If you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to look around this website to familiarize yourself with who I am.
Before reading more about the volunteer position, please familiarize yourself with the following clarification message.
Many people view me as someone who needs caregiving because they see me as someone who needs help managing my day. I understand that this is an important and necessary job for those with cognitive impairments, but that’s just not me! I am cognitively fully capable of managing my own day, meals and needs – just like you! As a volunteer for me you would me assisting me physically so that I can pursue my passions. Sometimes volunteers come in the with mindset that they are going to “improve” my life, or make my life “better”. While this can be innocently intended, it usually ends up backfiring as this mindset causes volunteers to be overbearing and end up not listening to me and my needs. I do appreciate your careful consideration of the subtle nuances of the position before applying.
To maintain a safe and cohesive team, all volunteers need to pass a criminal background check and follow my paid staffing guidelines.
You can benefit from being a volunteer in the following ways:
- Perhaps you are curious about a paid position with me, but you aren’t sure about what working with someone with a physical disability is like. Volunteering can give you a good taste of what being a paid support staff or an assistant resource coordinator is like. Volunteering could also lead to steady employment.
- An opportunity to learn about the lives of people with alternative abilities without committing to a full-time job.
- Gain useful knowledge and skills for grad school and/or future career .
- Be a part of a team that truly empowers someone who is making a difference in the world. You can get inspired in ways that you have never imagined.