When you volunteer with The You Belong Foundation, you help turn everyday places into accessible spaces—for people with disabilities, caregivers, and families across Chicagoland. Small actions = big wins: clearer pathways, braille/large-print menus, friendlier service, and more dignity at the door.
1) Event Crew (1–3 hrs/shift)
Support inclusive community events: greet guests, manage check-in, set up sensory-friendly areas, and gather quick feedback.
2) Accessibility Ambassadors (2–4 hrs/month)
Join neighborhood walk-throughs to spot simple barriers (signage, aisles, seating). We’ll train you—no prior experience needed.
3) Audit Assist (Shadowing) (2–3 hrs/visit)
Shadow our team on business audits, take notes/photos (with permission), and help compile quick-win recommendations.
4) Training Helpers (1–2 hrs/session)
Prep materials, welcome participants, and support live demos during our staff trainings.
5) Design & Content (Flexible/remote)
Help create easy-read signs, braille/large-print menus, social posts, or resource guides. Canva skills = perfect.
6) Outreach & Partnerships (2–5 hrs/month)
Call or visit local shops, clinics, cafés to share our programs; help schedule discovery calls.
7) Language & ASL Support (Flexible)
Interpret or review materials in Spanish, Polish, ASL, etc., so more neighbors can access what they need.
8) Lived Experience Advisors (Flexible)
If you’re a caregiver or a person with a disability, your insight guides our checklists and trainings.
Short, friendly training (30–60 min)
Clear checklists & scripts (no guesswork)
Flexible shifts (evenings/weekends available)
Reference/service letter upon request
Community—meet neighbors who care about inclusion
One-time: Event Crew, kit assembly, resource packing
Monthly: Accessibility Ambassador walks, outreach, content help
Project-based: Design a guide, translate materials, support a specific audit
No. We provide simple training and tools for every role.
Generally 16+ (under 18 with a guardian). Ask us about family-friendly events.
Yes—design, content, translation, and admin support can be done from home.
No. We focus on practical, ADA-aligned best practices, not formal compliance determinations.