Accommodation Coordinator

Volunteer as an Accommodation Coordinator

The Accommodation Coordinator plays a vital role in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment at FIRST events by supporting individuals with disabilities and ensuring accessibility needs are met. This volunteer gathers accommodation requests from team members, mentors, volunteers, spectators, and staff, before the event and works collaboratively with the Program Delivery Partner, Planning Committee, and event volunteers to implement respectful, reasonable accommodations that promote full participation during the event experience. 

Accommodation Coordinators manage requests before and during the event, facilitate communication with impacted individuals, and help secure appropriate support or services, such as accessible seating or interpreters. This role requires strong interpersonal and organizational skills, discretion with sensitive information, and a commitment to the FIRST Core Values and principles of inclusion.

Minimum Age: 21 years old  

• • Exceptions may be granted by event Volunteer Coordinators after review and approval by the local Program Delivery Partner

Experience: Either FIRST or related field experience required

Training: Some pre-event training required

• The following trainings are required and available through FIRST Training (accessible via your FIRST dashboard):
  • Data Privacy and Protection Training
  • Accommodation Coordinator Training 

Volunteer Time Commitment: 

• Training: approximately 2 hours
• Preparation/Review of materials: 5-10 hours
• Time required is going to be dependent on the number and complexity of accommodation requests

Role Details / Responsibilities:

• Maintain confidentiality of personal identifiable information in accordance with FIRST Privacy Policy  
• Collect and respond to accessibility accommodation requests submitted via registration or email
• Coordinate with the Program Delivery Partner, event committee, and volunteers to fulfill accommodations
• Gather additional information regarding accommodation requests as needed
• Serve as a point of contact for accessibility-related questions or concerns
• Coordinate accommodation plans with impacted individuals and event staff or volunteers as applicable
• Seek additional resources or guidance if needed to implement or fund accommodations as needed (FIRST, Program Delivery Partner, Event Planning Team, local or national experts)
• Secure service providers (ex: sign language interpreters)
• Serve as the point of contact (POC) regarding questions or concerns related to event accessibility
• Create or identify a resource of accessible restaurants, lodging, and transportation options in the community surrounding the event (if relevant)
• Provide onsite support and guidance related to accessibility, as needed
• Offer feedback or recommendations to improve accessibility at events
• Track and share non-personally identifiable accommodation data with the FIRST Access Team post-event
• Volunteers should focus on the role they are filling at that event. This includes:
  • Helping avoid the appearance of bias by not cheering for one specific team when wearing official event apparel (volunteer shirt or FIRST/Partner staff clothing). Instead, we encourage volunteers to cheer for all teams equally.  
  • Refrain from accessing sensitive event areas unless they are necessary to fulfill your volunteer role for this event. This can include playing field access, scoring table and judging rooms.
  • Wearing volunteer specific apparel (e.g. FTA shirt, Robot Inspector hat, etc) when filling that specific role.   
• Must read and comply with the Volunteer Handbook

Reports to: The Program Delivery Partner will decide the reporting relationship and supervision.