About Aspire - Autism Spectrum Association of Ireland
Our mission is to provide supports to people on the spectrum that will help them to fulfil their goals, to provide information to them and their families, and to promote an understanding in the community.
What we do:
- At Aspire we operate a family inclusive model and aim to support and assist both the autistic individual and their support network. We advocate on behalf of autistic people and provide them with the tools to advocate for themselves.
- We manage a Residential Service, where we assist individuals in gaining independent living skills. We apply a person centred model and support community engagement.
- We operate a Social Enterprise, called Aspire Productions. This is a media production company that provides paid employment, opportunities, support, training and engagement for adults with ASD / AD.
- We run a number of social meet up groups and support programmes for both adults and youths.
- We provide training and support to schools, colleges, workplaces and community services.
- We provide resources, easy read guides and information to assist the autistic person and their family.
Find out more about our work on our website:
www.aspireireland.ie.
What's Involved
The Community Engagement (CEP) volunteers will be matched with service users according to hobbies, interests, volunteer skill set and location and would meet once a month, on a one to one basis, to support service users with their individual goals. These goals will be developed with the service user, Aspire and family members and implemented with the support of a CEP volunteer.
Possible supports required by individuals with Asperger Syndrome are; accessing recreational and personal support (e.g., social supports, special interests), developing independent living skills (e.g., cooking, grocery shopping and budgeting), being able to travel independently (to access education, employment and additional supports), and becoming more active in their local communities.
What is required for this position?
• Meet service user on a one to one basis once a month, for approximately 2 hours, to reduce social isolation, increase community engagement and assist service users in achieving their goals.
• Email service user once a week to develop social skills, plan future outings and community engagement activities and to build a positive working relationship with each other
• To complete garda vetting
• To participate in vulnerable adults training, person centered planning training and Asperger Syndrome training provided by Aspire
What's required for this position
Qualities we look for in volunteers:
• Be available once a month for CEP (approx. 1-2 hours) and once a week for email contact.
• Positive communication skills
• Non-judgmental
• Patient
• Open and honest
• Available and committed to the requirements of the role
• Some knowledge of Autism and Asperger Syndrome would be desirable but not essential as training and ongoing support will be provided
- Community Development/ Social work
- Personable Skills
Level of English required for this role:
Fluent English
Times and commitment required for this role
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
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| Morning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Afternoon | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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| Evening | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
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Minimum time commitment: 1 year
Hours required: 2hrs Monthly
Other Details
Location of volunteering opportunity:
Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow
Other location details:
Dublin: North Dublin city & North County Dublin
Screening details for this role:
- Garda Vetting
- Informal Interviews
- References
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Volunteers will be provided with the following supports:
- Support/ advice/ recognition
- Supervision
- Initial induction and training
- Reimbursement of expenses
- Insurance cover
- Ongoing training opportunities
Volunteers with the following challenges will be supported in this role
- Sensory Disability
- Mental Health Difficulties
Age restrictions:
Over 18
Is this opportunity suitable for groups/teams of volunteers?
No
Benefits you will receive as a volunteer
You will help make changes that will improve service users life for the better.
You will learn and develop both personally & professionally
Enhanced career prospects in autism and disability fields
Getting there
Volunteering will take place in the local communities of service users with Asperger Syndrome.
