volunteer opportunities to work with young special needs kids

Anonymous
My (non-special needs) DC (freshman in high school) wants to be a pediatric physical therapist or occupational therapist and would love to find more opportunities to volunteer (she worked at a day camp last summer). I realize opportunities might very limited right now due to the current COVID wave but if anyone has any insights into possible opportunities during "normal times" that would be much appreciated.
Anonymous
Look into Friendship Circle. Also, once she is ready for a job, have her look into JCC- Rockville. She can be a 1-1 with a matched child with special needs.
Anonymous
KEEN, Montgomery County Special Olympics, and Open Door Sports are three organizations that use a lot of young volunteers. Open Door has run outdoor programs when other programs were closed due to covid, although maybe not in the winter during omicron.

Go Baby Go is a great choice for a teen who is interested in assistive technology, which is an important part of OT.

Even if her long term goal is to work with little ones, I think that making connections with people with disabilities her own age, and hearing their voices is important. Sunflower Bakery is a great organization that looks for teens to work with same age peers in their afterschool classes. Special Olympics unified sports can be another way.

Saying what geographic area might help people make suggestions.
Anonymous
Does she have any actual friends who have disabilities? There was a thread a few weeks ago about how bad it feels to be someone's community service project but not be worthy of being someone's friend.
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:KEEN, Montgomery County Special Olympics, and Open Door Sports are three organizations that use a lot of young volunteers. Open Door has run outdoor programs when other programs were closed due to covid, although maybe not in the winter during omicron.

Go Baby Go is a great choice for a teen who is interested in assistive technology, which is an important part of OT.

Even if her long term goal is to work with little ones, I think that making connections with people with disabilities her own age, and hearing their voices is important. Sunflower Bakery is a great organization that looks for teens to work with same age peers in their afterschool classes. Special Olympics unified sports can be another way.

Saying what geographic area might help people make suggestions.


OP here...she did a Go Baby Go camp a few summers ago and LOVED it but hasn't been able to find more opportunities to do it...please let me know if you know of any in the area. We are in NW DC.

Sunflower Bakery seems like a great option too...
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:Does she have any actual friends who have disabilities? There was a thread a few weeks ago about how bad it feels to be someone's community service project but not be worthy of being someone's friend.


She has a friend from summer camp with CP.
Anonymous
Treatment and Learning Center in Rockville has volunteers for their summer programs
Anonymous
My kid volunteered with Great and Small, a therapeutic horseback riding outfit.
Anonymous
KEEN or Best Buddies.
Anonymous
Karasik Family and Infant Childcare Center (KFICCC), run by The Arc Montgomery County and located in Forest Glen. Ages 6 weeks to 10 YO.
Anonymous
OP here- thanks, all. Great suggestions!
Anonymous
NVTRP
Anonymous
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Does she have any actual friends who have disabilities? There was a thread a few weeks ago about how bad it feels to be someone's community service project but not be worthy of being someone's friend.

She has a friend from summer camp with CP.

NP here. OP if you'd like to see what was said on the thread PP referenced, I found it here. Good luck to your daughter.

Different treatment to teens with SN in mainstream? https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1021780.page
Anonymous
Thanks very much.
Anonymous
kEEN greater DC is a wonderful organization.
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