Abstract

For older volunteers who have physical limitations, volunteering can be restricted, oftentimes to within the confines of a residential or assisted living situation. And even those activities we may normally associate with elder or homebound volunteers, such as knitting or crafts, may prove problematic. This effective practice offers a list of specialized products that can help volunteers stay engaged and productive and was shared by Paula Sotnik, with the National Service Inclusion Project, on the NSSCTalk e-mail discussion list on March 2, 2006.

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Issue

For older volunteers who have physical limitations or are experiencing the restriction of serving from a residential or assisted living facility, ideas or projects they may take part in may seem few and far between.

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Action

There are countless adaptive products for seniors who would like to serve productively, but have some physical limitations. The following list, from the Institute for Community Inclusion's National Service Inclusion Project, highlights a few examples of specialized products that exist to help older volunteers continue to serve:

• “Low vision cross stitch patterns” include over sized designs printed on cotton linen-weave, floss, needle, and instructions
• Rimless magnifying lens that clips onto a small embroidery frame, clipboard, table edge, or similar surfaces
• Plastic envelope writing guides are designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision. It has three line openings for the return address and "Address To" areas
• A variety of scissors are available for individuals with little or no finger strength or manual dexterity
• Crochet and knitting aids are designed for use by individuals with multiple sclerosis, arthritis, or other disabilities which limit upper extremity strength, dexterity, and range of motion. One device consists of a Velcro band that wraps around the user's wrist or hand and can be adjusted for the proper amount of yarn tension
• Adjustable craft tool holders are designed for use by individuals with use of only one hand, arthritis, or fine motor or physical disabilities
• Ergonomic garden tools are short-handled garden tools with built-in arm supports designed for use by people with limited grasping ability and by people in wheelchairs who do horticultural projects at table height
• “Easy arm attachment” is a pen, pencil, or paint brush holder designed for use by individuals with limited grasping ability or limited upper extremity control. This device clamps to the edge of a table, desk, activity board, or easel and enables full range of motion over the work surface. A tube at the end of the device holds a paintbrush, pen, pencil, or marker in a vertical position for use
• Tactile and large print measuring tapes and rulers are designed with markings for individual who are blind or have low vision. These items may have large black numerals with a vertical line at every inch or tactile dots

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Context

Project directors get frequent requests from individuals (or their adult children) for ideas or projects so that older volunteers within the confines of residential or assisted living settings can continue to serve in some way.

According to Leslie Stauffer, Director, RSVP of Chester County, West Chester, PA: "In the past, we have encouraged knitting donated items for RSVP distribution, but not everyone knits; or we have encouraged volunteers to be pen pals, but a number have macular degeneration and can't see well enough to read/write letters; others can't fold/assemble/stuff envelopes because of arthritis or memory issues that make them forget what they're doing in the middle of things. "

The Institute for Community Inclusion's National Service Inclusion Project works with people directly to find adaptive products. They have a repertoire of sites, organizations and companies that they’ve collected over the years and also have a “product library” for show and tell demonstration trainings.

Additionally, each state has a “tech act agency” and many of these have lending and demonstration libraries so someone can go try out products or services before they are purchased.

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Outcome

With the help of adaptive products, older volunteers with physical limitations can continue to be productive in service.

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Posted On

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For More Information

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Resources

NSSCtalk is an e-mail discussion group, created primarily for Senior Corps program directors, supported with federal funding and hosted by The Resource Center.

Related Practices

• Assessing the accessibility of your organization
• Preparing your organization to engage people with disabilities
• Utilizing volunteers with disabilities in Senior Corps programs

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