.
Suggested Group Activity
Make eyeglass holders for the residents at an assisted living facility. Get instructions at FreeKidsCrafts.com.
Some people may only need glasses to read. Other people may need them all the time. Some people are considered blind without their glasses. Maybe you don’t wear glasses. Maybe you do. It doesn’t matter. People have different abilities and may use different things like glasses or wheelchairs to help them.
Suggested Prerequisite
Completing the Eyeglass Drive Patch Program® is a suggested prerequisite for earning your Volunteer for Special Needs Patch. Your experience will help provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to volunteer. You can also opt to complete the Eyeglass Drive requirements during the time you earn this patch.
Meeting Download
Download this booklet to learn about disability etiquette.
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Requirement 1: Research It!
Take a look at the project ideas for requirement 3 or choose a different project.
Do research to find out more volunteer opportunities.
Download this worksheet to help you keep track of your research.
Research Points to Consider:
- Are they in need of volunteers?
- What do they need help with?
- Are there age restrictions suitable for you/your group?
- Is the location suitable for commuting from your location?
- Is this on-going or one-time?
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Requirement 2: See It!
Using your research, choose one or more locations to visit. Talk to the coordinator to find out if you are a good fit for them.
Discussion points:
- Do you need any special training?
- Do you need special tools?
- Can you commit to the needs?
- Are there specific dates/times that will work for you/your group?
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Requirement 3: Do It!
Participate in a volunteer project to help people with special needs.
Some Ideas:
- Volunteer at the Special Olympics.
- Play board games with seniors at an assisted living center.
- Foster a potential service dog puppy.
- Learn sign language and volunteer to sign at a community meeting.
- If you have a driver’s license, volunteer to valet cars for disabled community members at an event.
- Help a differently-abled student around school.
- Do yard work or home maintenance for a family with a person who has a disability.
- Teach dance class for the differently-abled.
- Volunteer to spend time outside with a disabled veteran.
- Offer to do grocery shopping for a neighbor who needs help.
- Run errands for a shut-in.
- Read to visually-impaired seniors.
- Shoot hoops or play another sport with someone who has a disability.
- Give swimming lessons to kids with disabilities.
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Requirement 4: Review It!
Discussion Points:
- Do you think your volunteer experience was a success?
- Would you do it again?
- How could you improve on it?
Congratulations you have earned the Volunteer for Special Needs patch! The patch can be purchased from our partner site MakingFriends®.com.
Did completing this Patch Program® give you some ideas for earning the Advocate for Accessibility patch?
See all our current Volunteer level Patch Program®s:
Environmental
Conservation Supporter
Recycling Volunteer
Shore Improvement
Tree Planting
Pollution Prevention
Related Fun Patch Ideas:
Note: Many of the links provided to assist with completing our Patch Program®s are external and do not imply an endorsement or recommendation. At the time of publication, external content was vetted to the best of our ability. Your views and ideas may vary and we do not intend for you to substitute our opinions for yours. Research the topic thoroughly before beginning a project. As always, make sure children access the internet only under safe-surfing conditions.
©2019 youthsquad.makingfriends.com
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