Volunteer Opportunities in Kansas City

Volunteer With Ability KC

Make a Difference in Your Community

Ability KC works with hundreds of volunteers every year to help make a difference in the lives of individuals and families across the Kansas City community.

Their hard work and selflessness make a significant difference in the lives of children and adults with disabilities while participating in services at Ability KC. Volunteers like you make milestone moments possible by donating their time, talents and unique skills day-to-day and at our annual fundraising events.

Teacher at preschool pushing children on swings on playground

How Volunteering At Ability KC Works

Whether lending a hand in our therapeutic preschool classrooms, assisting our therapists to provide high-quality care, or by working behind the scenes, volunteers have an incredible impact on Ability KC’s mission.

You can join our mission to build brighter futures for individuals with disabilities by becoming an Ability KC volunteer. Simply submit an application for the volunteer opportunity of your choice, and our team will be in contact to conduct an interview and determine the best place placement for you.

Pediatric patient in blue smiling with two therapists

Volunteer Opportunities Available at Ability KC

Adult & Pediatric Therapeutic Day Programs

The CARF-accredited outpatient medical rehabilitation day health program for infants through adults helps individuals who have experienced an injury or illness that has significantly impacted physical and/or cognitive function. Our day health program services provide a transition from inpatient rehabilitation for individuals who no longer require 24-hour medical or nursing support. The day programs offer the opportunity to volunteer directly with Ability KC staff, therapists, patients and families

Requirements

Volunteers must meet certain age requirements and follow specific procedures before joining the team. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

Schedule

Hours/days can be flexible – volunteer availability mid-day is preferred.

Morning (8AM – 12PM)
Afternoon (1PM – 4PM)
Lunch Hour (12PM – 1PM)

Therapeutic Preschool

The Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool is NAEYC accredited and serves children with and without disabilities. Classrooms have a 1:4 ratio to ensure the level of support needed for each child. Volunteering in the therapeutic classroom requires a weekly commitment either in the morning or afternoon. Volunteer opportunities at the therapeutic preschool offers more interaction and hands-on experience.

Requirements

Volunteers must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures before joining the team. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and have the physical ability to safely work with children at floor level. Please consider if you have adequate time to set up a consistent schedule as we require a weekly commitment.

Schedule

Morning Class (8AM – 11:30 AM)
Afternoon Class (12:30PM – 3:30PM ages 3-5 or 1:30PM – 3:30PM ages infant – 3 years)

SAILS Program (Successful Adult Independent Living Skills)

Successful Adult Independent Living Skills (SAILS) is a program for individuals that have advanced from our day health program. Patients in SAILS are working towards independent living after an injury or illness.

Requirements

Volunteers must meet certain requirements and follow specific procedures before joining the team. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age and be physically able to safely work with individuals of all abilities is required.

Schedule

Hours/days can be flexible. Volunteer availability Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings are preferred.

Summer Therapies

Volunteers are paired up with a program participant as they receive specific programming. Summer therapies are typically focused on occupational therapy.

Requirements

Volunteers are required to commit to 2 days per week over the course of 4 weeks from either 8:30AM – 12:30PM or 11:30AM – 4:30 PM.

 

For additional information about summer therapy volunteer opportunities, please contact Janet Padley, Administrative Director of Medical Rehabilitation, Pediatric and Adolescent Therapies and Education Services at 816.751.7719.

Adaptive Swim Sessions

Volunteers act as a swim buddy to a child with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 10 years old while they learn to swim in a class lead by an Occupational or Physical Therapist.

Requirements

Must have some type of water training and experience.

Schedule

8 week sessions are held throughout the year on Friday afternoons from 3:00PM – 5:00PM.

 

For additional information about Adaptive Swim Sessions, please contact Gemma Zook, Event Manager at 816.751.7932.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Brighter Future Starts Here

Please feel free to reach out to our team regarding any questions or comments you may have.

a woman stretching with helper