SIUE Runs Trial Program: Helping Hands

SIUE Runs Trial Program: Helping Hands

May 8, 2024, 1:38 AM

Diners in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Morris University Center (MUC) food court may have recently noticed a table of volunteers ready to lend a hand to those in need. The Helping Hands Program had its two-week trial run during the weekdays of Monday, April 15 through Friday, April 26 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Organizers were on a mission to gather insightful feedback during this time to improve and expand services in the area of dining hall accessibility for the fall semester.

Helping Hands volunteers seated in MUC Dining were there to assist individuals who may have needed help while navigating the Center Court Dining Area. Examples include, but are not limited to, physical limitations or assistive devices that make carrying food items or trays difficult, blind or visually impaired individuals who are unable to read the menus or locate Grab n' Go items, and diners in search of accessible seating.

The Helping Hands station was located at the entrance of Center Court, where two volunteers were posted to assist anyone who needs help getting their food and beverages.

Ashley Jones, community engagement coordinator of the Kimmel Belonging and Engagement Hub, shared the origins of the idea for the trial.

"This past fall I attended the Ed Roberts Champions of Accessibility Celebration, where student speakers shared their experiences at SIUE and the extra effort that is required of them to navigate around campus. Two students mentioned how difficult getting their food in MUC Dining can be," said Jones. "This past semester, one of my student employees injured her leg and was on crutches for months. Each day, she would ask me or a co-worker to help her get her meals since she was unable to carry them and use her crutches at the same time. Sometimes she would get dinner early before I left the office at the end of the day, so she wouldn't have to rely on finding someone to assist her later that evening."

"People can have lifelong or even temporary disabilities or conditions that make basic needs, such as getting lunch, extremely difficult. If this program can help ease that obstacle for someone, then I consider it successful."

The volunteers go through an information/training session where they are educated on the various issues that some individuals face when getting their meals in MUC Dining. In addition to the examples, some individuals may have a hidden disability or condition that could require assistance.

Volunteers are taught to be present and engaged when staffing the table. In some cases, people will come up to the table for assistance. However, in the case of a blind individual, the volunteers will introduce themselves and ask if they would like help getting their meal. After food selections are made, volunteers then assist in finding accessible seating for the individual.

They have also been instructed to be aware of and to avoid common microaggressions and to take the lead of the person they are assisting. When in doubt, ask!

"My personal experience with volunteering for Helping Hands has been very rewarding. I have enjoyed getting to interact with others who I may not have encountered otherwise," said Kaylie Land, student volunteer. "When assisting individuals, I have learned about accessibility such as how there is braille located on our soda machines and how someone fills their cup with soda without it overflowing when you're not able to see. When speaking with some students, I have also learned different ways how we can continue to improve accessibility on our campus."

"One of our main complications is that we do not have many volunteers," said Land. "We are currently looking for more volunteers to be able to offer assistance for breakfast, lunch and dinner!"

If any anyone would like to volunteer for a future implementation of the program, contact Ashley Jones (618-650-2686 / [email protected]) or Dominic Dorsey (618-650-3726 / [email protected]) or visit this registration form.

For persons needing assistance in MUC Dining visit this registration form to best schedule volunteers.

PHOTO: Two SIUE student volunteers in the trial Helping Hands program