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Expert Forum Question- How to Help?

Last post Mon, Apr 21 2008 5:00 PM by nancycccslp. 1 replies.

• Duchess

  Posts: 8

  • Expert Forum Question- How to Help...
  • Posted: Mon, Apr 21 2008 2:42 PM

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  • Ms. Nancy Stein,

     

    Thanks for answering questions. I have one for you. How can an older, childless woman with a disability volunteer with special education programs, in order to provide children with disabilities with a strong role model? Will it be thought of as strange or unorthodox to volunteer when one does not have a relative in the school system?

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• nancycccslp

  Posts: 11

  • Re: Expert Forum Question- How...
  • Posted: Mon, Apr 21 2008 5:00 PM

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  • Every program has its own philosophy of volunteerism. In my school, which is a private school for special-needs children ages 2-8, we consider ourselves highly fortunate to have a wonderful group of volunteers, several of whom have varying disabilities of their own. We have many volunteers, of varying ages. High school seniors during the summer, retired folks throughout the year. Each adds to our program and is welcome. Volunteers, in general, are screened as carefully as staff. I understand this; security in today's world is paramount. We use volunteers in the classroom, in reading programs, out on the playground; they are an important part of our staff. I'm typing this and smiling, many a difficult afternoon has been greatly relieved by the appearance of Sue, an older volunteer with almost limitless patience. I would strongly recommend contacting a local program/local school district and asking if they allow volunteers. Explain what your own goals are; how you would like to demonstrate to the children that you may have disabilities, but disabilities don't have you! Be specific as to times; maybe a library reading time? Music? Those 2 hours when the staff is trying to take turns having their lunch? And by the way, NOT having a child in the system makes you more desirable. Our parent groups run many important functions during the year (Staff Appreciation lunch, school pictures, book sale day, pumpkin picking, circus in the summer) but they are NOT allowed to be in a classroom as a volunteer. Privacy considerations preclude that possibility. I think the parents understand our position there.

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