AMAANA Volunteer Terms of Participation & Expectations

This document outlines the expectations, standards, and conditions for individuals serving as volunteers with AMAANA Disability Community Resource Center (AMAANA DCRC). All volunteers are required to read and understand this document prior to beginning service.

1. Nature of Services & Participant Population

AMAANA DCRC serves children, youth, and adults with disabilities, as well as their families. Disabilities served may include physical, intellectual, developmental, sensory, behavioral, or mental health-related disabilities.

Volunteers should understand that:

  • Participants may require additional support, accommodations, patience, clear communication, and supervision.

  • Some participants may have limited verbal communication, mobility challenges, sensory sensitivities, or behavioral needs.

  • Volunteers play a supportive role and are expected to provide respectful, inclusive assistance aligned with AMAANA’s mission and values.

2. Code of Conduct & Professional Expectations

All volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat participants, families, staff, and fellow volunteers with dignity, respect, and professionalism at all times.

  • Maintain appropriate physical, emotional, and verbal boundaries with children and adults with disabilities.

  • Follow all AMAANA DCRC policies, procedures, safety protocols, and staff instructions.

  • Refrain from any form of abuse, neglect, harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate behavior.

  • Immediately report safety concerns, incidents, injuries, or suspected abuse or neglect to an AMAANA supervisor.

3. Supervision & Safety Requirements

Volunteers must adhere to the following safety expectations:

  • Remain within designated program areas unless otherwise directed by an authorized AMAANA supervisor.

  • Notify and receive approval from a supervisor before leaving a facility or activity site during an event.

  • Volunteers may not transport participants unless explicitly authorized in writing by AMAANA DCRC.

4. Health, Risk, and Liability Awareness

Volunteer service may involve inherent risks. Volunteers should understand that:

  • Participation is voluntary and undertaken at the volunteer’s own risk.

  • AMAANA DCRC is not responsible for personal illness, injury, or accidents except where required by law.

  • Any expenses related to illness, injury, medical treatment, or transportation are the responsibility of the volunteer.

5. Background Checks & Training Requirements

Depending on the nature of the volunteer role, participation may require:

  • Completion of orientation and required training

  • Criminal background checks or other screenings, particularly for roles involving children or vulnerable adults

Failure to complete or comply with required training or screening may result in suspension or termination of volunteer service.

6. Commitment to Service

To promote consistency, safety, and trust for participants and families, AMAANA DCRC encourages volunteers to commit to a defined period of service. Commitment options may include:

  • Six (6) months

  • Twelve (12) months

  • Event-based or short-term service, as approved by AMAANA

Volunteers are encouraged to provide reasonable notice if they are unable to continue their service commitment.

7. Role Assignment & Scope of Duties

Volunteer roles and assignments are determined by AMAANA DCRC based on program needs, volunteer skills, training, and participant safety.

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Perform only duties assigned or approved by AMAANA staff

  • Not assume responsibilities outside their approved role

  • Understand that some roles involve direct, supervised interaction with participants, while others may be limited to logistical or administrative support

8. Confidentiality & Privacy Expectations

Volunteers may become aware of confidential or sensitive information related to participants, families, staff, or AMAANA operations.

Volunteers are expected to:

  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all participant and organizational information

  • Refrain from sharing, discussing, photographing, recording, or posting any confidential information in any format, including on social media

  • Understand that confidentiality obligations continue after volunteer service ends

9. Media, Photography & Recording

AMAANA DCRC may document programs and events through photographs, video, or audio recordings for educational, promotional, grant, or reporting purposes.

Volunteers should understand that:

  • Personal photography or recording of participants is not permitted without explicit authorization

  • Media consent preferences will be documented separately through a signed acknowledgment or waiver

10. Termination of Volunteer Service

AMAANA DCRC reserves the right to suspend or terminate volunteer participation at any time, with or without cause, if policies are violated or if continued service is not in the best interest of participants, staff, or the organization.

Volunteers may discontinue service at any time, with reasonable notice when possible.