Access AmeriCorps
FAQ: Accessing Disability Funds
1. What are the disability funds?
The disability funds is money devoted to assuring an increase in the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in national service.
2. How did the funds become available?
These funds have been set aside by Congress through the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (as amended).
3. How are the funds to be used?
Generally, the funds are to facilitate the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in programs. This can include: provision of accommodations, marketing and outreach activities and training for program staff and members.
4. Who can access these funds?
Currently, AmeriCorps* State Competitive and AmeriCorps* National Programs have access to these funds.
However, keep in mind that all national service programs are obligated to include individuals with disabilities. As recipients of federal financial assistance, programs must provide program accessibility and accommodations to applicants and members with disabilities (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973).
5. How do I access these funds?
Each state commission has developed a procedure for accessing the disability funds. Contact your commission to learn their procedure.
6. What if an applicant or members requests an accommodation that needs to be in place immediately?
There are situations in which a need for an accommodation can not be anticipated in advance. Your state commission should have a "fast track" procedure for accessing funds quickly. Check with your commission to learn about their procedure.
7. Are there some situations in which a request for funds would be refused?
Certainly, this is a possibility. Whenever a request for funding is made, the appropriateness and the cost of the request will be taken into consideration. In the case of providing accommodations, it is always prudent to have advice from disability experts who understand both the law and the practical aspects of providing accommodations.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS TOPIC...
- Contact:
Access AmeriCorps
UCP
1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036-5602
202-776-0406 V/TTY
1-800-872-5827 V/TTY
accessamericorps@ucp.org
Contact:
Your State Disability Coordinator and/or
Your State Commission
Contact:
Your Program Officer at the
Corporation For National Service
202-606-5000
202-565-2799 TTY