Example
Adult Day Center Onboarding #559
When I first transitioned into instructional design, I volunteered with a local Adult Day Center, creating eLearning and onboarding materials in exchange for permission to include the work in my portfolio.
I loved the opportunity to gain real-world experience by diving headfirst into the entire ADDIE process. I've always enjoyed asking questions, uncovering problems, and finding solutions, so this project was incredibly rewarding. Even more meaningful was the chance to serve a nonprofit making a difference in my community.
As I met with the team and began asking questions, we quickly uncovered a problem that training could solve. They desperately needed volunteers, but onboarding was so difficult that staff often felt it was easier—and safer—not to have volunteers at all. They had no consistent way to prepare volunteers or prevent serious mistakes, such as giving participants medication, taking them to the bathroom, disciplining them inappropriately, or using language that could be harmful or disrespectful.
To address this, I partnered with subject matter experts to design a Rise course that completely streamlined the volunteer onboarding experience. Together, we created clear expectations for what volunteers should and should not do, supported by interactive scenarios, videos, and practical guidance on topics like wheelchair assistance, walker safety, and communication.
Even after several years as a full-time corporate instructional designer, I am still incredibly proud of this project and the impact it had. The course gave leaders the confidence to welcome volunteers into the program, knowing they had a consistent, effective way to prepare them for success. In turn, volunteers could begin their first day feeling confident, informed, and ready to make a positive difference instead of wondering what was expected of them. Seeing how thoughtful training empowered both the organization and the people serving it reinforced why I love instructional design.
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