Many volunteers at York-Durham Aphasia Centre make a weekly commitment to help within our group communication programs. However, there are also other opportunities for volunteers to work in.
Some typical volunteer roles might include:
Aphasia Communication Program Volunteers. Volunteering at the York-Durham Aphasia Centre is an opportunity to support people with Aphasia and Acquired Communication Disabilities by participating in discussion groups, various activities and themed skill sessions. Volunteers are trained to apply a variety of communication strategies to promote social links, friendships, acceptance and adapted communication skills among clients. Volunteers with creative and artistic talents help clients express themselves through art, music, drama, craft activities and games. Volunteers with computer skills assist clients with using technology for communication.
Facilitators usually serve as group leaders for meetings of three to five people with aphasia. Volunteers apply a variety of communication strategies to promote social links, friendship, acceptance and adapted communication skills amongst clients. Some facilitators also work with clients to refresh or update basic computer skills.
Life History Book volunteers develop personalized communication books in partnership with individuals or their family. These books record life stories and document personal information. Volunteers schedule dates with a program team leader to attend the program in person, but much of the book development can usually be done off-site.
Creative and artistic volunteers who can help clients express themselves through music, art, drama, craft activities and games. The team leader and the volunteer work out an agreement on dates for attending the program.
Special events volunteers who work on an occasional basis to assist with special fund-raising activities, aphasia awareness campaigns or to represent the York-Durham Aphasia Centre at other community events.
Newsletter volunteers who can help with production of our quarterly newsletter "TABLETALK" on an as-needed basis. This may include information gathering, writing, editing or distribution.
Administrative volunteers help with general duties around the office. This role is suitable for OSSD.
Current Volunteer Positions
Volunteer Interviewers needed for an International Study on Aphasia Awareness
The York-Durham Aphasia Centre is currently recruiting volunteer interviewers to collect data for an international study aimed at assessing levels of aphasia awareness within the general public.
Click here to learn more.