All of those who are interested in applying to volunteer with Ability KC can do so by applying below OR by contacting the Development and Events Manager, Gemma Zook, at gemma.zook@abilitykc.org.
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.
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.
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
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Our Manager of Development and Events 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 Development and Events Manager 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.
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Yes! Ability KC holds a number of special events throughout the calendar year that require the help of dedicated volunteers. Please view our Events page for information on upcoming events.
A Brighter Future Starts Here
Please feel free to reach out to our team regarding any questions or comments you may have.
