V-LINC - Providing Independence through Technology -

Project Volunteers

These volunteers are responsible for designing and building one-of-a-kind assistive devices or customizing existing equipment for V-LINC clients with disabilities. Additionally, as a project volunteer you would:  

• Meet with the client to establish the project objective and get familiar with his or her capabilities and limitations
• Report on project progress and/or completion to volunteer Project Review & Acceptance Committee (PRAC)
• Prototype your concept and test it with your client before fabricating the final product
• Communicate and visit with the client periodically to assure the final product will adequately meet his or her needs  
• Update the V-LINC Project Coordinator on your progress throughout project
• Document project work, which includes taking photos
• Report on project progress and/or completion to volunteer Project Review Committee
• Some of our project volunteers also serve on our committees: the Client Services Team (CST) and the (PRAC). The CST volunteers are responsible for screening all incoming project requests to determine their feasibility and evaluate the potential safety risks involved. Their recommendations are sent to PRAC, which approves or denies projects. In addition PRAC volunteers are responsible for reviewing and approving project designs and plans, tracking projects as they develop, and offering advice and recommendations on all aspects of projects. Serving on these committees is not a requirement to be a project volunteer.

Time Commitment: Projects vary in terms of length and time commitment. Volunteers work on their own time in their own locations, and V-LINC does not require volunteers to submit a certain amount of hours each month. We only ask that if you find you cannot complete a project in a reasonable amount of time, that you let us know.

Qualifications: Some experience in engineering, fabrication, carpentry, or a related field.

Medical Volunteers

These volunteers are part of our Client Services Team (CST) that screens our incoming project requests to ensure our one-of-a-kind assistive devices are safe and effective for our clients. As a medical volunteer you would:

• Accompany a project engineer on a client assessment visit to gather information on the client's capabilities and limitations as they relate to the specific project that has been requested. Visits take approximately an hour plus travel time. They can be done whenever it is convenient for the volunteers and client. If convenient they can be held in the V-LINC office on Argonne Drive.
• Working with the project engineer, draft a brief (1-2 page) report on your observations during the client assessment visit.
• Act as a consultant, as needed, when projects have safety concerns or need special guidance to ensure that the project volunteer’s design will be safe and effective for the client.
• Many of our medical volunteers attend our monthly 2 hour meeting to review incoming project requests; however, this is not a requirement. If you are unable to attend these meetings, we just ask that you communicate your findings from the client assessment to our Service Coordinator and participate in any e-mail discussions that the group has regarding your assessment findings.  

Time Commitment: Approximately 5 hours per project.  

Qualifications: A background in physical therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, or rehabilitation.

Designing Our Future Mentoring Volunteers

These volunteers are paired with a class of high school or college engineering students working on a V-LINC project. Their role is to guide and assist the class and the instructor as they work to develop a solution for the client. Additionally, these volunteers are expected to act as mentors to the students, introducing them to a career in engineering. As a Designing Our Future Mentor volunteer you would:

• Meet periodically with the class
• Serve as a liaison between the class/instructor and V-LINC
• Offer advice and guidance on the project
• Help connect the class with needed resources
• Arrange for class teams to present to V-LINC’s Project Review and Acceptance Committee (PRAC).

Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours a week.

Qualifications: A background in engineering or technology.

Computer Center Volunteers

These volunteers prepare donated computers and printers to be leased to Department of Rehabilitation Services clients.

As a Computer Center volunteer, you would:

• Load and test software and equipment in V-LINC’s office
• Repair malfunctioning equipment on lease to clients with disabilities
• Provide limited technical assistance to clients in V-LINC’s office or over the phone
• Assist in processing new computer donations
• Complete all required V-LINC paperwork corresponding to the above tasks
• Please note: some lifting of computer equipment weighing up to 20 lbs. is requested of volunteers

Time Commitment: At least 6 hours a week.

Qualifications: Knowledge of computer software and hardware and the ability to commit to a regular schedule. Must be over 16 years old.  

Office Volunteers

These volunteers help keep us organized. They perform various office duties. As an office volunteer you would:

• Assist V-LINC staff with paperwork and filing
• Work on data entry or research projects

Time Commitment: At least 7 hours a week.

Qualifications: Can commit to a regular schedule. Some computer knowledge is helpful, but not necessary.  

Ready to Get Started?

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete our Online Volunteer Application Form or download the application and either mail or fax it back.

If you’d like to speak to our Volunteer Coordinator to learn more about how you can volunteer with V-LINC, please contact us.