Disability work is a fulfilling career option for those who want to help others. It requires a strong bond between yourself and your clients to provide them with both physical and emotional support.

Demand for disability workers is high, making this a stable career choice that offers room to grow. Read on to learn more about this rewarding career path.

Education

Disability support workers can work in a variety of settings, from people's homes to specialised care environments. They provide person-centred support, help with daily tasks, and encourage social outings. This is a very rewarding career, and the demand for this type of work is expected to grow by 25% in the next five years, according to Seek.

Teamwork skills are also vital for this job. Often, disability support workers collaborate and coordinate with clients, family members, teachers and doctors to care for disabled people.

Working as a disability support worker can be physically and emotionally challenging, but it's worth it knowing that you're helping disabled people live their best lives. Patience is also an important skill for this career, as some processes and tasks may take longer than others. Having patience can help you stay calm, caring and compassionate in these circumstances.

Telehealth and remote support

Telehealth is a common and convenient way to access healthcare services. It includes virtual appointments with medical providers and at-home health monitors. It is important for people with disabilities to be able to access these services. However, they often face barriers and challenges to their use, including lack of accessibility.

While the COVID-19 pandemic exposed gaps in the IDD system, it also revealed how telehealth can help address those gaps. For instance, the ability to use telemedicine during the pandemic improved people’s access to specialized care and reduced the need for in-person supports.

However, the ability to support a person with disabilities in a telemedicine appointment requires more than just ensuring that they can log in and speak during their visit. It’s necessary to adapt the policies and procedures that govern how telehealth is conducted, so that people with disabilities can participate in a manner consistent with federal civil rights laws. This is especially important as the ADA celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Community-based services

Home and community-based services (HCBS) are medical and non-medical supports that enable people with disabilities to live in the community instead of institutional settings. They are often provided through waivers, which supplement existing Medicaid programs.

Community support is a crucial part of a comprehensive system of care, and the focus of increasing attention at the national and international level. This includes the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which explicitly stresses that states should move away from institution-based care toward community-based services.

Despite this, many gaps remain in access to community support. This is particularly true in LMICs, where there are often a lack of formal support structures. This is partly due to the distinction between CBR as place and CBR as strategy, and it is critical that we develop a deeper understanding of what community support means in these contexts. This will involve looking at the range of informal social protection networks, such as savings and loans groups, which are often found in these communities, and assessing their role in community support.

Residential care

Most people with disabilities NDIS support services will need to use residential care at some point in their lives. This can be provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) itself or by voluntary organisations funded by the HSE. Residential care services are regulated by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).

Some people choose to live in apartment communities with other disabled or older people. This can help them feel part of a community and provide company and friendship.

AHRC NYC has been providing residential opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities since 1970 when the Fineson House opened its doors. Our homes throughout the five boroughs offer safe, supportive, and nurturing living environments. They are designed to accommodate a range of needs, and to be fully integrated into the community. They are also staffed 24 hours a day. The standard services offered include meals, laundry, and housekeeping. AHRC can also support clients with residential habilitation. These services help a client develop the skills to live independently.