RAMP’s Volunteer Orientation

1. RAMP’sVolunteer Orientation

2. Things to cover today: • History of Centers for Independent Living • SCIL – who we are • Volunteer Procedures & Policies • Tips for the day of the build • Complete all forms

3. History of Centers for Independent Living • Centers for Independent Living (CIL’s) spurred from the national Civil Rights Movement • Ed Roberts established the first CIL in Berkeley, Californiain 1972 • Advocated for his right to access to education at UC Berkeley • Started a CIL to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities (400 in the U.S. today)

4. For PWD, By PWD 51% of CIL staff and Board members must be Persons with Disabilities (PWD) CIL’s are unique because we are PWD helping other PWD live as independently as possible

5. SCIL’s Mission To promote a barrier-free environment for all individuals with disabilities through public education and advocacy for social change, and to provide a full range of independent living services which will assist each in progressing toward his or her goals for independence.

6. SCIL – Who We Are • Opened in 1986 • Serve 8 counties in southwest Missouri • Christian • Dallas • Greene • Lawrence • Polk • Webster • Stone • Taney • Branson branch office serves Stone and Taney Counties

7. 4 Core Services provided by CIL’s • Information and Referral • Peer Support • Independent Living Skills Training • Advocacy (Individual and Systemic) What Makes a CIL a CIL?

8. SCIL – Who We Are Beyond the 4 Core Services, SCIL offers… Personal Care Services Assisting Consumers Through Technology Renovations and Modification Programs Youth Services

9. Disability Etiquette

10. PEOPLE FIRST language • Put the personfirst, not the disability • Disability is only a part of what makes up an individual Examples: • Person with a disability vs. disabled person • Person with Diabetes vs. Diabetic • Individual with a visual impairment vs. visually impaired • He uses a wheelchair vs. wheelchair bound

11. Basic Tips Be yourself  As in any new situation, everyone will feel more comfortable if you are relaxed. Meeting someone with a visible disability When you meet someone with a visible disability, extend your hand to shake if that’s what you normally do. A person without the use of their hands will let you know, but will appreciate being treated in a normal way. If you are meeting a blind person, identify yourself verbally as he cannot rely on visual cues.

12. Basic Tips Helping Do not automatically give assistance; ask first. Follow their cues. Be the assistant, not the director. Don't be offended if someone refuses your assistance. It's their choice to be as independent as they can be. Communication Talk directly to the person, not to an aide, friend, or interpreter. If the person has a speech impairment, listen carefully. Ask him to repeat if you don't understand. If the person doesn't understand you when you speak, try again. If the person a hearing impairment, follow his lead; use gestures or write. If the person uses a wheelchair, sit at eye level with him.

13. Just Remember Curiosity is natural; however, you may be afraid to ask questions for fear of being rude or violating the provisions of the ADA. Remember - it is okay to ask if you’re unsure about anything.

14. Procedures & Policies

15. MINORS & THOSE WITH LEGAL GUARDIANS Those under age 18 or with Legal Guardians may still volunteer with written consent of parent or guardian.

16. How SCIL benefits from Volunteers VOLUNTEERS help to: • Assist in fulfilling goals and the mission • Provide a meaningful link to the community we serve • Offer valuable input regarding programs and operations

17. Great resume builder Get active Helping others Have fun with new people Get connected Expand your horizons Learn new skills Benefits to volunteering….Great way to grow YOU!

18. We have many opportunities throughout the year for you to volunteer • Event workers (DATR, dances, banquets, social clubs, etc.) • Gardeners/Landscapers • Readers • Youth Group Assistants • Administrative Assistants • Marketing/Graphic Design Assistants • Assistive Technology equipment assembler/repairs

19. TRANSPORTATION Volunteers must provide their own transportation to and from location, but we suggest CARPOOLING when possible!!

20. Dress Code Dress appropriately for the conditions and project Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty NO LOOSE CLOTHES!!

21. CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS • Background screenings are required for allvolunteers • (Family Care Safety Registry - DHSS regulations)

22. Consumers’ names & addresses Services provided Diagnoses/disabilities Personal information of any kind CONFIDENTIALITY

23. Media Communication Volunteers are not permitted to make any statements to the media as a SCIL representative • Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.) • Including TV, radio, newspaper, etc. • This is the job of the CEO

24. Political and Civic Activities SCIL recognizes the right of volunteers to participate in political and civic activities. - All such activity must be conducted on your own time and without the use of SCIL’s name, logo or materials.

25. Risk Management and Safety Both SCIL and volunteers must comply with the federal and state regulations for training and protective equipment.

26. SCIL is a drug-free facility • No use, possession, transportation, distribution or sale of narcotics, illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia by any volunteer while on SCIL property • Cannot be under the influence of any such substances or alcohol • No prescription drug shall be brought upon the premises unless it is doctor-prescribed for you and in the proper packaging

27. SCIL does not tolerate harassment of any kind! • Sexual harassment: - unwelcome sexual advances, request for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. • General harassment: - unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that belittles or shows hostility or aversion toward someone If you ever feel harassed or offended by anyone in the course of volunteering, let us know immediately!

28. Conflicts of interest that violate SCIL policy: • Borrowing or lending money from any consumer, volunteer, supplier or competitor of SCIL. • Accepting gifts of any kind from any consumer, volunteer, supplier or competitor of SCIL. • Engaging in intimate social relationships with any consumer, volunteer, supplier, or staff that could create issues which may affect SCIL

29. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES BE FAMILIAR WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS PAY ATTENTION TO FORECAST, WARNINGS Safety

30. COMMUNICATION – tell us your thoughts! Crucial to the volunteer experience Lack of communication can have many implications Everyone has a role in effective communication

31. Why is RAMP’s so important? • All individuals who receive a ramp have a significant disability • All are at 80% or below the state mandated poverty level of income • Average time on waiting list is 6 – 10 months • Approximately 75 individuals on the waiting list at any given time • Lack the support of others who can volunteer to build • Helps remove that barrier that keeps them a prisoner in their home

32. Preparing for the day of the build… What to bring: Water Fitted clothing (no loose garments) Closed-toed shoes (no flip-flops) Gloves Sunscreen Eye-protection (goggles/sunglasses)

33. Tools of the Trade Power tools you may be using: • Hammer • Sander • Electric Saw • Power Drill • Post Hole Digger (at some sites) Remember, NO LOOSE CLOTHING AROUND POWER TOOLS!!!

34. ADA and RAMPS • ADA ramps require 1’ of ramp for every 1” of rise (a 12” rise would need 12’ of ramp) • Blueprints will be provided with each project, so you can see what the finished product will look like

35. On the day of the build…. Location will be provided prior to build Watch forecast (extreme weather possible) Carpool to location if possible Listen to the team leader AT ALL TIMES …………and ENJOY YOURSELF!!

36. We look forward to having you be a part of RAMP’s!