The New York State Office of National and Community Service encourages and assists
national service and other community volunteer programs to actively recruit and
engage persons with disabilities as participants in service programs and volunteers.
The Commission, through its Disability Outreach and Accommodations Grant, provides,
upon request, reasonable accommodations and services necessary to afford an individual
with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in all national service programs
and activities. Attached you will find the Grant Overview
and the 2008 ADA Announcement, which includes application
materials. To request materials in an alternative format, contact us at (518) 473-8882
or e-mail us at stefanie.perez@ocfs.state.ny.us.
We are very happy to report that Congress recently passed and the President signed
the HEART Act, which contains a provision
that excludes AmeriCorps benefits from being counted as income for purposes of eligibility
for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Details of the Act are in the attached HEART
Act document.
We have attached resources and effective practices for schools, community based
organizations, faith based organizations, other non profit organizations, corporations
and businesses on how to "recruit, engage and provide accommodations for persons
with disabilities who want to serve."
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
ADA Home page - This site includes links to several
Federal Agencies with ADA responsibilities, a guide to other disability rights laws,
questions about child care centers and service animals.
US Department of
Transportation - The Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
is responsible for civil rights compliance and monitoring to ensure non-discriminatory
provision of transit services.
Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center
- A comprehensive resource for information on the ADA and accessible information
technology. The Disability and Business Technical Assistance Center can also be
reached by phone at (800) 949-4232 V/TTY
DisabilityInfo.gov - This site provides
easy access to comprehensive information about disability programs, services, laws
and benefits.
If you would like more information about how to recruit persons with disabilities
and/or provide reasonable accommodations, or if you are disabled and want help volunteering,
please contact the New York State Office on National and Community Service Disabilities
Coordinator Stefanie Perez at (518) 473-8882 or
Stefanie.Perez@ocfs.state.ny.us.