FAQs
General Info
What is Hands at Home Therapy?
Hands at Home Therapy connects special needs kiddos and our vetted volunteers who want to serve them. Through our membership, moms and dads get a much needed break while our students implement the programs that the child’s therapist or teacher want practiced at home. They get to “try on” their future careers before committing to the time and expense of graduate school programs, so they can invest in their futures with confidence.
How do families qualify?
We are a private organization serving kiddos with special needs; membership is not based on financial need. We know that many families do not qualify for low-income government programs, yet they cannot afford private therapy at the frequency needed to “move the needle” for their child. We support these families by filling that gap.
Which special needs do you support?
We support kiddos with all kinds of special needs or disabilities, some of which include:ADHD, autism, Down Syndrome, sensory processing disorder, learning or intellectual disabilities, cerebral palsy, speech or language disorders, epilepsy, visual or hearing impairments, and more.
Service-Related Questions
Where do you serve?
Currently we serve families in the Bryan/College Station area and plan to expand to other metro areas. Therapy sessions usually take place in the child’s home, but other locations may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.
Do your volunteer therapists have experience? A license or certification?
Not necessarily. Many of our volunteers have served as childcare providers, camp counselors, swim instructions, buddies to kids in their high school, etc. Some might even be CMAs or EMTs. But let’s be clear: licensing and certifications are rare and not required. However, our VTs do enjoy working with children and welcome the opportunity to grow their patience and therapy chops.
What does a typical day look like?
That depends on your child and family. VTs will implement a support plan set by you, the parent, or your child’s therapist or teacher. Some examples include processing exercises (digit spans and sequences), fine and gross motor exercises (soccer, catch with ball, tying shoes), life skills (eating, handwashing, blowing nose), tutoring academics, or serving as the hands and feet of immobile patients. It really depends on what your child needs.
I'm paying for volunteers? What's up with that?
We totally get that perspective. Money is often stretched tight in families with special needs. But time is even less elastic, and that’s what we save you–with the lifesaving purpose of helping your kiddo. Having grown our experience in working with college students, we know the stress points and what makes it all work–or fall apart. We want to save you the headache of recruiting, reference checks, background checks, interviewing, and managing those who should be redeeming your time–not consuming it.
Time & Schedule
How much time can VTs serve per week?
VTs (volunteer therapists) usually give 4 hours per week and families can level up to a higher support tier for 8, 12, or 16 hours per week. The likely situation is that higher tiers mean more VTs, as students have limited margin in their schedules, but in some lucky situations, we may have a VT who wants to give 8+ hours, providing you with the same sweet face throughout the week.
How long are sessions?
We find that 2-hour blocks of time fit well for most families and students, but this can be altered according to people’s needs.
How long will my VT serve?
VT’s commit to a minimum of 120 hours. Their service should be completed within two full semesters (or 30 weeks, if started mid-semester) and is usually with the same family during this timespan. Some VTs may elect to serve longer.
What about breaks and summers?
Our VTs enjoy time with their families, just like you do. They commit to serve while classes are in session and return to their hometowns for winter, spring, and summer breaks. Some may stay for the summer and continue their service, taking a week’s vacation with friends or family. It’s a case-by-case basis, but we can seek to find summer VTs if yours is one who will not be available.
What's the process to start? Is there a waitlist?
Yes, many families recognize their need for additional support, and there is usually a waitlist. We suggest registering today. You’ll receive an email from us that provides you with the option to book a free 15-minute discovery call with our founder and CEO, Amy Gordon. Once you have your questions answered, apply via the link you will also receive via email. You’ll be put on our waitlist and we will begin work to match you with a VT as soon as possible.
