Volunteers With Disabilities

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Christine Inman

Chris Inman

Christine Inman has been volunteering with the Tidewater Chapter of Norfolk, Virginia, for nearly fifteen years. Now 48- years-old, Chris has been recognized as one of the most dependable, motivated, and passionate Blood Service workers that the Chapter has ever seen. Oh yeah, she also has a developmental disability.

What makes a volunteer with a disability stay for so long? "People here are so nice, both donors and staff. It keeps me busy and out of the house. Volunteering makes me feel important. I know I am needed. People are always happy to see me. They tell me that I do a good job," says Chris.

Chris began her volunteer work with the American Red Cross when a friend shared stories about her own volunteer experiences with the organization. Chris's mother then saw an advertisement from the American Red Cross in the local newspaper, and Chris has been volunteering ever since. A faithful Tuesday worker, Chris volunteers in the canteen area monitoring people for reactions following their blood donations.

But volunteering for the American Red Cross is nothing new for the Inman family. Chris proudly wears the Red Cross pin that belonged to her grandmother. "She was a Red Cross nurse and helped people, too," says Chris.

"I'm a good volunteer," Chris says. "I'm good with people. I can stay calm in an emergency most of the time. I make sure that people who don't feel well after donating blood are okay. I tell them to be sure to keep their arms right where I can see them. I am always here early to make sure my station is set up right. I'm dependable. During the few times I can't volunteer, if I am sick or out of town, I always call ahead of time so Blood Services can find someone else to work."

Shirley Bisciglia, Tidewater Chapter Director of Volunteers, really appreciates Chris's volunteer efforts. "Chris stands out as being a well- organized, capable person. She takes on each task with excitement and a move-ahead approach. Chris brings people in as volunteers by doing the simple things, like asking them."

When Chris was a young child, she had a stroke that damaged part of her brain. As a result, Chris sometimes has trouble remembering things. New situations frequently make her nervous. But through a series of small personal adaptations, Chris has taught others to replace the word "limitations" with "expectations." She simply asks for help if she can't remember something. Chris has difficulty in reading cursive handwriting, but she speaks right up about it so that staff knows to use print instead. Vending machines and voice mail are sometimes difficult, but Chris always finds someone to help. She can't lift very heavy boxes, but when supplies are stacked up in Blood Services, she gets assistance in getting them down.

"I'm lucky that I have my mom and dad to help me out with things," says Chris. "Sometimes Mom listens in on the other phone if I have to make an important phone call. My friends at Red Cross always help me, too."

Pam Jones, a staff member in the Community Education Department (known as Health and Safety Services in other Chapters), is one of Chris's friends. "I have known Chris for about three years," says Pam. "She is always in a good mood, and it influences those around her. Chris is always conscious of other's feelings. It bothers her greatly to see others troubled or in need. I guess that's why she makes such a wonderful volunteer."

Chris worries about other volunteers with disabilities who may not have their parents with them. "Mom and Dad help me out because I don't drive. More people with disabilities would volunteer if they could be helped out with transportation needs. The Red Cross needs to make sure that it is easy for people who use wheelchairs to get into the building."

Chris goes on to say, "People need to be more patient with volunteers who have disabilities. It may take us a little longer to understand, but we stick with things once we learn them. A buddy system would really help."

Chris has also served on the American Red Cross National Disability Task Force. "I really liked it. My mom and dad are very proud of me."

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