Disability Back to Basics- Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism September 18, 2012 Ryan Coskrey Chad Gobert

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Introduction Mr. Ryan Coskrey Ryan serves as the Disability Coordinator for the Georgia Commission for Service and Volunteerism and as the Communication Director for the Humanitarian Aid Relief Fund. He began his work in the disability field as a Graduate Assistant for the Georgia Southern University Disability Resource Center in Ryan is a graduate of the 2010 NSIP Train the Trainer workshop.

Who’s here?

Webinar Objectives 1.Define a “Person with a Disability” 2.What do we mean when we talk about inclusion. 3.Who are people with disabilities? a. Language b. Etiquette 4.Inclusive Service environments a. Access and Accommodations b. Universal Design 5.Stories and resource sharing

Who Are People With Disabilities?

“Disability” as Defined by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act & the Americans with Disabilities Act A physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities A history or record of such an impairment Being regarded as having such an impairment, even when no limitations exist Someone who has an association with someone with a disability

“Substantially limits” …unable to perform, or significantly limited in the ability to perform, an activity as compared with an average person. Factors to be considered are: 1.Its nature and severity 2.How long it will last or is expected to last, and 3.Its permanent or long-term impact, or expected impact

ADAAA Definition and Understanding Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) additions: operation of major bodily functions such as the immune system, normal cell growth and the endocrine system. People with some types of disabilities, e.g. epilepsy, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, major depression, and bipolar disorder, had been unable to bring ADA claims because they were found not to meet the ADA’s definition of “disability.” Reinstates “broad scope of protection” by expanding the definition of the term “disability.” Makes it easier for individuals seeking the law’s protection to demonstrate that they meet the definition of “disability.” Changes also apply to Rehab Act.

What are some examples of a major life activity? Please type your answers in the chat box

Major life activities include, but are not limited to: - caring for oneself - manual tasks - walking - seeing - hearing - speaking - breathing - learning - working - sitting - standing - lifting - reaching - sleeping - thinking - concentrating - interacting with others “ Major Life Activity” is Anything an Average Person Can Do with Little or No Difficulty

What does the word Inclusion Mean to You?

Disability Etiquette

People First Language The key is to use “person first” language because people with disabilities are human first and have a disability second For example… –“A person who is blind” instead of a “a blind person” –“A man with epilepsy” instead of “an epileptic” –“A boy who has Down’s Syndrome” instead of “a retarded child” 16

Most often, it’s best to call someone by name, not by a label.

Treat Adults as Adults It’s OK to offer help Always ask first before giving assistance Listen to what the individual wants Some people don’t want or need help. Be ready to accept “no” to your offer. Make a mistake? Apologize, learn from your mistake and move on RELAX!

Access and Accommodation Access and Universal Design

Access vs. Accommodation What is access? What is accommodation? What is the difference?

Accessible Accessible refers to the degree to which an environment, product, or tool is available to as many people as possible. For recipients or beneficiaries of federal funds, this can represent the minimum legal requirement so a person with a disability can use the environment. Example: Entrance to a building Distinguishing Accessible

Accessible: An accessible entrance meets the minimum requirements of the law. However, there is- One entrance for people who can use this door. Another, accessible entrance for people who cannot use this door.

What is Access? There are five different types of Access programs should think about… Architectural Programmatic Technology Communication Alternate formats

Universally Designed Accessible Universally Designed products and environments are to be made usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design. -Center for Universal Design at NC State Example: Entrance to a building Distinguishing Universally Designed

Universally Designed: Equal access to an environment, product, or tool.

Fully Inclusive Universally Designed Accessible The goal is to create a Fully Inclusive environment. A fully inclusive environment refers to the seamless use of the environment by all people, regardless of diversity or disability. It also refers to the type of culture that is welcoming to all participants. Example: AmeriCorps event Distinguishing Fully Inclusive

Fully Inclusive: AmeriCorps registration packet includes: An inclusive statement Printed materials in at least 14pt font A CD to make materials available in electronic format

28 Accommodations “Accommodations” are technology, services, and changes in policy, procedures, and the built environment that enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions or to equally participate in events and programs. According to the Job Accommodation Network approximately 80% of accommodations cost less than $600 and more than 50% of reported accommodations cost nothing. (

Fully Inclusive Universally Designed Accessible Reasonable Accommodations Different Environments and the Need for Reasonable Accommodations

Access and Accommodation Fostering a Culture of Inclusion

Examples of Accommodations AmeriCorps Works Reasonable accommodation funds for national service members Funds to develop materials in alternative formats Georgia Success story

Examples of Accommodations Georgia Success Story iPad helps an AmeriCorps member remain in their service position after experiencing sudden hearing loss Disability mini-grant helps Georgia Sea Turtle Center move towards inclusion

Images Words Formats Recruiting a diverse pool of volunteers Think about what you say in your recruiting materials Think about the images you use in your recruiting materials Think about what formats you use to recruit your volunteers

What you say wwWords Statement A “ We are an equal opportunity program or organization.” Statement B “ Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and conduct all activities in fully accessible settings.”

The images you use Include pictures of people with disabilities in your recruitment materials Communicate to volunteers with disabilities that they will be valued members of your team Communicate to others that your organization values the contribution of all volunteers. Images

The formats you use Ensure that your materials can be accessed by individuals with a varied array of abilities Electronic files can be printed larger, ed to interested students, read by screen reader programs, etc. Have your videos captioned (or caption them yourself in YouTube!) wer= Formats

Ryan and Georgia Success Stories Why does inclusion work? The bang for the buck….simple adjustments to your programming and design yield a more diverse and well-rounded member corps.

NSIP and National Service Resources National Service Inclusion Project George Commission for Service and Volunteerism

Additional Resources CNCS Resources Accessibility Guidelines (PDF) General Civil Rights/EEO Info: quirements.asp Reasonable Accommodations s.html

Questions and Answers

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Contact Information: National Service Inclusion Project [V/TTY] Chad Gobert: Roxy Rocker: Ryan Coskrey: