II. Becoming an Inclusive Corps: Steps to be Inclusive

Key Points:

On the first day of training, a pre-service questionnaire is conducted that pertains to skill development, personal development, disability awareness, and environmental awareness (see Appendix B). The same questionnaire is conducted on the final day of service. If a corpsmember is unable to complete the written questionnaire due to their disability, they can either team up with a peer or use a computer with voice recognition software. The pre-and post-service responses are compared and used to assess whether or nor inclusion is happening. They are also used to measure personal development and skill development.

Key Points:

This training can be the same or similar to the training provided to staff and crew leaders prior to the start of the season. Disability awareness training is an important part of creating an inclusive program and environment. This training is a great first step in overcoming any concerns, negative attitudes, and stereotypes that other program member may have regarding working with people who have disabilities. Don’t overlook the importance of disability awareness training. When asked to work alongside people with disabilities for the first time, many Corpsmembers were initially uncomfortable. Negative attitudes and misconceptions about people with disabilities were most often the result of lack of awareness rather than malice or apathy. Take adequate time to discuss the issues and have Corpsmembers with disabilities present and facilitate discussion.

This training, included in Appendix B of this toolkit, is designed to provide a broad overview of key disability issues and to increase knowledge and awareness of:

• Common Myths and Facts about Individuals with Disabilities
• History of Disability Rights Movement
• The Old and New Paradigm of Disability
• People-First Language
• Different Disabilities
• Disability Etiquette

Please adapt the training materials to meet the needs of your program. There is enough information in this training to spend approximately two hours to present and discuss. These materials are intended to serve as a starting point for disability awareness training in your organization. However, you may already have access to a similar training or be able to work with a local disability-related organization to develop your own training materials. In that case, we would encourage you to use the training that best meets your program’s unique needs.

Helpful Hints:

This training should be held in a fully accessible location. If the training is held outside of your main office, visit the location ahead of time and go through the facilities using a wheelchair (if possible). Use the closed fist test on all door handles, sinks, etc., to determine if they are usable by people with limited manual dexterity or grip. All hand-outs and training materials must be available in alternative formats (audio, Braille, large print) upon request. If necessary, hire a sign language interpreter. You can search for a local interpreter agency at www.rid.org or contact your local center for independent living (www.ilru.org).

More Information:

• UCC - Disability Awareness Training in Appendix B of this toolkit.

Skill Development:

Key Points: As with all service crews, Corpsmembers serving on the inclusive crew develop a number of both general and specific skills during their term of service. Some of the skills that inclusive crew members develop during their term of service with the UCC include the following:

• Ability to use Global Positioning System (GPS) units
• Ability to use survey tools such as a Smart Tool level, inclinometer, roll-a-wheel, and talking tape measure
• Ability to collect accurate data in the field
• Ability to enter data into U.S. Forest Service database
• Ability to use Google Earth to map survey sites
• Knowledge of the Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG)
• Knowledge and understanding of disability legislation
• Knowledge and understanding of land management issues
• Knowledge and understanding of sustainable lifestyle choices
• Ability to organize and conduct community garden workshops on topics such as organic vegetable gardening and drought tolerant plants
• Knowledge and understanding of adaptive equipment design and construction
• Knowledge and understanding of raised garden bed design and construction

Personal Development:

Key Points: One of the goals of the UCC’s inclusive crew project is to support the personal development of individual Corpsmembers. UCC Corpsmembers are intentionally provided with opportunities to develop in the following areas:

• Ability to work as part of a team with a diverse group of people
• Leadership
• Organization
• Time Management
• Independence
• Self-Confidence
• Accountability

Individualized Goal Planning:

Key Points: All UCC AmeriCorps members complete an individual goal plan during training (see Appendix C). If a Corpsmember is unable to complete the written goal plan due to their disability (i.e. limited manual dexterity or a visual impairment), they can either team up with a peer or use a computer with voice recognition software. This goal plan is used to set clear goals in relation to skill development and personal development. These goals are communicated to the crew so that peers can support each other in accomplishing individual goals. The individual goal plan is referred to during the mid-term evaluation and end-of-service evaluation. Progress is noted by crew leaders and staff.

Member Evaluations: Key Points:

All UCC AmeriCorps members receive mid-term and end-of-service evaluations (see Appendix C). These evaluations are completed by crew leaders and UCC staff. Mid-season, the crew leader and staff member (crew supervisor or program staff) meet with the Corpsmember one-on-one and discuss their progress toward accomplishing goals, skill development and personal development. After discussing the evaluation, Corpsmembers and staff sign and date the evaluation form. These forms are kept on file and can be referred to when employment references are requested.

Program Evaluations:

Key Points: On the final day of service, all UCC Corpsmembers complete an evaluation of the program (see Appendix B). These evaluations are carefully reviewed, and member feedback is used to make program improvements.

Pre- and Post-Service Questionnaire:

On the first day of training, a pre-service questionnaire is conducted that pertains to skill development, personal development, disability awareness, and environmental awareness (see Appendix B). The same questionnaire is conducted on the final day of service. If a Corpsmember is unable to complete the written questionnaire due to their disability, they can either team up with a peer or use a computer with voice recognition software.

Annual Review and Revision of Program:

Key Points:

In the fall, after the summer season is complete and thoughts are still fresh, the UCC program and administrative staff hold a retreat to review member evaluations, discuss lessons learned, and review risk management policies. Program revisions are made, goals are developed, and an action plan for the upcoming year is put into place.

Inclusion Advisory Group: An advisory group made up of representatives of the disability community is assembled annually to review the inclusion plan and inclusive elements of the program. This group meets in the fall after the UCC staff retreat. The inclusion advisory group includes representatives from OPTIONS for Independence independent living center, the Utah State University Disability Resource Center, the Utah State University Center for Persons with Disabilities, Common Ground Outdoor Adventures, and the Utah Assistive Technology Program.

Helpful Hints:

Below are some examples of indicators that the UCC looks to when considering how inclusive their programs truly are.

Indicators of Inclusion:

• Each crew member has a valuable role on the crew and contributes in a significant way to project goals. This project was selected and designed to include crew members with disabilities in a meaningful way. Crew members with disabilities provided the crew with a valuable perspective that was needed to collect accurate data and develop transition plans. Crew members with disabilities were an asset to the crew. Because they could speak from the perspective of users with disabilities, their opinions and ideas were essential to the success of the project.
• Friendships extend beyond the work day. The Access to Service inclusive crew leaders created opportunities for recreation and social activities while out on projects and beyond the work day. Crew members enjoyed each other and chose to spend time together outside of work. There was a lot of laughter.
• The crew relies on individual members and holds each member accountable. When inclusion happens, people with disabilities are not just along for the ride. Jamie Maestro, Access to Service inclusive crew leader, did an excellent job assigning project tasks to individual members who had the necessary skills and abilities to successfully complete them. Once tasks were assigned and responsibilities were understood, she held crew members accountable for their completion. If crew members are not held accountable, it becomes apparent that their work is not truly valuable and necessary to the success of the project.
• People with disabilities hold leadership positions. When inclusion happens, people with disabilities are represented at all levels of the organization. Andy Zimmer served as a crew leader on this project. In addition to being a natural leader, he has a C6 spinal cord injury and uses a wheelchair. Andy was an outstanding role model and leader to both crew members with disabilities and those without. Quintin Williams, who is blind, served as a crew leader in 2009.
• Projects were meaningful and important to the community.The Access to Service inclusive projects were not just “special” add-on projects. The work completed by the crew had a direct impact on the decisions made by the Forest Service. The Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is very invested in the work of this crew, and has come to rely upon them as advisors on accessibility.

  In addition, the crew secured funding to design and construct accessible garden plots within the new Cache Valley Community Garden. Taking ownership of a project and completing it from start to finish is a valuable accomplishment.