Hello lemonbar,
I'm new to this site too and having PCS symptoms I can really identify with what you are going through.
I've worked in schools in the UK and know how valued the local volunteers who come into school to help with reading skills are. Teachers are so busy there is no time to read on a one to one basis with a child who is struggling. Often the child's parents have poor literacy skills so they don't get the help at home. It usually takes place in a quiet comfortable environment with few distractions so it's ideal if you suffer sensory noise and light overload.
Seeing a child's literacy skills improve is so rewarding and it literally changes their and your life for the better. If you change the life of one child, you change the world.
Sending you a big hug.
Granny Aggie x

I like the reading to children idea as well. My fears there are I have little experience around them and I will be awkward and stiff. Also, I am currently not reading aloud very well in speech therapy. It is improving constantly but not at a place I feel confident with. And after 5 minutes I begin to fall apart entirely. I also have no depth of character - it is completely flat, which is so frustrating. The therapist says that can go along with my lability.

If it were teaching them single words it might be okay. I do pronounce some oddly now though (in the enunciation of syllables mainly) so I don't want to do it wrong. Argh. Language was always my easiest skill!

Can you tell I have anxiety issues? >_<

Libraries are quiet and they need volunteers. You could meet some people there. Local food banks perhaps. A food bank would be less noisy and crowded than a soup kitchen.

Lemonbar...regarding your dog.... I have terrible neck, arm, and hand problems too and my dog was an unruly puppy with too much hunting blood in her (long story). I got a harness with a front clip. It creates a situation where pulling is very uncomfortable for them and will actually turn them a bit. Now she walks like a

dream (as long as she has her harness on ;-) I went from barely able to make it around the block to 3 miles a day. It really helped to get out every day and training her on the walks to ignore other dogs, etc. gave me a focus other than myself. I also listen to NPR podcasts

on my walks so it's a treat for me too :-) Finding the supports you need to continue some activities is really crucial I think.