We surveyed our volunteer programs for information on accessible volunteer opportunities, here are the responses we received!

Disclaimer: These opportunities are not guaranteed, but these programs will work with you to the best of their abilities to accommodate your needs.

Am deaf or hard of hearing?

Am blind or have limited vision?

Need accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms?

Use a wheelchair or a mobility aid?

Need to bring support staff, a job coach, or family for support?

Am overwhelmed by bright lighting, loud noises, or other sensory stimulation?

Use a service animal?

Need other accommodations?

Opportunities for volunteers who are deaf or hard of hearing

  • Volunteer Mobilization Center has opportunities for someone who knows American sign language and a possible position in their Outreach group.
  • Common Threads Farm has availability for deaf or hard of hearing volunteers to help in their gardens.
  • DVSAS has Administrative opportunities; also can make accommodations for hearing devices if someone is interested in volunteering in direct services.
  • Lynden Community/Senior Center has opportunities for a dishwasher, table setter, or silverware roller.
  • The city of Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program has opportunities for a Community Work Party Volunteer or Volunteer Park Steward.
  • Roots of Empathy- babies who are deaf or hard of hearing are welcome to be a volunteer teacher! Potential volunteer instructors or parents who are deaf or hard of hearing, please contact the Roots of Empathy Program Manager to see if the program design would be able to complement your skills.
  • Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood has opportunities for Office/Clerical, Lobbying (maybe with an interpreter), Photographer, or help with crafts.
  • The Volunteer Chore Program can accommodate volunteers for some opportunities such as dog walking and yard work.

Volunteer Programs that have accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms

Volunteer Programs that are open to volunteers bringing support staff, job coaches, or family for support

Volunteer Programs that are open to making accommodations for people with other disabilities

(such as offering more rest breaks, physical assistance with certain tasks, or providing more training)

Opportunities for volunteers who are blind or have limited vision

Opportunities for volunteers who use wheelchairs or mobility aids

  • Whatcom Intergenerational High School has opportunities for Community Allies.

  • Volunteer Mobilization Center has several positions in which the volunteers are seated and can use our runners if anything is needed.
  • Junior Achievement of WA has opportunities for volunteering in k-12th grade classrooms teaching JA program lessons.
  • Common Threads Farm has occasional availability for people at tabling events, and they have some waist-high gardens but are unsure of the pathways for wheelchairs or canes. Reach out to them for more information.
  • Interfaith Coalition– the serving volunteer shift with the Coffee and Sandwiches Together food outreach program is accessible for wheelchairs and other mobility aids.
  • Habitat for Humanity of Whatcom County has opportunities for arranging and shelving small items in their store.
  • DVSAS– All of their volunteer positions are accessible to volunteers using wheelchairs or mobility aids.
  • Lynden Community/Senior Center has opportunities for a greeter.
  • City of Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program has opportunities for a Community Work Party Volunteer or Volunteer Park Steward.
  • Roots of Empathy – Babies with disabilities are welcome as teachers. Potential parents or instructors, please contact the Roots of Empathy Program Manager to discuss your specific case so we can see if the program design would be able to complement the skills and diverse engagement opportunity your experience with ability through disability could bring.
  • Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood has opportunities for Phone/text banking, office/clerical, tabling (you can sit and remain stationary at the table), lobbying, photography, or crafts.
  • The Volunteer Chore Program can accommodate in some situations, depending on client’s home.

Volunteer Programs that do not have very bright lighting, loud noises, or other overwhelming sensory stimulation (or are willing to make accommodations)

  • Volunteer Mobilization Center- they have opportunities for volunteers to work from home if the environment is overwhelming.
  • Common Threads Farm- outside bright light may be too much stimulation at times but we can accommodate by having evening hours etc. or another garden that isn’t on main streets/noisy.
  • Interfaith Coalition
  • DVSAS- we don’t have sensory concerns that I’m aware of; we can offer accommodations.
  • City of Bellingham Parks Volunteer Program – Most of the time, we are in a park or natural area, so the only sensory stimulation is generally from other work party volunteers or trail users. We are always willing to make accommodations for folks seeking alternative places or tasks for their volunteer time!
  • Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood –our conference room is a primary space for on-site volunteer activities but there is some desk space upstairs we may be able to utilize, though our upstairs is not mobility-aid accessible. They are welcome to bring any items they may need for comfort or stimulation and I can send out office communications prior to them volunteering on site. I am also happy to offer my office as a private break space as needed, but this space is also upstairs.
  • The Volunteer Chore Program can work with you to find a volunteer opportunity that fits your needs.

Volunteer Programs that have environments that are well suited for service animals