The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this role on behalf of Freedom Solutions Australia.

Freedom Solutions Australia are looking for technical volunteers to design, make/modify equipment for people with a disability.  If you are an engineer, tradesman, upholsterer or expert "handyperson" this could be an ideal volunteering role for you.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

• With our Occupational Therapist (OT), meet with the client and their family to scope the equipment related problem and together discuss possible solutions
• Together agree on the solution that best serves the client's needs. Design and build or modify the equipment, if required make a pro-type first
• Trial the equipment with the client and family to ensure the solution is suitable
• Finish off making the equipment, ensuring it is made to a high quality standard
• Deliver the equipment to the client (usually with the OT present)
• Prepare a written report of the project and include, photos and any reimbursement claims for out of pocket expenses (such as materials and kilometres travelled)
• Submit the report

Skills and Experience: The following types of skilled volunteers are required:

• Engineers, tradesman, upholsterers and expert "handymen and women"
• You need access to a workshop and tools, be a practical minded person who enjoys problem solving and thinking outside the square
• You need to be a good listener and to be patient and respectful to people.
• You need to be able to make or modify equipment to a high quality

Benefits:

• Get to use your skills- be inventive!
• Gain an understanding of living with disability
• Help others in the community
• Give back to the community
• Meet and form friendships with other like-minded volunteers
• Seeing the smile on a client's face when they can do something they thought they wouldn't be able to
• Gain satisfaction from seeing your end product