[Community-service] A disabled persons standpoint on community Service

[Darian Smith]

National Service Blog

National Service

The Inclusive Power of Service

By Kate Enos

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Jennifer Byerly, 47, of Rockport, Indiana weathered the trials and
tribulations of life, but has made the most of her circumstances
through her service
with AmeriCorps. She has also become a champion for those with
intellectual disabilities.

After surviving a devastating car accident in 2004, Byerly learned
that she had sustained a ttraumatic brain injury. She now suffers from
partial epilepsy,
a minor learning disability, and can no longer drive. Rather than
focusing on what she lost in the accident, Byerly is focusing on her
abilities and giving
back.

“I wanted to focus on my abilities, not my disability which led me to
AmeriCorps,” said Byerly.

In 2009, Byerly became an AmeriCorps member with the Green River Area
Development based in Owensboro, Kentucky where she assisted the Senior
Connections
program by preparing and delivering meals-on-wheels, providing respite
care, locating programs for reduced or free prescription medications,
educating
seniors on changing Medicare benefits, and assisting clients with
finding employment across Western Kentucky.

Byerly also helped the newly-established Veterans Administration
Clinic in Owensboro launch their homeless outreach pantry which
provides homeless veterans
with necessities including tents, socks, gloves, and coats. She also
joined the Medical Reserve Corps and became a volunteer with the
American Red Cross.

“Through AmeriCorps and the Medical Reserve Corps, I became in tune
with service leadership, allowing me to advocate on behalf of those
with access and
functional needs while also being able to give back – we all have a
debt to repay, no matter our circumstance.”

Reaching the Disability Community

Through AmeriCorps, Byerly was able to identify key problems in
reaching the disability community and innovative solutions to improve
services and outreach
in Indiana, leading her to apply for a grant on the issue .

“I saw isolation as a main issue that arises in disabilities circles –
the key is to connect with one another to ensure our issues and voices
are being
heard.”

Byerly proposed three solutions: asking if individuals are registered
to vote, promoting emergency preparedness and planning among people
with disabilities,
and providing opportunities to volunteer in the community.

Her proposal garnered the attention of state officials who awarded
Byerly with a $50,000 grant to carry out her plan and fund her
position as a Certified
Recovery Specialist at the Rockport Indiana Engagement Center.

“Service has the power to include all and build your confidence. It
empowers you to step out of your comfort zone and take on leadership
roles. Because
of AmeriCorps, I know what are my talents and skills in my new life.”

Keywords:
AmeriCorps
Inclusion
Disability
Indiana
RedCross
Veterans
Medical
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Posted on 12/9/2011


-- 
Darian Smith

"To dream what is possible and to put oneself in service of that dream is the
formula
for a life well lived."

- Dr. Peter Benson