Volunteer

FAQs

What are the different volunteer opportunities 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) or 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) or Afternoon Class (12:30PM – 3:30PM ages 3-5 0r 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.

How do I apply to be a volunteer at Ability KC?

All of those who are interested in applying to volunteer with Ability KC can do so through our website, on the volunteer page under the “Application” tab. OR by contacting the Events Manager, Gemma Zook, at gemma.zook@abilitykc.org.

What happens once I submit my volunteer application?

Our Manager of Events and Operations will contact you within three days to conduct an interview and discuss available volunteer opportunities, which will help determine the best volunteer placement for you.
After the interview, our Manager of Events and Operations will send you the required paperwork to review and sign. The required documents can be completed and submitted electronically, through the postal service, or in-person at Ability KC.
Once you have completed the paperwork, along with any other requirements dependent on volunteer position we will schedule an orientation. During the orientation volunteers are familiarized with the location, expectations and to whom they will report. During the orientation the Volunteer Manual including the Code of Conduct and Volunteer Policy will be reviewed. Additional paperwork may be required.
After your orientation you will be contacted through email with the supervisor you will report to, and from there you will establish a volunteer schedule with your supervisor.

How do I volunteer for special events?

Groundhog Run
Groundhog Run has been one of Kansas City’s favorite 5K/10K events since 1982. Each year thousands of runners fill the SubTropolis at Hunt Midwest for a 100% underground race experience. All of our runners are supporting a bigger cause when they register for Groundhog Run – the children receiving services at Ability KC.

For additional information about Groundhog Run, event volunteer opportunities, or to register as a volunteer please visit our Groundhog Run event page.

Wheelchair Wash
Each spring and fall, Ability KC hosts a free Wheelchair Wash for community members who use power and manual wheelchairs. Volunteers will assist with cleaning.

For additional information please contact Events Manager, Gemma Zook at gemma.zook@abilitykc.org.

Health Screening

Download Health Screening Acknowledgement

In an effort to reduce the risk of infectious disease exposure we are asking that you answer the following health screening questions -
Have you had the measles or know that you have immunity to measles? * Required
- Yes
- No
The MMR vaccine or medical waiver will be required for anyone that might be a risk prior to starting volunteering and/or interning.
Have you had any exposure to an infectious disease within the last 90-days? * Required
- Yes
- No
Exposure conditions considered high risk other than to the typical flu or cold will need to be reviewed/approved by Ability KC's Infection Control Coordinator prior to start of volunteering at Ability KC.
Signature * Required
Volunteer name as it appears on your Volunteer Application. * Required
First Last
Email
Phone

Marketing Authorization

Marketing Authorization * Required
Ability KC is required by law to obtain your authorization for any use or disclosure of your protected health information (PHI) for purposes other than treatment, payment or health care operations. This includes any photograph, video, or identifying information obtained through any interview for the Ability KC website, social media channels, teaching materials, news media, patients, employees, agents of Ability KC, and/or other marketing materials. By providing my signature, I hereby authorize Ability KC, its employees, representatives, and directors to use and/or disclose photographs and/or videos taken of myself or of my child by Ability KC, their assignees such as contracted photographers, or the news media. I release Ability KC from all claims and demands arising out of or in connection with any use of said materials, including without limitation, all claims for HIPAA violations, invasion of privacy, infringement or my right of publicity, defamation, and any other personal and/or property rights. These materials may not be used for the promotion of other organizations without the written consent from an Ability KC agent. I acknowledge and authorize direct and indirect disclosures. I hereby waive and release Ability KC from any and all claims, liabilities, losses, and demands arising from any disclosure of PHI that directly or indirectly results from the Ability KC website, social channels, teaching materials, news media, or other marketing materials. I understand I may refuse to sign this authorization and such refusal will in no way affect my treatment, payment or enrollment in a health plan, or eligibility for benefits. I understand that by signing this authorization, I release and discharge Ability KC from any liability and will hold Ability KC harmless for any release made pursuant to this authorization.
Please select how we may use photos, videos or other information as related to your participation at Ability KC * Required
- Select All
- For treatment only, to be viewed by those working directly with me or my child.
- To include in clinic or classroom materials.
- For internal Ability KC staff trainings.
- For external trainings (including parents, community members, or professionals)
- For fundraising and marketing materials, collateral, etc.
- For the Ability KC website, social channels and other digital platforms.
Are you under 18 years old? * Required
- Yes
- No
If under 18, a guardian's signature is required.
By signing this you certify that you are a parent/guardian authorized to complete this release on behalf of the minor.
Volunteer name as it appears on your Volunteer Application * Required
First Last
Email
Phone

FAQs

What are the different volunteer opportunities at Ability KC?

How do I apply to be a volunteer at Ability KC?

What happens once I submit my volunteer application?

How do I volunteer for special events?

Application

Section Break

Section Break

HIPAA Agreement

Health Screening

Marketing Authorization

Have questions?

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