Disability service workers assist individuals with disabilities in accessing resources and support needed to live independently. Qualifications required to work in this field include training, customer service skills and interpersonal communication.
ACER research shows that disability support coordination Melbourne workers require strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving abilities in order to help clients meet their goals and objectives, as well as possessing an exceptional customer service mindset.
Education and Training
Disability training enables teams to feel more competent about serving clients, customers, and team members with disabilities. Furthermore, it challenges and reduces biases such as ableist language as well as creating a more inclusive work culture.
Direct Support Worker certificate programs often include two professional internships to provide hands-on experience working with people living with disabilities at community centers, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. Such training enables individuals to be invaluable assets to their employers while expanding career options within this industry.
Leaders must invest in disability training as part of their hiring and promotion practices, in order to make more empathetic hiring and promotion choices and serve clients more effectively with disabilities. With proper disability training in place, leaders can learn about technology options available that make offices more accessible such as closed captioning or sharing meeting notes in multiple formats. It can even be more impactful when entire teams participate in training together to understand how the workplace can become more accommodating, building stronger, more cohesive teams that understand how best to accommodate individuals with disabilities in the workplace.
Clients with Disabilities
People living with disabilities are individuals living with some condition which makes certain tasks (impairments) and interactions more challenging (participation restrictions). Since each individual with disabilities will have unique requirements, two individuals who share one disability will likely have different needs.
Disability services help clients acquire new skills and capabilities that increase independence and happiness, as well as providing financial resources that enhance the quality of their lives.
Health care professionals must remain aware of the needs and concerns of patients with disabilities in their practice, using person-first language when possible and adapting meetings, presentations, health fairs etc. accordingly – for instance providing written materials in Braille or large print format, offering sign language interpretation or setting up communication devices as needed.
Communication Skills
Disability support workers must communicate with clients in an empathetic and caring manner in order to provide outstanding customer service. Communication skills can be strengthened with training; disability support workers also need to read nonverbal cues so as to understand clients’ needs and adapt their approaches accordingly.
Performing effectively as an Access Coordinator requires exceptional verbal and written communication skills as well as the ability to negotiate effectively with clients, their families and community organizations regarding access needs. Furthermore, having knowledge of current legislation as well as national, state and local policies regarding disability-related higher education policies is crucial. Experience in providing formal training or technical consultation on disability issues would also be desirable in this role. This task may also require working alongside faculty, staff and students in raising awareness and sensitivities regarding accessibility for students with disabilities.
Interpersonal Skills
Interpersonal skills (also referred to as soft skills) are personality traits and learned behaviors that allow us to interact effectively with one another and can have a major effect on career growth and success. Interpersonal skills range from effective communication to negotiation techniques and the capacity for showing empathy towards others.
Treat persons with disabilities as individuals, showing the same respect and consideration you would give any other individual. Avoid language that highlights their disability such as “retarded” or “handicapped”. Instead, use person-first terminology like ‘person with a disability” or “individual with intellectual disability.”
Consider watching how others interact with clients and colleagues who have disabilities, then apply what you see to how you treat people with disability yourself. It might also help to seek constructive criticism from trusted friends or colleagues regarding your interpersonal skill levels; additionally, consider seeking mentorship with someone experienced working with those living with disability.
