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
Lois Barnhart accepted the position of the Disability Outreach Coordinator in October, 2009. Lois has 28 years of experience working in the field of Human Services: eighteen years with The Illinois Department of Human Services working with persons who have developmental disabilities. Many of these individuals experienced sensory and/or physical disabilities as well.
During her years of service Lois acquired training from the Helen Keller National Center, Department of Human Services and Illinois State Board of Education Department of Adult Vocational and Technical Education in the areas of sign, tactile and object communication, mobility training and accommodations.
Lois has six years experience working with youth who experienced emotional and behavioral health issues. In addition, Lois has four years experience working with senior citizens, utilizing accommodations and networking with senior support systems.
Lois' goal has been to improve the quality of life for those she serves. She remains committed to that goal and looks forward to being of service as Disability Outreach Coordinator for Serve Illinois.
Contact Information
Lois Barnhart
500 Anchor Rd.
Dixon, IL 61021
Phone: 815-288-6691 ext. 282
TTY: 815-288-5931
E-mail Lois Barnhart
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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
About Volunteerism
Volunteer Opportunities
Disaster Preparedness
Disability Services and Resources in Illinois
Resources for AmeriCorps programs
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Adobe's Acrobat Reader is required to view documents provided in PDF format. 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.