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OFBCI > AmeriCorps > Inclusion Inclusion

Indiana Disability Inclusion Outreach

Disability inclusion and outreach is an essential element of Indiana AmeriCorps success!  National service is for everyone because everyone has the ability to serve.  Disability Inclusion refers to the active engagement of people with disabilities as service members and volunteers in all levels of national and community service.

 The Indiana Disability Inclusion Outreach is an effort of the Indiana Inclusion Council to encourage people with disabilities to become members of AmeriCorps and other volunteer programs in this state.  Disability inclusion exists as central to the mission of community service, since anyone with a willing heart stands capable of serving their community.

Among AmeriCorps’ goals is the full and proactive inclusion of individuals with disabilities in service.  AmeriCorps members with disabilities gain valuable experience and skills, and provide communities with the opportunity to work closely with persons with disabilities. Disability outreach and inclusion is vital to the success of our national and community service initiatives. All of the Indiana AmeriCorps members assist in areas including educating youth, promoting healthy futures, preparing for disaster, leadership development, and other activities that serve to aid the community. Join our service family and show your community what you have to offer!

Site Contents

Indiana AmeriCorps and Social Security
Reasonable Accommodations
Indiana Inclusion Council - IIC
Resources

Reasonable Accommodations

For Indiana National Service Programs (not including VISTA), OFBCI wants to ensure that people with disabilities have the accommodations they need to serve.  If you are an applicant, current member, or Learn & Serve, Senior Corps, AmeriCorps State or NCCC program and would like to apply for funds that fall under the ADA recognized reasonable accomodations, please click and print the forms below.

Reasonable Accommodation Policy

Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form

Reasonable Accommodation Medical Review Form

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Indiana AmeriCorps and Social Security

HEART Act

The Heroes Earning Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act makes AmeriCorps more accessible to people with disabilities because it directs the Social Security Administration to exclude AmeriCorps benefits (living allowance, health insurance, education award, etc.) when considering an individual’s eligibility for SSI.  The HEART Act became a significant barrier removal for individuals with disabilities who are SSI beneficiaries. Today, because of the passage of the HEART Act, AmeriCorps benefits are not considered “countable income” or Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and will not impact an individual’s eligibility for SSI.

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), under the HEART Act, is not affected by the AmeriCorps living allowance granted to AmeriCorps members from any stream of service (i.e. AmeriCorps State and National, AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC).

SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSD or SSDI) may be affected by the AmeriCorps living allowance for AmeriCorps State and National and NCCC members.  Unfortunately, SSDI was not provided for under the HEART Act.  However, this does not automatically mean that it will affect SSDI benefits.  The monthly limit for wages for 2011 under SSDI is $1000.  For individuals who have never worked before, there is a 9 month trial/transition period followed by a 3 month grace period before their wages begin to affect SSDI.  AmeriCorps would fit into this category in many cases.  Potential members should contact their WIPA office for assistance. 

WIPA

Indiana Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) have two offices in the state to assist people with their Social Security benefits.  Members and potential members who are already on SSI and/or SSDI may contact the office appropriate to the county where they will be serving for assistance from a WIPA counselor. 

 

Indiana Works – Northern and Central Indiana

1100 Broadway

Anderson, IN 46012 

Ph: 866-646-8161 

Fax: 765-641-8327 

http://www.aspireindiana.org/

 

Indiana Works – Southern Indiana

1579 S. Folsomville Rd.

Boonville, IN 47601

Ph: 800-206-6610

Fax: 812-897-0123

http://www.sirs.org/

 

POMS

People who qualify for SSI and SSDI who wish to be a part of Indiana AmeriCorps are encouraged to take the provided Program Operations Manual System (POMS) with them when discussing benefits with a WIPA coordinator.  These will assist the benefits counselor in navigating the legal issues surrounding Social Security and AmeriCorps.

POMS for AmeriCorps and NCCC are available at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830537   

POMS regarding SSDI benefits are available at https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0410505025.

 

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Indiana Inclusion Council

1.  Vision
          
            Individuals, regardless of their abilities, are active and valued participants in all aspects of National Service in Indiana.

 

2. Mission 

            To promote and advocate for the full participation of individuals, regardless of their abilities, in all aspects of National Service.

 

3.  Goals     
  • Market and/or promote opportunities within National Service.
  • Function under high quality governance and operations as a council.
  • Assure that all programs are accessible and inclusive.
  • Provide training and support to sites.
  • Assist with recruitment of people with disabilities as well as organizations who serve people with disabilities to be participants in Indiana National Service.

Indiana Inclusion Council Roster

IIC Meeting Schedule
February 17th - Indiana Government Center South, Conference Room C
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes

May 19th - Bosma Enterprises
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes

August 18th - John H. Boner Center
Meeting Agenda
Meeting Minutes

November 17th - Ability Indiana

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Resources
Disability Inclusion Organizations

National Service Inclusion Project(NSIP)

Contains extensive tools for building inclusive service environments.  Also has a helpful glossary of  terms related to disability inclusion and moving testimonies of positive disability inclusion experiences.  An initiative of the Corporation for National and Community Service.

 

Documents


Who are People with Disabilities?
What We Mean when We Talk About Inclusion
Basic Facts about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
What is an Accommodation?
Definition of Undue Hardship
Guidelines on Disclosure
Inclusive Environments
Summary of Disability Legislation
How to Help People with Disabilities Feel Welcome
Person-First Language

Presentations

Inclusion Program Director Prezi

Webinars:

Welcome to National Service and Inclusion

Recording of Conference Call:

Phone: 218-237-0339

Pass Code: 417071 #

Reference Number:   6

National Service and Inclusion Prezi

 

Inclusion Webinar:  Basic Inclusion Education

Recording of Conference Call: 
Phone: 218-237-0339
Pass Code: 417071 #
Reference Number:   7
Independent Lens Video Clip:  http://youtu.be/SXqXieHAE2Q
Basic Inclusion Education Prezi

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* Reasonable accommodation and alternative formats available upon request *