People living with disabilities face numerous challenges in their day-to-day life. These challenges range from stigma, lack of accessibility, physical barriers, and misinformation, among many others, making their lives somewhat harder. A person living with a disability has to work twice as hard to find work, socialize, or even perform simple house chores and tasks many of us take for granted. These are some reasons a disability support worker or caregiver may be needed to help with these tasks and duties.
A career in disability provides one with a chance to make a difference in other people’s lives. For many disability support workers, this is more than a job but a calling. The satisfaction of helping one gain independence is much more than the monetary compensation in salary. If you have been looking for a way to earn a living while helping people, you might want to venture into a career as a disability support worker. Outlined below are some of the advantages and reasons disability support is the right career for you.
- You Want a Meaningful Career
This is one of the few careers that enable one to work and help people directly. In addition to helping with the basics, including preparing meals, showering, and grocery shopping, you get to give emotional support and companionship as well. This gives you an excellent opportunity to understand their challenges and help them achieve what they otherwise wouldn’t on their own. Such gives your career meaning, seeing their faces glow as they make more milestones without being judged or mistreated.
- It Offers More Than a Desk Job
Anyone who prefers a hands-on work experience over a desk job will be at home as a disability support worker. The job description basically entails being on your feet most of the time and helping with various activities and chores. Aside from that, there are times you’ll need to share moments or conversations with the clients, especially when trying to calm them down or pass the time. This is much better for many people than sitting behind a computer screen for the rest of the day.
It is worth noting that work settings may vary from one client to another. Most disability workers will work in various settings, from aged care facilities to clients’ homes, respite centres, and schools. There are moments you will be required to visit the client’s homes regularly or even live with them.
AAC awareness month is to raise awareness of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and to inform people about the many different ways in which people communicate using ACC. It will help to think about someone’s own communication methods and how others communicate.
- It Is a Versatile Career
Unlike most day jobs where one is tasked with almost repetitive tasks daily, making it dull after some time, a disability support worker’s day is never boring. Every day presents new challenges, tasks, and even settings, meaning you never have to do the same thing day in and day out. There are days you will be helping with housework, others walking in the park or down the street, and others doing grocery shopping. Such dynamic and flexible working conditions make the career fun and worthwhile.
- It Is a Stable Career with Numerous Opportunities
The last few years have seen a sudden surge in demand for aged and disability workers. According to research, the situation could become worse as the demand increases. That said, qualified disability workers can be assured of a stable career many years into the future. With no formal qualifications, all you may need is a certificate iii or iv to specialise as a disability worker. It also improves your chances of higher pay and more jobs.
- You Will Be More Organised and Motivated
Some of the responsibilities of a disability worker are to organise and manage several tasks and routines for their clients. This ranges from simple tasks such as dressing and grooming to helping the client meet their appointment on time. Proper planning and organisation skills are thus essential to ensure your client’s needs, even yours, are met.
- Is It A Challenging Career?
Every other career has its challenges. While it might be challenging at first, the rewards are much more, especially the satisfaction of being able to help one in their daily life. With numerous roles in your job description, you will never have a dull day. As mentioned before, this is a hands-on career and an opportunity to make a real difference in many people’s lives.
