Building a career in disability support may very well be one of your best professional moves yet. With approximately 54 million people living with disabilities in the US alone, the demand for disability support practitioners is definitely high. These people are in need of a strong support infrastructure to lead fulfilling lives, and your skills and services answer to that call.
Two categories of disability service
There are two basic categories of disability service: one is composed of individuals who provide habilitation care like helping people with disabilities at home, in hospitals, and in assisted living communities.
The other category is composed of individuals who act as Social Workers. These people work in different areas of employment including assessing needs and developing care plans for clients, providing psychosocial support for people with disabilities and their families, and advocating for improved disability services.
Both categories allow for professional development and growing responsibility.
The Roles of a disability service practitioner
Having a career in disability support entails several important roles. These include:
- Helping patients with social activities, outings, and other daily routines.
- Assisting individuals in domestic chores including menu planning, shopping, cleaning, toileting, washing, and cooking.
- Offering companionship and support to help patients develop their skills, confidence, and abilities.
Other specific tasks may depend on the employer’s requests. However, careers in disability support cover responsibilities that promote patient independence, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and general health as well as alleviate discomfort.
How do I know if it’s the right career for me?
Like other careers and jobs, you need to love what you do in order to grow and enhance your skills. However, there are other considerations when trying to find out if it’s the career for you.
1. Are you looking to work on a flexible schedule?
Working 9-5 is the usual schedule of other jobs but if you’re looking for more flexible work hours, then a career in disability support is for you. Your shift schedules change depending on the patient’s situation and the availability of the immediate family. This helps you balance your work and life commitments.
2. Are you looking for a meaningful career?
All jobs are meaningful especially since these support families. However, in disability support, the meaning is not just monetary but is also emotional on both the patient and your part. Imagine being able to provide support to someone who needs it, being there beside them to offer safety and comfort, helping them slowly gain back their abilities and confidence, and making them smile and feel cared for. Who could say that’s not meaningful? It’s even rewarding too.
3. Are you ready for a challenge?
Nothing fulfilling comes easy. A career in disability support is definitely a fulfilling one, but it also comes with a lot of challenges. Firstly, your tasks and responsibilities cover different areas including providing care to the patient, helping in the household chores, assisting with daily health care and social activities, and even advocating change and enhancement of the disability care industry. Having this job means you won’t have any boring days and a variety of tasks.
If you think you are a good fit for a career in disability care and are ready to take on a new challenge, get yourself equipped with courses in disability services. There are onsite and online courses that will provide you with the right training and mindset. Visit our site today and take the first step to your new career.
