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November 8, 2009

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Access AmeriCorps

FAQ: Making Accommodations

1. What is an accommodation?

An accommodation equalizes the opportunity for qualified people with disabilities to participate in the application process and to perform the essential functions of the service description. Most often, accommodations are made in activities of daily life, employment, and recreation. In the context of service, accommodations may be made in the application process or in the performance of service activities.

2. Isn't the term "reasonable" accommodation?

The term "reasonable accommodation" is commonly used to mean that accommodations be provided in a way that is "reasonable" in terms of programmatic costs and operation. Programs receiving federal financial assistance are responsible for including individuals with disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In the case of AmeriCorps* State Competitive and AmeriCorps* National programs, the standard of what is considered reasonable sometimes becomes higher because of the availability of the disability funds. Through the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 (as amended), disability funds have been set aside for these specific programs to provide accommodations for applicants and members with disabilities. The fact that one law sets aside money for the sole purpose of disability inclusion makes the above programs more responsible to strive proactively toward this goal. Throughout this FAQ, the term "reasonable" has been eliminated for this reason.

3. How will I know an accommodation is needed?

The responsibility of requesting an accommodation lies with the individual needing the accommodation. A program director or supervisor may not suggest or provide an accommodation without a request. However, they can ask all applicants or members, with or without disabilities, whether accommodations are needed to complete the essential functions of the service description. Making this a standard question for all will help create an inclusive service environment by inviting open communication. Open and inclusive dialogue is a crucial element in facilitating member success.

4. Who is eligible to receive accommodations?

• People with disabilities seeking information about AmeriCorps membership • Qualified applicants with disabilities pursuing service opportunities in AmeriCorps
• Members with disabilities in AmeriCorps programs

5. How is the appropriate accommodation chosen?

Begin by having a conversation with the person making the request. The person with the disability tends to be the expert on their needs and accommodations that are effective for them. It would also be perfectly appropriate to seek the advice of a disability expert. These sources might be useful:

    • The disability coordinator at your commission
    • Access AmeriCorps/UCP (1-800-872-5827 V/TTY)
    • Job Accommodation Network (1-800-526-7243)

The goal is to choose an effective accommodation. You will not necessarily choose the accommodation first discussed nor the most expensive one.

6. How will I know if the accommodation is effective?

Accommodations, like all aspects of service performance, should be evaluated periodically. Re-visiting the topic will confirm the original choice or give an opportunity to make changes that will better enable a member to effectively perform his/her service functions.

7. Can types of accommodations be categorized?

Accommodations may be a service (sign language interpreter, job coach), a piece of equipment (a magnifier, a specialized computer mouse), a schedule adaptation, or any number of things that allow an individual to perform his/her service functions. Accommodations provide either site access or program access.

Examples of site access: Examples of program access:
architectural accessibility materials in alternate formats
clear paths of travel changing a work schedule
reachable door handles special events in accessible location
Braille signs inclusive language in publications
hearing aid compatible phones staff/member disability trainings

8. Do people with the same disabilities require the same accommodations?

No. Individuals vary tremendously in their accommodation needs. What is successful for one person, might not be for another.

9. How are accommodations funded?

AmeriCorps* State Competitive and AmeriCorps* National programs are eligible to use the state disability funds housed at the state commission. Contact your state disability coordinator/state commission for instructions on how to access these funds. Regardless of the availability of disability funds, accommodations must be provided to the extent that they are reasonable and do not cause an undue financial burden.

10. May an accommodation request be denied?

An AmeriCorps program is not required to make an accommodation for an individual with a disability if it poses an undue hardship. Undue hardship is considered an excessive cost, or an extensive, substantial, disruptive, or a fundamental alteration of the nature or operation of the program.

Undue hardship is determined by a number of factors:
• the nature and cost of the accommodation
• the overall financial resources of the employer
• the overall financial resources of the parent company

11. If an applicant/member is not pleased with the outcome of an accommodation request, how is this situation handled?

Programs need to have a grievance procedure in place. Refer to the Program Director's Handbook for information on how to formulate a grievance procedure. In addition, information can be sought through your program officer at the Corporation, your state disability coordinator at the commission, and Access AmeriCorps.

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