Ok, I'm stuck in a wheel chair. What jobs can I do? And, which parks will allow handicapped volunteers?

I've looked around and can't much information on this subject.

Lefty, I know just enough about this to be dangerous. I know that there is a hatchery in Oregon (Oregon Fish& Wildlife)that accepts and even encourages people in wheelchairs to apply. It is near the Oregon coast on the "Neskowin/Nehalem something like that river"
They have a specially adapted fishing spot on the river for handicapped access. 10-15 years ago there was a couple volunteering there and he was a quadraplegic (sp). I'm afraid I don't know how to do links, but maybe you can find the site with just a search engine.
We volunteer with ODFW every year and it has always been a good experience. Linda C.

Lefty,

I spoke with a gentlemen who volunteered at an Oregon Fish Hatchery...this was about 5 years ago...and part of his job was helping handicap children fish, you know, bate the hook, take the fish off, etc.

Judging from this conversation I'd say that location is well set up for someone in a wheelchair and would likely take on such a volunteer.

Good Luck.

Steve Ball
USN Ret.

You could man an information booth or an entrance gate, cashier at a gift shop or book store. I would think there are several things you could do. I would call the rangers at a place you are interested in and ask what jobs they have available. I'll bet if you talk to the rangers, you will find they have several things you can do.

Good luck, safe travels,

Judy

I know that not all volunteer jobs could be done by one who is disabled, but I also know that there are many which could. It is pretty common for agencies to seek people who have office skills and to man information desks. I would think that there are also other positions that you could fill.

What I would suggest is that you contact the national HQ of the agencies that interest you, or the state office if you prefer to work with state agencies. I am sure that there are positions that would be open to you.

Let me also ask that you return as you make progress in this area to let us all know how things go. If you don't know how to get in touch with the agencies, just drop me a private message and I'll be happy to supply a list of internet links to the agency HQ for several different ones.

Don't hesitate to go after any job that you want & are qualified for. You have a law on your side. The Americans With Disabilities Act requires any governmental agency to employ you if you are qualified for the job. If there is something that you can't handle physically, the employer must provide accommodations to enable you to perform the job. Private employers are also required if they employ as many as 15 employees. If they have an opening, & you meet the qualifications except for your handicap & they don't give you the job. An ambulance chaser will love to help you. The legal remedies are extensive & expensive for the employer. Numerous multi-million dollar lawsuits have resulted from discrimination. The law was written for Congress by the VA Administrator under Clinton who was a Vietnam Vet in a wheelchair. He vowed that no one would suffer the discrimination that he had faced. If you prefer, the Justice Dept. can also assist you.

Usually any hosting job can be done by anyone. Bathroom cleaning is another job that for the most park could be done. Maybe you couldn't clean high up on the walls but that would be minor. After all, if you can get into the bathroom to use, you should be able to clean them.
Being an interpreter if that is your bag is another. Visitor center work varies by how high the counter is.
Personally, without knowing you, I bet you are not the type of person who is looking to get into a suing situation.
I would also guess that if you look into states that are very handicap conscious that they might look forward to having you as most of us do not realize what is really required to make some things that we take as granted, available to you.

I am presently at Anahuac NWR and our recently constructed volunteer house is fully accessable. This would indicate to me that a person in a wheelchair would be welcome to volunteer here.

Although not in a wheel chair, I am limited by my handicaps to performing many jobs, yet I do often volunteer at campgrounds. I have cooked, been a guard and policed the grounds for trash. All can be done by persons in wheel chairs and the electric carts. As another mentioned, go for it if you feel you can do the job. george

Thanks to all of you for your excellent suggestions.
I've printed them all....and I'll let you know how it turns out.