If you want an opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives, a career in disability is ideal. For many people, it is more than just a job – it is a way to help people living with disabilities gain independence in their lives and feel part of the community.
People living with disabilities face numerous challenges – from a lack of accessibility and physical barriers to misinformation and stigma surrounding disability. The limitations significantly affect people with disabilities in a variety of ways, such as socialising, finding work, and engaging in daily tasks taken for granted by many.
That’s why disability support workers are important not only now, but in the future too. If you are thinking about working in this challenging but highly rewarding field, here are 5 reasons a career in disability support might be right for you:
1. You Desire a Meaningful Career That Involves Helping People from All Backgrounds
As a disability support worker, you will have the opportunity to help people directly. Beyond helping with the basics such as meal preparation, showering, and shopping for groceries, you will also provide emotional support and companionship.
It means that you are a very empathetic individual capable of seeing beyond someone’s disability. To you, physical limitations aren’t a barrier to understanding others, and you are more than ready to acknowledge their needs while also treating them with respect and kindness.
2. You Want More Than Just a Desk Job
Disability support work is perfectly suited to individuals that prefer a hands-on working environment where they are able to work with people directly. It is a career that’s guaranteed to keep you on your feet and busy most of the time.
Disability support workers can work in a variety of settings, including aged care facilities, respite centres, clients’ homes, or even schools. Some disability support workers regularly visit clients at their homes, while others live with their clients to provide round-the-clock care.
The annual Christmas Fair is a good opportunity to support disabled people. There will be lots of stalls selling items along with the popular hamper raffle. Entry to some Christmas fairs is free for them.
3. You Want a Versatile Career Path
As a disability support worker, you will be helping disabled clients with a variety of tasks – from personal grooming to mobility support and sometimes even housework.
No single day will ever be the same, which means that you need to be flexible and ready to help in any way to make sure your client is properly cared for. Disability support work could be ideal for you if you want a varied role with many different responsibilities.
4. You Want a Stable Career with Numerous Opportunities
The demand for aged and disability support workers is expected to rise in the coming years. The field of aged and disability support care has lower unemployment, which means that qualified workers are far less likely to be out of work.
Formal qualifications aren’t essential for you to get into disability support work, but many workers in the field complete a Certificate III or IV, which increases their chances of being hired and provides leverage when it comes to salary negotiations.
5. You Are Motivated and Organised
The role of a disability support worker involves managing and organising a variety of tasks, which is why it is important to have a routine that works for you as well as your client. From general tasks such as grooming and dressing to helping your clients get to their appointments on time, an excellent organisation is absolutely critical to succeeding in this career.
6. Is It Hard to Be a Disability Support Worker?
The role of a disability support worker might be challenging, but it can be a rewarding career option for naturally empathetic individuals who want to help people living with disabilities.
The field has plenty of job roles, and it is an incredibly hands-on career option if you cannot stand the thought of working a traditional desk job. You will have the chance to work with others and make a difference in the field of disability.
