Did you know that the current national value of each volunteer hour is $29.95? When you make the decision to start volunteering, you are making the decision to add value to your life and those in your community. Show
In this blog, we will highlight the benefits of volunteering to help people with disabilities, questions to ask yourself before volunteering, and opportunities to go beyond volunteering with Independent Living Services. Your motives to volunteer may be to help those around you, connect with your community, and bring fulfillment into your life. Volunteering provides benefits to others but the volunteers themselves also tend to see improvements in their physical and mental health. Below are 6 benefits to volunteering that will help you and others live a happier and healthier life.
UDS Can Help You Live A Fuller Life With Our Comprehensive Services: Planning & Support – Our dedicated planning & support teams help manage the care and services you need. Personal Care & Independence – We’ve helped people with disabilities live more independently in their own homes since 1965. Enrichment & Life Skills – Our variety of programs is dedicated to building skills for living well with a disability. Volunteering with People with DisabilitiesWe’ve talked about how volunteering can make a difference in your own life and in those you are helping. Now we will go into more detail on how to volunteer with people with disabilities and a few things to keep in mind. People with physical, intellectual, and sensory disabilities may be more vulnerable and hesitant with you at first. Still, with patience, empathy, and care you will be able to make a difference in their lives. Throughout the process of volunteering, you may be able to teach and counsel others and help them feel more confident in social situations. Volunteering with people with disabilities helps create a more inclusive community and break down common barriers. Here are 3 barriers that are reduced when you volunteer with people with disabilities:
Finding the Right Volunteer OrganizationFind a volunteer opportunity that matches your interest, goals, and personality. Before jumping into the first volunteer opportunity you see, ask yourself some questions to find the right one.
Opportunities to VolunteerNow that you have an idea of how to volunteer with people with disabilities, we have provided some programs with volunteer opportunities. At United Disabilities Service there are many volunteering avenues to choose from. Adult EnrichmentAdult Enrichment is a program that focuses on community integration, independent living skills, and socialization for people with disabilities. Volunteers are able to be guest speakers to the class, present a group activity, or assist during special events. Football and Cheerleading LeagueThis league was created for people with disabilities aged 8 to 21 to get some exercise and connect with their teammates. Volunteers can get involved by becoming a challenger buddy where you will help players on the field and motivate them to do their best. Service DogsIf you are looking for some furry friends to be around, our service dog program is always looking for volunteers. You have the option to train puppies for a couple of months, socialize with the puppies in our kennel, or assist us in planning our special events. Going Beyond VolunteeringThe benefits of volunteering go hand in hand with the benefits of becoming a caregiver. Independent Living Service is hiring people with a passion for helping others and connecting with their community. As a caregiver, you will have the opportunity to work with people recovering from an illness or injury, people who are aging, and individuals with physical disabilities. We will provide training for you to obtain all the necessary skills you need to succeed as a caregiver so all you need is the compassion to start your career. Interested in volunteering with United Disability Services or becoming a caregiver at Independent Living Services?Contact us today for more information on how to volunteer with people with disabilities.Contact Us Today Can I volunteer if I have a disability?A: Yes, many organisations can provide a variety of access and support needs. You can discuss any support needs you have with the organisation you are interested in volunteering with.
How can you volunteer to help someone with physical disabilities?Find a local organization
Chances are, there are already active organizations helping people with disabilities in your community. Check out the local chapters of Volunteers of America, Easter Seals, Respectability, ServiceSource, and the Arc. You may find remote or regional volunteer opportunities on their websites.
Can people with limited mobility volunteer?No problem. There are countless volunteer opportunities out there with workers needed in a variety of areas. Having a disability does not have to keep you from taking one (or many) of these opportunities.
What are examples of the kind of support and services most helpful to persons with disabilities?More Services for Persons with Disabilities. Adult Day Health Screens.. Adult Family Care.. Benefits Counseling.. Community Nursing Facility Screens.. Congregate Housing.. Farm to Home Food Program.. Healthy Living.. Home Care Services.. |