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HOW TO UTILIZE DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

Presenters:Sharon Drosos C.P.R.P.Volunteer Coordinatorsdrosos@trbh.org

Dorothy L. Jones BT, C.P.R.P.Volunteer Project Specialistdjones@trbh.org

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www.trbh.org

TRIPLE R VOLUNTEER CORPS

Established: April, 2002Unduplicated volunteers: 780Monthly average: 90 volunteersDonated hours: 160,000Community worth: $2,700,000 (according to national averages)

Weekly Community Activities: 35-40 Volunteers disabled: 100%

“ We are individuals, we are your children, your mothers and fathers, your brothers and sisters. We come together from different backgrounds, different situations. Some of us held jobs from all the rungs of the corporate ladder. Some of us sacrificed years protecting our county. No matter where we come from, we were humbled due to circumstances beyond our control. Our dreams and fears held us captive. We felt like a burden. Our dreams and fears don’t hold us captive anymore. By volunteering we are free, we have worth. Giving of our time frees us of our burdens. Being able to make a difference changes us for the better. We aren’t asking for recognition. Though when given it we shine even brighter. We are a group of individuals who only want to make our world a better place. WE ARE THE TRIPLE R VOLUNTEER CORPS”

BY: CHARLEY GREENE

In th

e w

ords

of a

vol

unte

er…

WHAT WILL WE BE COVERING?

• People with disabilities have the same issues all people struggle with plus stigma associated with their illnesses.

• Organizational opportunities to recruit and retain disabled volunteers

• Areas of interest to better utilize disabled volunteers through service learning efforts and creative training for staff.

• Studies have shown that people with mental, developmental or physical disabilities have difficulty in using resources…how can we better reach out to them?

•To improve the community•To give back•Networking and socialization•To help others in need•Hope for the future•To be a part of something greater than yourself•To gain work experience•To learn new skills

WHY DO WE VOLUNTEER?

J

L

J

WHY DO THE DISABLED VOLUNTEER?

• To improve the community• To give back• To help others in need• Networking and socialization• Hope for the future• To be a part of something greater than yourself• To gain work experience• To learn new work skills

APPROXIMATELY 20% OF THE POPULATION IS DISABLED IN SOME

WAY.

A person who experiences a physical or mental impairment which has a significant long term adverse effect on his ability to carry out normal day to day activities is disabled.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE DISABLED?

Disabled people experience exclusion

from mainstream volunteer opportunities

due to: environmental, attitudinal and organizational

barriers…

Disabled people experience exclusion

from mainstream volunteer opportunities

due to: environmental, attitudinal and organizational

barriers…

rather than the affects of their impairments.

Is your agency making accommodations for volunteers who have:

Is your agency making accommodations for volunteers who have:

•Mental health issues (depression, schizophrenia)•Learning disabilities (Autism, Down’s Syndrome)•Sensory impairments (hearing or sight)•Physical impairments (difficulty in moving body parts)•Communication difficulties (speech impairments)

INCLUSIVE VOLUNTEERISMINCLUSIVE VOLUNTEERISM

• Means making volunteering accessible to everyone.

• Does not exclude for disabilities, this is discrimination.

• Addresses the societal problem of disablism.

• Is beneficial to your organization

• Means making volunteering accessible to everyone.

• Does not exclude for disabilities, this is discrimination.

• Addresses the societal problem of disablism.

• Is beneficial to your organization

INCLUSIVE VOLUNTEERISMINCLUSIVE VOLUNTEERISM

• Benefits your organization by giving you a larger pool of volunteers.

• It attracts a more diverse volunteer base.

• Provides for a wider range of skills and perspectives.

• Makes you more flexible.• Better reflects the community as a

whole.• Offers increased opportunities to

develop community relations and partnerships.

• Helps broaden your client group’s understanding of diversity.

• Benefits your organization by giving you a larger pool of volunteers.

• It attracts a more diverse volunteer base.

• Provides for a wider range of skills and perspectives.

• Makes you more flexible.• Better reflects the community as a

whole.• Offers increased opportunities to

develop community relations and partnerships.

• Helps broaden your client group’s understanding of diversity.

DIVERSITY IN VOLUNTEERSDIVERSITY IN VOLUNTEERS

• Breaks down preconceived stereotypes of volunteers and improves your profile in the community.

• Brings a breath of fresh air whenever you involve people with new ideas and perspectives.

• It becomes a stigma buster for the disabled who volunteer.

• Breaks down preconceived stereotypes of volunteers and improves your profile in the community.

• Brings a breath of fresh air whenever you involve people with new ideas and perspectives.

• It becomes a stigma buster for the disabled who volunteer.

ORGANIZATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO RECRUIT AND RETAIN DISABLED

VOLUNTEERS

TRANSPORTATION costs are generally higher than the average for the disabled.

• Include in your policies rapid reimbursement of expenses.• Do not approximate expenses, they need to be exact or it will

look like you are paying them for their services. • Don’t require everyone to claim expenses, there should be no

stigma attached for those who do not want it.

HEALTH AND SAFETY must be taken into consideration.

• When assessing risk a volunteer’s age and impairment matter, but only to avoid risks.

• Provide easy access to Emergency Evacuation Procedures and escape routes.

• Have First Aid equipment and supplies available and up to date.

• Provide health and safety training for all your employees and volunteers.

• PHYSICAL ACCESSIBILITY is a must.

• Are your toilets handicapped accessible?• Are their clear signs in place with symbols

and Braille as well as legible print?• Are their Emergency Evacuation procedures

for warning the hearing or visually impaired?• Can the width of your doors accommodate

an electric wheelchair?• Is your lighting good?

I I

Y

ASK YOUR DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

TO CONDUCT AN ACCESS AUDIT

OF YOUR BUILDINGS.

AREAS OF INTEREST TO BETTER UTILIZE

DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING

EFFORTS AND CREATIVE

TRAINING FOR THE STAFF

AREAS OF INTEREST TO BETTER UTILIZE

DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

THROUGH SERVICE LEARNING

EFFORTS AND CREATIVE

TRAINING FOR THE STAFF

• NEGATIVE ATTITUDES ABOUT THE DISABLED usually stem from lack of knowledge and fear. People fear what they do not understand.

• Disability awareness and equality training for the managers and staff are the key to success.

• Trainings should be delivered by someone with a disability.

• If there are no disabled trainers there are a wide variety of resources available to obtain outside trainers.

• GOOD COMMUNICATION is always a key to success.

• Make sure people with disabilities are spoken to directly…avoid making assumptions about anyone else’s needs.

• Ask the method of communication that is best for them, be it e-mail, phone, face to face, sign language, interpreter or even a communication board.

• If the person uses an interpreter…do not address your comments to the interpreter…address the person. If they read lips make sure they can see your lips while you are talking…turn towards them.

• VISUALLY IMPAIRED volunteers may need extra helps or programs to enlarge the screens of computers, magnifiers, braille, large print or audiotapes.

• MOBILITY IMPAIRED volunteers use wheelchairs, canes, walkers or scooters as aids. They need easy access to areas they will use. Their aids are their property and should not be leaned on or grabbed inappropriately. Don’t give assistance unless they asked for it. Always try to address them at eye level. Sit down if they are in a wheelchair. If you are standing, stand back so they aren’t uncomfortable looking up.

• LEARNING DISABLED volunteers might need things repeated . They may need to be coached or mentored. It is important to make every volunteer feel accepted. Match the task with the volunteer to insure success.

• SPEECH IMPAIRED volunteers can be among the most excluded in our society. It is a common misconception that people who cannot talk, can’t think either. That is totally wrong. Oftentimes they just need pencil and paper or a computer to communicate their needs. Ask them to repeat what they are saying or go more slowly, but never tell them you understand them if you don’t. Some people have communication boards or mats…or even synthesizers to help their communication.

• LEARNING DISABLED volunteers might need things repeated . They may need to be coached or mentored. It is important to make every volunteer feel accepted. Match the task with the volunteer to insure success.

• SPEECH IMPAIRED volunteers can be among the most excluded in our society. It is a common misconception that people who cannot talk, can’t think either. That is totally wrong. Oftentimes they just need pencil and paper or a computer to communicate their needs. Ask them to repeat what they are saying or go more slowly, but never tell them you understand them if you don’t. Some people have communication boards or mats…or even synthesizers to help their communication.

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT PEOPLE WITH MENTAL,

DEVELOPMENTAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITIES

ARE UNAWARE OF RESOURCES IN THE COMMUNITY…

HOW CAN WE BETTER REACH OUT TO THEM?

• There is a correlation between social integration and physical and mental well being.

• Volunteering is a form of social integration.

• The physically and mentally ill lose a number of roles in life when they become disabled.

• The loss of roles decreases life satisfaction in that meaningful roles are lost or put aside.

• There is a correlation between social integration and physical and mental well being.

• Volunteering is a form of social integration.

• The physically and mentally ill lose a number of roles in life when they become disabled.

• The loss of roles decreases life satisfaction in that meaningful roles are lost or put aside.

• Volunteer experiences not only re-integrate into society, they also bring self-validation, which improves mental health and self esteem.

• Volunteering brings with it the knowledge that you are making a difference.

• Studies show that the disabled generally are not aware of resources to get out to volunteer, because of social isolation due to illnesses.

1. Be prepared to challenge or be

challenged.2. Think outside the box. 3. Communicate clearly about the role

of the volunteer and your organization.

4. Train to address negative attitudes of the staff and even other volunteers or clients.

5. Check what is the best form of communication to use with each individual volunteer.

1. Be prepared to challenge or be

challenged.2. Think outside the box. 3. Communicate clearly about the role

of the volunteer and your organization.

4. Train to address negative attitudes of the staff and even other volunteers or clients.

5. Check what is the best form of communication to use with each individual volunteer.

TEN TIPS FOR WORKING WITH DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

TEN TIPS FOR WORKING WITH DISABLED VOLUNTEERS

6. Be prepared to be flexible.7. Concentrate on people’s abilities, not

disabilities.8. Listen to the volunteer, they understand

their potential better than you do…don’t assume anything.

9. Include them and make them feel a part of the team.

10. Remember what the volunteer can do for you and not what you can do for them.

6. Be prepared to be flexible.7. Concentrate on people’s abilities, not

disabilities.8. Listen to the volunteer, they understand

their potential better than you do…don’t assume anything.

9. Include them and make them feel a part of the team.

10. Remember what the volunteer can do for you and not what you can do for them.

Triple R Volunteer Corps

….is on the move…. …….Activities Overview

Maricopa County Animal Control - Provide basic animal care: walking, feeding and maintaining cages. Given opportunities to watch surgical procedures and training methods. Volunteer is still in position on her own no longer supported by Volunteer Program.

Capri Nursing Center - Calling Bingo for the elderly

New Life Center - Help with clothing distribution and general upkeep of their Goodyear facility

Arizona Humane Society - General animal clean up, maintaining cages, washing out feeding containers

Immanuel Gardens Nursing Center – Assisted Activities Director with activities for the elderly and assisted the maintenance crew.

St. Vincent de Paul Mesa and Phoenix - Helping feed the homeless on the food line, cleaning tables, distributing water and cleaning up afterwards.  Indian Steel Park Tree Planting - One time activity planting trees at the renovated park. .  

TRIPLE R VOLUNTEER CORPSActivity Overview

• DUCKs Downtown Urban Community Kids - Helping with after school program for urban and downtown children. Volunteers help with gym, homework, snacks and reading to the children twice weekly.

• • Aglow International Conference - Helped General Conference Support Team with stuffing

conference packets and general mailings, loading, unloading & setup of equipment at the State Capitol, provided general assistance during the 2-day conference

• • Sojourner – Unloading, marking and maintaining clothing and household items to benefit

abused women and children. • OK Socialites – Distributing materials and greeting

• Ozanam Manor - Helped with maintenance at a shelter for homeless men

• Sun West Animal Rescue – Assist with general maintenance and care of cats and dogs two days a week

• Haven of Hope – Helped with wrapping and collecting Christmas toys for indigent children. Assisted with packing food boxes and care packages for the homeless.

• •

Volunteer Activity Overview• Water Drops for the Homeless – Distributing water bottles to the homeless in the summer

months. • • Sweetwater Church - Helped arrange books in library, assisted with packing and marking of

items to be sold in auction • • Spinal Cord Injury Association - Partnered with them to help distribute toys to the

servicemen’s families for Christmas.• • SVDP Loading Docks – Unloading trucks. • • Main Kitchen SVDP – Food preparation and packing lunches for the homeless.• • Williams Air Force Reserves – Assisted with party for families of soldiers serving in Iraq.

Monitored games and helped serve food •

More Activities• HALO – No kill shelters for animals, we help take care of the kittens. • • Petsmart – Supplied Santa Clauses and helpers at Christmas time for pictures of pets. • • Arizona Diabetic Association – Tour de Cure Bike ride for a cure for diabetes.• • City of Phoenix Southwest Senior Center – Teach beading and arts and crafts classes.• • KJZZ Radio Station – Put together mailings and goodie bags. • • NAMI WALK 2007 – Walking for Recovery• • Regional Unity Walk 2007, 08 – Walking to support diversity in cultures…handing out water

bottles and cheering people over the finish line.• • B.A.D. Bikers Against Diabetes 2007 -Stuffed literature at the main office.• •

REFERENCES

• Myths and Courtesy Tips for Working with Disabled Volunteers by Nan Hawthorne, CyberVPM.com

• Toolkit for involving older disabled volunteers Thttp://www.volunteering.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/207D7D73-6EB4-4DC6-8CF7-8D58A9E8AD78/0/G_Toolkitforinvolvingolderdisabledvolunteers_FINAL.pdf

REFERENCES & RESOURCES

• DISABLED VOLUNTEER CONNECTIONS http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cybervpm/message/7200

• DIVERSITY & INCLUSION http://www.energizeinc.com/art/subj/div.html

• TIPS FORMANAGING VOLUNTEERS WITH DISABILITIES • http://www.multiview.com/briefs/ahvrp/

AHVRP051409.php

• MENTAL HEALTH LINKS http://www.energizeinc.com/art/subj/div.html

LINKS TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES

• MAGELLAN HEALTH SERVICES http://magellanofaz.com/

• TERROS http://www.terros.org/• ST. LUKES

http://www.stlukesmedcenter.com/• AZ DEPT OF HEALTH SERVICES

http://www.azdhs.gov/bhs/

• CRISIS HOTLINE…. 602-222-94444