Read True Stories about why people working in disability and community care love their jobs, and what in particular they value about the sector.
If you're new to the sector or considering a career change, read these personal stories from people already employed to see whether a career in disability and community care is for you
If you already work in the sector, why not share your story about what you value most about your job.
When I finished high school, I wasn’t really sure what I wanted to do. There wasn’t a specific job or career that sto… Read the whole story
| Title | Story by | Date | Comment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On my days off I miss my clients |
|
Rio Kuharski
|
24 Feb 2012 | |
| We can learn from people with disability |
|
Verena Carey
|
16 Feb 2012 | I've now been working with people with an intellectual disability for 7 years. |
| A family connection |
|
Jillian Black
|
31 Jan 2012 | I’ve grown up in a family passionate about the rights of people with disability. |
| Developing and diversifying in just a few short years |
|
Katherine Orr
|
02 Jun 2011 | I never knew what I wanted to do after school. I decided to go with teaching as I enjoyed sport and coaching and thought teaching was a good qualification to start with if I decided to explore other career paths at a later stage. |
| I really love the social interaction |
|
Belinda Bennett
|
06 May 2011 | I work for Disability Services Australia (DSA) travelling between Queanbeyan and Goulburn regularly as an Employment Consultant for a Transition to Work program. |
| The reason I get out of bed in the morning |
|
Emily Ninnes
|
05 Apr 2011 | I’ve been working with people with a disability since I was 14. As a lot of adolescent girls do, I was babysitting for extra pocket money, in Armidale, where I grew up. One of the kids I was babysitting turned out to have a disability. When I was 14 and 9 months (thus officially able to work) I got registered as her respite carer. |
| Supporting people to access their community |
|
Melissa Pitfield
|
01 Mar 2011 | I work for National Disability Services in the Companion Card NSW team. Companion Cards are issued to people with a significant disability who are unable to access the community without the assistance of a carer. |
| My journey of learning |
|
Matt Spanko
|
01 Feb 2011 | I was at university and had to do some work experience at DoCS (Department of Community Services). It was at that point I realised that this was where my passion and interests lay - in helping young people with barriers to participation. I have loved working across a number of services, age groups and disability types. Everyday is different and everyday I learn, and while everyday might not be fun I always have a laugh. |
| 23 years and counting |
|
Martin Wren
|
13 Dec 2010 | More than 23 years ago I slid into disability work after a debilitating illness left me unable to hold down a full time job. |
| From overseas aid to community care |
|
Cecily Michaels
|
16 Nov 2010 | As a person who has volunteered since my school days I find my position with TRI Community Exchange very rewarding as it is an incredible organisation to work for, under the inspirational guidance and direction of Jane Uff and my brilliant colleagues, who are all dedicated, talented and inspiring people. It is an honour to be a part of such a team. |
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The aphorism, 'It is better to give than receive' epitomises my interest in community services.