We ask for a 100-hour commitment. Most volunteer areas require a 3 hour shift each week. - One consistent weekly shift - AM Shift: 9:00-12 or PM Shift: 1:00-4 - Cancel shifts you can't attend in VSys - You must attend 3 out of 4 assigned shifts per month. Most volunteer opportunities are during the week, more limited for evenings and weekends.

We welcome all ages over the minimum age of 15

To begin, all prospective volunteers must submit an online application. Once the initial application is approved, instructions will be emailed explaining how to submit proof of medical documentation. Once medical requirements are provided, a background check is competed for those 18+. Attendance at an onsite orientation session to learn about the volunteer program is required. Onsite orientation is contingent on completing the medical requirements, background check and additional online onboarding steps. You will receive information on how to access Vsys, our volunteer management portal which is used to track schedules and hours. Many steps of this process are self-directed. Most volunteers are able to begin service within a month.

A yellow volunteer shirt is provided at no cost. Please wear business casual pants and closed toe shoes. No Jeans/Shorts/Legging. Masking is required at all times onsite.

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab does not offer shadowing opportunities at this time.

Orientations are approximately 30 minutes in length which include the following topics: - Tour of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab - Patient Interactions in a hospital setting - HIPAA regulations and confidentiality - Infection control - and Volunteer Services policies.

The flu vaccine is required of all volunteers each year between the months of Oct-March. There is also annual mandatory TB education that is required. There may be other requirements depending on place of service.

Therapies typically occur between 8:00am and 5:00pm, the busiest times are 9am-4pm - Patients will typically receive 3 hours of therapy per day, 5 out of 7 days per week. Both individual and group therapies are included. - This includes OT, PT & SLP and may also include technology center - Additional services may be provided (as warranted) and will be on the schedule including psychology, therapeutic recreation, art/music, LIFE center workshops.

TB tests can be completed with your medical provider. If completing a PPD skin test- a TWO STEP skin reading is required (this includes TWO placements and TWO readings). QuantiFERON (blood draw) TB test is also accepted. We do offer QuantiFERON TB test onsite at no cost to the volunteer.

Yes, many college students volunteer at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in order to gain hours and experience in order to satisfy program requirements. All students must complete the onboarding process listed above. Please note, while we make every effort to accommodate requests, assignments to specific focus areas such as PT/OT/in-patient therapies are not guaranteed due to high demand.

Yes, due to the nature of patients that Shirley Ryan AbilityLab serves, this is a mandatory requirement. To become an active volunteer, all individuals must provide proof of vaccination or titer (immunity) for MMR and Varicella. Additionally, you must show proof of Covid Vaccination, as well as negative TB test. During the months of October-March, an up to date influenza vaccine is required. Volunteers may be removed from the schedule at any point and without notice if found to be non-compliant with these requirements.

If you have additional questions, please contact Volunteer Services at 312-238-6027 or volunteer@sralab.org