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People with disabilities can be friends, neighbors, fully active citizens, employees in a local business, volunteers in non-profits, members of groups, places of worship and clubs, teachers and learners of new skills, and have many other roles in communities across Maine.
Stories from Maine
Assist people to explore their community for places that they can join, become a member of, volunteer or learn something new and build relationships. Every community is rich in assets and resources and using Community Mapping helps to explore opportunities and learn about where people can share their gifts of the head, hands and heart.
Volunteering in Non-Profits
Getting involved in local organizations, people can be supported to give back and share their skills. People may need help finding ways to get involved and volunteer- use these resources to help them get started.
- Guidelines for Assisting People to Volunteer (Word)
- Volunteer Match Maine
- Volunteer - OADS Training (PowerPoint)
Joining clubs, groups, and community places
Using personal networks can help people with finding activities and events they may be interested in volunteering at or with. Family and friends can support people to get out in the community to attend events and join clubs together with other people including friends, families and other connections.
Community Support Services can provide support that assists people explore their community, find places to join or become involved in, or learn something new. The Community Support Service can be used to connect people to activities, join clubs and groups. Additionally, making connections to community places and people that support spirituality, health, wellness, and job preparedness.
Home Support, Shared Living, and Family Centered Services can assist people with activities such as grocery shopping, going to the doctors, attending places of worship, seeing family, voting, and accessing community events and activities, and even volunteering.
Getting Started
Begin with a conversation about connecting to the community and help people discover what opportunities are available using Community Mapping. Support people to join, volunteer, be a member and get involved.
Meaningful Day and Employment Training Series for 2026
- January 27th: Person-Centered Supports. Developing individualized opportunities based on a person’s interests and goals
- February 24th: Age Matters. Providing age-appropriate supports in services
- March 31st: A Vision for a Community Life. Strategies for building relationships and community connections
- April 28th: It’s Personal. Supports that honor a person’s privacy, dignity and self-esteem
- May 26th: From Presence to Purpose. Building community connections that lead to valued social roles
- June 30th: Beyond Words. Communication support strategies for people with complex needs
- July 28th: Building Financial Confidence. Supporting people to develop Financial Literacy skills with tools and resources
- August 25th: Skills for Life. Teaching people practical skills that promote learning
- September 29th: Inclusion Through Technology. Using assistive technology to live a more independent life
- October 27th: Putting Employment First. Understanding your role in supporting people to learn about and explore employment
- November 24th: Maine Best Practices. Hear stories about how providers have supported people to build strong community connections