Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? We’ve shared some of our most frequently asked questions to help you out!
What does Austin Unite do?
Austin Unite hosts social events twice a month for participants ages 17-25 who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Events are typically 3 hours long and range to include kickball games, football watch parties, holiday celebrations, Austin community excursions, and more! Participants are paired with volunteers to hang out and enjoy each event.
Can parents attend?
We encourage participants to attend alone to encourage independence and peer socialization. A parent or personal caregiver is allowed to attend with their participant if they find it necessary, but our volunteer buddies are well trained and our staff are experienced in providing personal care! We work to include family events each season where our families can connect and attend with their participants.
How are your staff trained?
Our staff is made up of a group of dedicated and well-experienced college students and recent graduates. All our staff is CPR certified and trained in Crisis Prevention and Intervention, Child Protection, and has extensive experience in personal caregiving. Our staff is experienced with g-tubes, assistive technologies, safe transferring methods, behavioral support, and more. If you have further inquiries about staff please contact us!
What do volunteers do?
Our staff manages events and handles all personal care needs for participants- our volunteers are peers who join us to hang out with participants and help foster the fun! Volunteers are trained in disability awareness and Austin Unite procedures to ensure the dignity and safety of our participants and their new friends! We source volunteers from the Austin community, and most are UT students.
How much does it cost?
Austin Unite is donation based with minimum fees on a per-event basis. These costs cover entry fees, food and supplies, venues, and volunteer training. Costs generally range from $0-30 per event. All donations and funds go directly back to Austin Unite programs! We hope payment is never a barrier to inclusion, and will work with families to find a solution if a problem with payment arises.
How do I sign up?
Registration forms are sent out to families and volunteers who have joined our email list.
To join our family email list and receive further information, check out the “Interest Form” on our “Participants” page!
To join our volunteer interest form and join us as a buddy for future events, fill out the “Volunteer Interest Form” on our “Volunteers” page!