Volunteers with Disabilities
The ICVS strongly supports opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate
in volunteer service. Continue reading below to find out about opportunities for
those with disabilities to participate in our AmeriCorps programs and in special
service events.
Gaining More and Giving Back with AmeriCorps Iowa
Iowa is proud of its commitment to inclusion and providing opportunity for all who
seek to serve. The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service works to recruit AmeriCorps
members with disabilities to national service and provides assistance and referrals
to support members who may need accommodations to perform the duties of their service
assignments.
If you are an individual with disabilities who is considering joining an AmeriCorps
program:
- AmeriCorps benefits (living allowance, health insurance, and childcare and education
award) are excluded from countable income for recipients of Supplemental Security
Income (SSI).
- These benefits may have an impact on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
eligibility. Recipients of SSDI benefits should work with their Social Security
office if they are considering joining an AmeriCorps program.
- For more information on AmeriCorps benefits and SSI or SSDI, view the
Fact Sheet
For more information about national service opportunities available in Iowa or nationwide:
- Visit www.americorps.gov and search the
state of Iowa.
- Call toll free 1-800-308-5987 or TTY (202) 606-3472).
- Upon request, this material will be made available in alternative forms.
**AmeriCorps offers service opportunities to people age 17 and older without regard
to race, color, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion,
political affiliation or other non-merit factors. Members must be a U.S. citizen
or a national and lawful permanent resident alien.
Inclusion Mini-Grants
Each year the ICVS allocates funding to support service projects that engage persons with disabilities as volunteers.
These mini-grants have been offered during AmeriCorps week and at other special
times, such as during the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
If you are a member of a disability agency and you would like to know about local
national service programs that you can approach regarding partnership on a volunteer
project, please contact the ICVS Disability Inclusion Coordinator.
2011 Inclusive Service Project Mini Grants RFP is here!
The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service (ICVS) will allocate funds to support community service projects that promote and engage persons with disabilities as volunteers alongside national service participants. Any national service program may apply for a mini-grant up to $500. This year, more programs than ever before are eligible to apply for funding including AmeriCorps State, AmeriCorps National, AmeriCorps VISTA, AmeriCorps NCCC, Senior Corps and Learn & Serve programs.
Programs will partner with disability agencies/organizations to coordinate and implement a service project that meets a need in the community. Individuals with disabilities will be recruited and participate as volunteers in service project activities. Inclusive service projects may occur throughout the 2011 calendar year. Once all available funds are awarded to the most qualified projects, there will be no further allocation until 2012.
ICVS prefers, but does not require, that service projects correlate with state and national days of service. For a list of recognized Days of Service, please visit: www.volunteeriowa.org/programs/service-program.aspx. Earth Day, Summer of Service and Veteran's Day are also recognized as Days of Service for the purpose of this mini grant cycle.
Proposals are due by noon on the following dates: December 9, 2010; March 17, 2011; May 23, 2011; August 4, 2011.
The required application cover sheet can be completed by filling in the form fields within the document. To access any of the internal links, be sure to hold down the "ctrl" key while clicking the link.
The RFP contains resources to help a beginner develop a successful inclusive service project.
Please save a copy of this RFP for your records. You may contact ICVS Disability Inclusion
Coordinator for any technical assistance necessary.
Serve Iowa Inclusion Conference
For several years, the ICVS has partnered with volunteer centers, nonprofit organizations,
and disability organizations to organize a conference during which individuals with
disabilities can learn about and connect with local volunteer opportunities. The
conference helps individuals with disabilities learn about how to choose a volunteer
position that meets their interests.
To find out about the next scheduled conference, contact the
ICVS Inclusion Coordinator or check our
Calendar .
Additional Resources
We have tried to compile some of our best resources regarding volunteers and volunteering
with disabilities.