Disability Outreach

• AmeriCorps Disability Outreach in Illinois
• Disability Outreach Coordinator
• Services Offered
• Related Links

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AmeriCorps Disability Outreach in Illinois

AmeriCorps is a national service program that involves people in "getting things done" in communities. AmeriCorps members develop an ethic of service while strengthening local communities. Illinois has 22 AmeriCorps*State programs in operation and more than 800 members committing to a year of service.

The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service administers the AmeriCorps*State programs. The mission of the Serve Illinois commission is "To improve Illinois communities by supporting and enhancing volunteerism and community service." The Commission launched a new website, www.serve.illinois.gov, in 2008 to help link interested persons with volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois.

The Illinois AmeriCorps Disability Outreach Program is a special project of the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. Our goal is to promote the inclusion of people with disabilities as members of AmeriCorps programs in this state. We work toward achieving this goal by promoting the service opportunities available through AmeriCorps to persons with disabilities and agencies that provide services to them.

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Disability Outreach Coordinator

Sue McCoy is the Disability Outreach Coordinator for the State of Illinois. Sue has been working with persons with disabilities since 1974. Over the years she has provided counseling and case management services for persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, deaf/blindness, and physical impairments. She holds an Associate Degree in Human Services, a Bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science, and a graduate certificate in Deaf/Blind Rehabilitation.

Contact Information

Sue McCoy
500 Anchor Rd.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: 815-228-6691 ext. 282
TTY: 888-288-5931
E-mail: mccoys@kreiderservices.org

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Services Offered

• Education/training: The Disability Outreach Coordinator is available to present information about AmeriCorps, volunteerism, and inclusion at conferences, teleconferences, schools, and other venues.
  
  
• Outreach: Information about Illinois AmeriCorps inclusion for persons with disabilities that includes pamphlets, an online newsletter, and a 10-minute DVD is distributed through presentations given, conferences and exhibits attended, through informational mailings, and by request.
  
  
• Assessment & funding for accommodations: When an opportunity to serve in AmeriCorps may require an accommodation for a person with a disability, the Outreach Coordinator will work with the AmeriCorps Program Manager to assess the situation and provide recommendations and funding for the accommodation.
  
  
• Service Day Activities Inclusion Planning: The Disability Outreach Coordinator is available as a resource for developing inclusive service day activities. You may download Effective Practices Guide to Creating Inclusive and Accessible Days of Service. You may view the quarterly newsletter, "Illinois Inroads to Inclusion."

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Related Links

Inclusion

• National Service Inclusion Project (NSIP)
• Bubel Aiken Foundation
• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• National Council on Disability

About Volunteerism

• Corporation for National & Community Service

Volunteer Opportunities

• In Illinois
• AmeriCorps
• SeniorCorps

Disaster Preparedness

• Disability Preparedness

Disability Services and Resources in Illinois

• Illinois Department Human Services
• Illinois Centers for Independent Living
• The Arc of Illinois
• Institute on Disability and Human Development (IDHD)

Resources for AmeriCorps programs

• Application for Funds for Reasonable Accommodation [PDF, 280KB]
• Effective Practices Guide to Creating Inclusive and Accessible Days of Service

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To request these documents in an alternative format (e.g., text-only, large print, Braille, etc.), please e-mail Serve Illinois or phone 800-592-9896 or TTY 888-261-2713.