for Inclinometer
  • Adaptive Gardening Tools

Adaptive Equipment Presentation Script and Slides:

(This is the text version of the Adaptive Equipment PowerPoint presentation for projects involving trail/campground surveys.)

SLIDE 1: Utah Conservation Corps Access to Service Inclusive Crew Adaptive Equipment

  • Title slide with logo of Utah Conservation Corps and universal symbol of accessibility (stick figure using a wheelchair).

SLIDE 2: Accessible Office Space

Photo Description:

  1. Picture of a wheelchair accessible desk with a computer on it. The computer has the “Dragon Naturally Speaking” voice recognition software and headset.
  2. Close-up picture of a trackball mouse that is useful for people with limited fine motor control.
  3. Close-up picture of an accessible door handle, the lever type that can be opened with a closed fist.

SLIDE 3: Adapted Gardening Tools

Photo Description:

  1. Pictures of six different hand tools used for gardening with a variety of modifications to the handles. Adapted gardening tools have large no-slip handles and straps for people with limited manual dexterity and grip.
  2. An individual in a wheelchair using an adapted hand tool to garden in a raised bed that is wheelchair accessible.

SLIDE 4: Trail Survey Toolkit Contents

  • Survey Forms
  • Roll-A-Wheel with Wheelchair Attachments
  • Smart Tool with Wheelchair Attachments
  • Talking Tape Measure
  • Scale
  • Clipboards
  • Flagging
  • Tape Measures

Additional Equipment:

  • Inclinometers (2)
  • Camera

SLIDE 5: Survey Tool Checklist

Photo Description:

  1. Picture of "Smart Tool" level attached to wheelchair with person in chair using the tool.
  2. Picture of "Smart Tool" level with metal brace that attaches to wheelchair arm.

"Smart Tool" attaches to chair so that it can be read without having to lean over.

SLIDE 6: Adapted Inclinometer

Photo Description:

  1. Picture of an inclinometer that was adapted by attaching it to a hard hat with a clip, a stick, and a roll of duct tape.

This is a great example of simple adaptations that just require some creative thinking.

Note: An inclinometer is an instrument for measuring the angles of elevation, slope, or incline of trails, campsites, etc.

SLIDE 7: Adapted Roll-A-Wheel ___________________________________

Photo Description:

  1. Picture of roll-a-wheel tool with adapted brace for attaching to arm of wheelchair.
  2. Picture of individual in wheelchair using roll-a-wheel attachment. Wheelchair users can measure distances with roll-a-wheel while pushing their chair.

SLIDE 8: Talking Tape Measure

Photo Description:

  1. Close-up of talking/digital tape measure.

A Corpsmember who is blind, used the Talking Tape Measure to collect data for accessibility surveys and construct raised beds in the garden.

Available through Independent Living aides: www.independentliving.com/ila

SLIDE 9: Camping Gear and Equipment

When camping with people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility impairments, we found the following items to be essential to our happiness…

  • Paco Pads: Super thick inflatable mattresses that will help prevent pressure sores. These mattresses were created for sleeping on rocks on Grand Canyon river trips. (Picture of camping pad shown).
  • Roll-A-Cot: Cots work well for folks who transfer from their chair onto a sleeping bag.

Paco Pads and Roll-A-Cots can be purchased through NRS at www.nrsweb.com or 877-677-4327. Ask about setting up a professional discount.

SLIDE 10: Eureka Freedom Tent

Photo Description:

  1. Picture of the Eureka Freedom Tent.

The zipperless fan door is easily opened by people with mobility, strength, and dexterity limitations. Once open, its wide doorway provides easy unobstructed access for anyone, including people using wheelchairs or walkers.

Note: Another alternative to use would be a large 6-8 person tent(s) with plenty of space for a cot and wheelchair so that individuals can easily transfer, change clothes, etc. inside the tent.

SLIDE 11: Trail Wheelchair

Photo Description:

  1. Three photos of the trail wheelchair, two with individuals using on a trail and one of just the chair in an open field.

The Utah Conservation Corps has developed and acquired several pieces of adaptive equipment that enable Corpsmembers with disabilities to participate in programs more fully and independently. For example, a trail wheelchair with knobby tires is used by a Corpsmember with a spinal cord injury to access rugged areas that are technically inaccessible.

The wheelchair pictured was developed by George Young (picture bottom right). More information about this particular trail wheelchair is available by visiting http://www.axessoutdoors.com/

SLIDE 12: Funding for Adaptive Equipment and Support Services

  • Funding for reasonable accommodations is available in each state through the State Commission on National and Community Service.
  • The Utah Conservation Corps was able to cover the cost of a trail wheelchair, voice recognition computer software, a personal aide, and rental of a lift-equipped van with funds available through the Utah Commission on Volunteers.
  • The Minnesota Conservation Corps covered the cost of hiring interpreters through the Minnesota State Commission’s reasonable accommodation funds.

SLIDE 13: Resources

For more information about acquiring adapted garden tools, construction plans for raised garden beds, adapted roll-a-wheels, and adapted smart tool level attachments contact:

Sample Slides: (A selection of slides from the AT presentation script presented in detail above. Slides show various pieces of assistive technology used by the UCC program)

Adapted Gardening Tools Adapted Tools for Surveying Trails and Campgrounds
Eureka Freedom Tent Trail Wheelchair

Support Services:

Communication:

In the case of Minnesota Conservation Corps, the primary barrier is communication. Communication within the crew is facilitated by ASL interpreters serving as crew leaders. Communication via phone and the internet is accomplished through three basic strategies. The Conservation Corps provides TTYs, in which the handset of a phone is set on a machine that translates typed conversations. This can be thought of as the precursor to instant messaging. This technology is dated, but reliable and is not dependent on cell phone signals to operate. While practical and cost effective, TTYs are becoming less used within the Deaf community as new technology is developed. In addition to TTYs, crew leaders often carry PDAs which can be used for communication when cell service is available. These are perhaps the most used form of long-distance communication during the program. Finally, arrangements have been made with the state park, where our base camp is located, so that crew leaders and youth participants who are deaf can use park computers on weekends to access Skype, a web communications tool.

Additional adaptive equipment for each crew includes: ASL resources, lanterns, dry bags, extra hearing aide batteries, and hearing aide repair kits.

Program adaptations are established as the culture of the program, not as a stand-alone feature for a portion of the participants. This includes everything from the layout of meeting spaces to flicking lights on-and-off to get people’s attention. Program adaptations also affect crew composition, in which MCC values diverse crews of young people that strive for a “quantity of culture” on each crew. For youth who are deaf or hard of hearing, this typically means that three of the six youth on a crew are deaf or hard of hearing. This approach provides a level of comfort that fosters cultural understanding among the crew.

Interpreters:

The Minnesota Conservation Corps seeks to enroll at least one ASL interpreter for every three youth participants who are deaf. Crew leaders who are deaf are also paired with ASL interpreters. Interpreters are located through private companies, nonprofits, and state agencies. In Minnesota, two useful resources are the Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf. Serve Minnesota, our local CNCS office, has a strong focus on inclusion and is able to connect our program with interpreters when needed. Many colleges and universities offer interpreting programs. Most programs require internship credits. Through local partnerships, we are able to offer supervision and evaluation of individuals serving as leaders-interpreters so that they receive college credit.

Interpreters must apply for crew leader positions and complete a skill evaluation with alumni, who are professionals, that work with the Deaf community. If an applicant successfully completes both aspects of the process, they are enrolled into the corps. Mentorship opportunities are provided with professional interpreters so that support and ongoing feedback can be used to improve skill and performance. In addition to crew leaders serving as interpreters, professional interpreters are contracted for larger corps-wide events and when crew leaders have time off.

Personal Assistants/aides:

The Utah Conservation Corps hired an aide to assist a Corpsmember with a mobility impairment. This Corpsmember was independently able to complete the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodations, but needed assistance with personal care such as dressing and toileting on overnight camping trips. With reasonable accommodation funding made available through the Utah Commission on Volunteers, the UCC was able to hire a personal aide for this Corpsmember which enabled him to participate in the projects that involved overnight camping.

When hiring an aide, it is important to first consult the individual who will be working with the aide. Most likely, they have hired an aide before and have someone in mind. If not, it is important to involve them in the hiring process to ensure that the aide is someone they feel comfortable with. Local independent living centers have contact lists for personal assistants/aides in your area. To find the independent living center near you, visit www.ncil.org

Funding Opportunities:

Initial funding for the Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) inclusive crew project was provided by the Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF). The Utah Conservation Corps (UCC) has also received Fee-for-Service match dollars through partnership projects with land management agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service. Additionally, the UCC has received multiple small grants and donations for the accessible garden project.

State Service Commissions, which provide Corporation for National and Community Service funding to AmeriCorps State programs, provide funding for reasonable accommodations for AmeriCorps members. These reasonable accommodations have included adapted gardening tools, an accessible desk, portable ramps, and voice recognition computer software.

Minnesota Conservation Corps has been successful in securing funding from a number of sources to support the inclusion program. The State of Minnesota, through the Department of Employment and Economic Development, has awarded the Corps with funds to support youth participants and crew leaders who are deaf, and provides additional funding to support interpreters. Serve Minnesota, our AmeriCorps State Commission, has made funds available for reasonable accommodations such as video cameras needed for Skype. Partner support from service projects has been used to support the program. Finally, inclusion of participants who are deaf and hard of hearing has been highlighted in several successful grant proposals.

Proceed to: “Inclusive Crews Partnering with Community Gardens”