The Growing Demand for Paid and Unpaid Work in the Disability Work Sector
Disability can come in many different forms. It can be physical or mental. It can be a condition since birth, from old age or a certain form of accident.
According to the Australian Network on Disability, there are over 4.4 million people in Australia with some form of disability. That is 1 in 5 people. It is like 18.5% of the population living with a physical, mental, intellectual and sensory disability. No wonder there is a growing need for people whose hearts are leaning into providing quality support to those with physical, mental, intellectual and sensory challenges.
According to a July 2020 published article by ABC News, Australia’s disability support workforce needs to double over the next three years to keep up with demand–but not enough people are joining the sector, leaving care recipients without access to critical support. Having this said, it makes it much difficult to find a good and qualified support worker.
So what are the real hindrances in this unaddressed demand for disability support workers?
Lack of Qualified or Trained Disability Workers
Disability support is not all about passion. There is also science and psychology involved in terms of caring for people with disabilities. Skills in nursing and home care, aged care, teaching and social work are those of what’s deemed essential to carry out the role of a Disability Support Worker.
Volunteer or unpaid carers needing a period of relief
Just because there are volunteer carers does not mean they can stay round the clock and does not have their physical, mental, emotional and financial errands.
Volunteer and unpaid carers need time to rest and also care for themselves. They also need ample financial support to have supplication for their day-to-day necessities.
Education Training and Employment Australia is a registered training organisation. Its goal is to contribute to the solution in this growing need by offering a CHC43115 Certificate IV in Disability. Participants who finish the program will become competent and qualified in performing the roles of a disability support officer, a lifestyle support officer, a residential care officer, a social trainer, an employment coordinator for disability, a social educator, a senior care personal assistant or, a behavioural support officer.
If you would like to get in touch with them to learn more about the admission requirements, the course details and government funding support for students, you may visit their website at https://www.etea.edu.au, call them at 1313 89 or send an email at info@etea.edu.au.
