Recreation & Leisure Assistant for the Visually Impaired in Wayne County, OH

Recreation & Leisure Assistant

1. Transportation: to/from organized group activates for one or more visually impaired adults. Note: Some visually impaired people choose to use a service dog for independent travel. Volunteers should indicate their individual comfort transporting a person who uses a service dog in their personal vehicle.
2. Human Guide; provide assistance to visually impaired participants to safely navigate in unfamiliar spaces. Training provided
3. Describing/Reading; assist visually impaired participants acclimate to new environments and engage in group activities. (ex: read a menu, describe action at a sporting event, etc.)

Basic volunteer qualifications involved with this assignment

1. Empathy and an interest in people
2. Creative problem solving
3. Eagerness to have fun!
4. Valid driver's license or ability to transport visually impaired participant to/from community activities (ex: help participants access public transportation if available)

Who will be served by this assignment? Adults who are blind or have low vision living in Wayne County

What is the anticipated benefit of this volunteer service to those receiving the service?

1. mitigate effects of social isolation caused by visual impairments and improve overall social, emotional and physical well-being
2. build a sense of community for individuals experiencing vision loss
3. practice adaptive skills that lead to increased independence
4. build confidence, improve self-esteem
5. make friends
6. have fun!

What specific skills will the volunteer need?

1. guiding
2. reading/describing
3. active listening
4. transportation

Any additional instructions or information that would be helpful for volunteers? No previous knowledge or experience working with people who are blind or have low vision required.