[humanser] Update regarding sexual assault volunteer opportunity and a question

Tue Aug 16 20:45:49 UTC 2016

Hi Yasmin,
This is through our local YWCA, and I would be meeting victims at the local
hospital's emergency room. I thought that the EOE and ADA didn't apply to
volunteer opportunities, but only for paid employment? Please, correct me if
I'm wrong, because I could very well be misinformed or misunderstanding the
laws.

When I contacted a very close friend to ask for advice, she noted that this
particular program is very strict regarding who they will and will not allow
into their program as volunteers, and the strictness is magnified with the
ER being involved.
The local domestic violence crisis hotline is certainly an opportunity that
I am considering, but as you might remember, I was able to plan out my own
solution for the transportation issue with this particular volunteer
opportunity in question. I believe that participating in an on-call
volunteer opportunity may enhance my employability down the road, along with
allowing me to experience an area of the human/social services field that I
am admittedly unfamiliar with. I would love to have a face-to-face
conversation with the volunteer coordinator who responded to my initial
inquiry, but I would like to go in with some possible solutions to offer.
Thanks so much, and have a wonderful week!

Best wishes, Miranda

-----Original Message-----
From: Humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Reyazuddin,
Yasmin via Humanser
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 4:17 PM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Reyazuddin, Yasmin <Yasmin.Reyazuddin at montgomerycountymd.gov>
Subject: Re: [humanser] Update regarding sexual assault volunteer
opportunity and a question

Hi Miranda,
Sorry to hear about the news. 
I have a few questions. What kind of organization is this, government,
nonprofit, or private. If it is Government or nonprofit, they they cannot
refuse under the ADA or section 504. 
Even if they are hospital which could be considered private, they cannot
refuse you. 
I would suggest that you visit the place yourself. Once they see you they
may change their minds. 
Many years past, I applied to be a volunteer call taker for the local
supportive listening line. The line is open 24-7 and we had 4 hours shifts.
At first they were not sure if I could do the job. Once I did the training,
it was fine. The reason they had no issues because they were getting funding
from the local health department. After working there for 1 year, I got my
job with the same Health & Human services. 
(smile) I am still there but in a different unit. 
Is this volunteer opportunity with the Mental health association or
something similar. In the county here the Victim assistance and Sexual
assault program is part of the crisis intervention program. 

Yasmin Reyazuddin
Aging & Disability Services
Montgomery County Government
Department of Health & Human Services
401 Hungerford Drive (3rd floor)
Rockville MD 20850
240-777-0311 (MC311)
240-777-1556 (personal)
240-777-1495 (fax)
office hours 8:30 am 5:00 pm
Languages English, Hindi, Urdu, Braille This message may contain protected
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Thank you.

-----Original Message-----
From: Humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miranda B.
via Humanser
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2016 3:53 PM
To: 'Human Services Division Mailing List' <humanser at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Miranda B. <knownoflove at gmail.com>
Subject: [humanser] Update regarding sexual assault volunteer opportunity
and a question

Hi everyone,

The volunteer coordinator of the local sexual assault response program
responded to my inquiry regarding this volunteer opportunity. If you might
remember, I came to this list regarding possible solutions for on-call
transportation.

Well, according to the email I just received, the transportation isn't as
much of a concern as my blindness.

According to the volunteer coordinator, my visual impairment would place
both myself and the victim at a "higher risk", and I would not be able aid
in providing the forensic nurses with supplies or food/drink for the
patient.

I have been advised to contact the parent organization to find another
opportunity that could accommodate me, as they don't have the resources to
assist me in volunteering in this capacity.

Have any of you served or worked in a similar capacity, where you had to
navigate similar concerns? If so, how did you handle the situation and
assumptions of high risk?

Thanks as always for your help, and have a wonderful week!

Best wishes, Miranda

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