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I. Introduction

Why Inclusion?

Individuals with disabilities have a great deal to contribute to the world of service and the desire to participate. Unfortunately, the current shortage of meaningful opportunities in most locations means that it is not often possible for them to do so. Providing these opportunities, through inclusive programs, has multiple benefits. First of all, inclusion in employment, educational, recreational, and community settings is a basic element of human rights. Furthermore, equal access, inclusion, and accommodations are required of all programs receiving federal funds. Compliance should be considered, however, not just to fulfill legal requirements, but to improve overall program effectiveness and to further community integration. Hiring and accommodating Corpsmembers with disabilities is generally much easier and less difficult than most people imagine. In addition, there are tax incentives available to employers of individuals with disabilities to help cover the costs of accommodations as well as funding from AmeriCorps state and national programs. See Section III: Challenges, Opportunities, and Lessons Learned.

The benefits of inclusive programs for crew members with and without disabilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • increased understanding of their abilities,
  • improved self-esteem and self-confidence,
  • heightened appreciation of nature,
  • healthier fitness levels,
  • augmented skill development resulting in enhanced career opportunities,
  • increased understanding of the requirements and strategies for accessibility,
  • enhanced independence,
  • deepened understanding of different perspectives,
  • increased friendships and support networks, and
  • enhanced opportunities to experience satisfaction and enjoyment.

The accessibility work that the UCC has completed, with inclusive crews, benefits not only the organization and corpsmembers, but everyone in the community who wants to garden or enjoy the natural beauty of the forest. There are excellent detailed materials on inclusion available, including the following free publications:

Access AmeriCorps Training Project developed by United Cerebral Palsy, with sections on program accessibility and inclusion, an accessibility checklist, interaction tips, targeting recruits with disabilities, the inclusive application process, accommodations, and more, at:
www.ucp.org/ucp_generalsub.cfm/1/6619/6621

Inclusion: Creating An Inclusive Environment: A Handbook for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities in National and Community Service Programs by the Corporation for National and Community Service with 103 pages on inclusion, outreach, recruitment, selection, retention, and more, at:
www.serviceandinclusion.org/handbook/inclusion.pdf

Paths to Inclusion: A resource guide for fully including youth of all abilities in community life, a publication by Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation, at:
www.meaf.org/docs/PathsToInclusion.pdf

Social Inclusion Through Recreation for Persons with Disabilities Impact Feature Issue by the Institute on Community Integration and the Research and Training Center on Community Living, at:
http://ici.umn.edu/products/impact/162/

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