The 'person centred approach' is a widely used term, but do we truly understand what it means for an individual with a disability? Can it be put into practice without hesitation? In this blog post, I'd like to explain what it means to me, and how it has taken shape in my life.

For me, a person centred approach means that I can live my life with the support I need, and therefore my disability is able to have as little an impact on my life as is physically possible. For example, if I want to attend that last minute social occasion, it’s possible, because I have a team of support workers behind me who are responsive to my needs.

I am by no means suggesting though, that to be considered person centred, you have to be able to do things at the last minute. To put person centred thinking into action you simply have to be responsive to what a person would like to do.

Some people with a disability will have clear ideas and plans for what he/she would like to do. Other people will need facilitation with the decision-making process.

The key is responding to the kind of support the individual needs and providing support that is flexible in nature and meaningful for them.

For example, you might think the person you are supporting would enjoy shopping but in reality, they might actually gain more satisfaction by doing some voluntary work in the community. You might be thinking of person centred thinking as something you have to implement, but instead you could try to see it as something we all do every day, as part of life.

We make plans for the weekend, plans for life and for what we hope to achieve. The only difference for people with a disability is that they have traditionally not been given as much choice, power and control over their OWN lives. I can honestly say that, for me, person centred thinking is not just a concept, it’s the way I live my life.

It continues to ensure that I have a valued role in my community. Most importantly though, it enables me to think about and take advantage of voluntary, paid and social opportunities instead of focusing on the barriers that life with a disability can present.

A person centred approach is in essence where we are moving to as a society. I am aware from presentations I have given and/or conferences I have attended that, for some people, there continues to be apprehension about adopting this new approach.

Some may even perceive it to be a waste of time, but I can only encourage you to view the person centred approach as a lifestyle choice we all have the right to make, rather than a ‘new’ practice that needs to be implemented into service delivery for people with a disability.

I'd love to hear what you think about the person centred approach? What are your experiences?

Hi, my name is Mel. I have cerebral palsy, otherwise known as CP. My parents have always said that I should never let my disability be the reason for not living life to the full. So, I like to travel, spend time with friends, volunteer and engage in paid disability awareness work, just to name a few things.

When I was little, my parents strived to create a 'normal' life for me regardless of my disability. The legacy of their efforts has been that I have expectations of myself to be someone who contributes meaningfully to the society that I live in.

I currently do disability awareness presentations for organisations. I also mentor a person with mental health challenges and have welfare based qualifications, which I will have the opportunity to further at uni in the near future.

My love of travel has also seen me be able to enjoy the ballet of Sleeping Beauty at Covent Garden in London in October 2011. A real highlight for me.

My support needs are significant, meaning that I need the assistance of a family member or support worker to complete most tasks of daily living.

'Pity parties' sometimes happen to me, just like they do to anyone, but mostly I focus on my passion which is creating a world of more opportunity for choice, dignity and the 'good life' for people who have a disability.

When I started using a self-managed funding support option in November 2009, I got a true sense of what freedom actually can mean for someone who has a disability.

Having direct contact with workers, as I do, allows more flexibility for me which  enables more fluidity in my community participation, and makes me feel that I’m not defined by my disability.

My hope is that through reading my blog entries, you will gain more insight into what it is like to live with a disability. You might also be motivated to consider getting a job in the disability sector or to just simply understand disability from a first-hand perspective.

carecareers plays an integral part in supporting people with a disability to access support workers and other professionals in the sector, who see the people they are providing assistance to as valuable contributing members of the community.     

I hope that you will find my blog posts informative, perception-challenging and enjoyable.

I’ll be at the Sydney rally today too for the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). It’s an important step to make the NDIS a reality. I hope to see you there.

 

This week's featured job is from House With No Steps.

This organisation is seeking an experienced Support Worker to support two men (18 years and 21 years) with autism.

House With No Steps is a leading provider of quality residential, employment and ancillary services to people with disabilities throughout NSW and other states in Australia.

They're committed to innovation, continuous improvement and building strong relationships.

Does this sound like what you're committed to? Find out more about this Support Worker role or search for more jobs in the disability sector of NSW.

Closing date: 11 February 2012

 

Garden Court in Glen Innes has two positions available in the disabilities team, a Generalist Support Worker and a Generalist Support Worker Assistant.

The disabilities team is very motivated and enthusiastic and is seeking new team members who will add a spark to the lives of people with a disability. They are looking for motivated and energetic people who are cheerful, compassionate and able to support clients with a disability and assist them with life skills and physical activities.

Employment screening and Working with Children Checks apply.

Glen Innes Severn Council is an EEO employer. Women, Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders, people with a disability, and members of racial, ethnic and ethno-religious minority groups are encouraged to apply.

Closing date: 12 December 2011

Find out more about these roles as Support Workers at Garden Court or search for jobs in community care.