A great way to help

Lending your skills to those in need can be a rewarding experience

ATN Access Inc is a non-profit charitable organization in need of your help.

Located conveniently in London, the agency provides opportunities for individuals who have sustained injuries mental or physical, sensory and learning disabilities to gain access to employment or reach their learning goals through a variety of assessment, skills upgrading and personal development services.

All students are encouraged to dedicate their time with someone of need.

“Students from the social work fields such as the DSW program and Human Services Foundations would benefit a great deal from volunteering for our organization. Yet, we accept all students that would like to help out and gain some real work and life experiences,” explained Hope Clark, of ATN Access Inc. Learning Disabilities Services.

“Because we are the only agency that deals solely with the assistive technology for persons with disabilities, the hands on experience gained by (Fanshawe) students … will aid them over others in gaining employment in the future.”

According to Clark, potential volunteers should not only have the time to give, but also the right persona.

“The most important qualities would be patience, respect, time management skills, responsibility and excellent listening skills. I could go on but I think that sums it up for the most part,” said Clark.

Even if you don't think you have the time to commit on a full-time basis, the agency is very flexible with students' school hours.

“The start dates are flexible for students yet, we begin with training on our assistive technology immediately,” said Clark. “Our training schedule here at ATN is flexible with the student's timetable as are the volunteer hours. We require a commitment of two — four hours weekly for a minimum of four months.”

There is no better time than the present to assist someone who is in need of guidance with life skills that can impact their future.

“Volunteers are crucial for any non-profit organization. For ATN we are lacking volunteers for our ITAT program, which is ‘Inclusion through Technology.' This is where volunteers go into our client's homes and help them with basic assistive technology skills to help them with their everyday lives. These clients have a great deal of difficulties leaving the home, which is why a volunteer is needed,” added Clark.