Disabilities and Self-Disclosure

Kentucky AmeriCorps

“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.”
      -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

What does “disability” mean?

• Any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
• Any hidden impairment that is not noticeable in a person's speech, behavior or mobility such as learning disabilities, diabetes, epilepsy, organ disorders and asthma.
  Why should I disclose that I have a disability?
• Designated AmeriCorps personnel must be made aware of any disability in order to provide accommodations to make it possible or easier for a prospective member to serve.
• A person with a disability who does not self-disclose has no protection from discriminatory practices under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
  Self-disclosure: It’s your decision
• Self-disclosure of a disability does not mean everyone will know about your disability. In fact, by law this information must be kept confidential.
• It is up to you to determine how much and to whom information about your disability is disclosed. Keep in mind, however, that efforts to provide reasonable accommodations for you depend on the information you provide. 
  Did you know?
• People with disabilities currently serve as volunteers and AmeriCorps members in Kentucky.
• The Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) currently administers nine AmeriCorps programs with 175 members.
• KCCVS employs a disabilities coordinator who can help you maximize your service experience, minimize adverse effects to other disability resources and guide you through the possibilities of volunteerism.

Join our team and make a difference in your community!

To find out more, contact:

Lanny Taulbee, Disabilities Coordinator
Kentucky Commission on Community
Volunteerism and Service
275 East Main Street, 3W-F
Frankfort, Kentucky 40621
Phone: (502) 564-7420
Toll free: (800) 239-7404
Fax: (502) 564-7478
Lanny.Taulbee@ky.gov
www.volunteerKY.ky.gov