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Access AmeriCorps
The Access AmeriCorps Checklist: Determining Accessibility in Your AmeriCorps Programs and Facilities
The information and survey contained in this document will enable AmeriCorps programs to do the required self-evaluations and to plan to meet the accessibility needs of individuals with disabilities who participate in AmeriCorps programs.
Accessibility is an on-going process. Technology, standards, and needs are constantly changing. Architectural accessibility codes of twenty years ago were a few pages long. Today, most codes are well over a hundred pages. Rather than look at this process as a static one, view it as an on-going process that is as much a part of your program as staff development, budgeting and organizational development.
The checklist will enable AmeriCorps programs to conduct a thorough self-evaluation and transition plan. Consider it a management tool that will help you to assess what you have already done to facilitate equal opportunity for people with disabilities and to plan what needs to be done in the future. The checklist addresses requirements of the National and Community Service Trust Act regarding people with disabilities as well as those under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
The purpose of a self-evaluation is to allow you to gather information regarding your organization's level of accessibility in one place and at one time. A good self-evaluation will capture your strengths and weaknesses. It will allow you to develop a concrete plan, based on real data, to increase the level of accessibility in your program.
A transition plan accomplishes the same goals in terms of architectural accessibility. A good transition plan will identify priorities barrier removal and will assist you in developing an annual plan for continuing to do so.
In developing these tools, we have tried to simplify complex issues while maintaining the integrity of the goal of accessibility and for the requirements of the law. Questions regarding specific situations for specific programs will arise and should be expected. Call your State Commission or local resources for additional information.
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