Desert Blind and Handicapped Association, Inc.

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Serving the Community for over 40 years

In 1972 Raya Hamilton of Palm Springs and several of her friends founded the Desert Blind Association to help people who were dealing with blindness and low-vision. They explored many different strategies including support groups, counseling, job development and transportation. They quickly discovered that it was transportation that had the largest impact on people with vision loss. If people can't get to the grocery store then they can't eat properly. If they can't get to the doctor then they can't receive even basic preventative care.

As Desert Blind began to focus on providing primarily transportation to people with vision loss, it became clear that many other disabilities can prevent safe driving. Desert Blind became Desert Blind and Handicapped Association (DBHA) and adjusted its mission to serve anyone that has a disability that makes it unsafe to drive.

Four decades later, transportation is still a critical need for people with disabilities and DBHA is providing thousands of rides each year.

Volunteer opportunities available:

Drivers: Our drivers meet everyone at their front door and offer an arm for balance or to push a wheelchair. At the destination, the drivers offer to walk in with the member. The driver also gives the person a business card with the driver's cell phone number. Only when the member is safely inside of his/her destination, will the driver go serve other members. When the first person is ready to go home, they simply call the driver and the driver is usually able to return within 15-20 minutes.

DRIVER REQUIREMENT

Must have a valid California license

Must have no moving violations or suspensions on your license in the last 3 years

Must be able to assist clients in and out of the vehicle. This will include pushing wheel chairs, providing support while transferring client from wheelchair or walker to the vehicle and lifting up to 25lbs unassisted.

Must be willing to submit to background check and drug test before volunteering or being hired

Will be required to perform routine inspections of vehicles, (i.e. check fluid liquids, check functionality of lights, mirrors, tire inflation, cleanliness of vehicle)

CPR and First Aid Certified. We may provide funding for these certificates.

Scheduler:

The dispatcher checks the messages frequently throughout the day, compiles a list of requests and forwards the schedule to drivers.

2 hours a day
Remote location
Monday-Friday