Supporting Disability Support Workers - Workbook - IDEASWA

Disability Support Workers are employed to improve the quality of life ofpeople with a disability. One way to do this is to improve their valuewithin the community. In order to successfully improve a person‟s valueit is important to understand what is valued by the community and whatis not valued by the community. The previous sections provided anoverview of what is valued and devalued. Having positive or enhancingattitudes and beliefs about people with a disability are essential toimproving a person‟s value. As mentioned previously, the attitudes andvalues a person has are often portrayed unconsciously (withoutknowledge of), so by having positive attitudes and values towardspeople with a disability, a Disability Support Worker can ensure they arebeing portrayed positively without even being fully aware of it.There are many ways that a Disability Support Worker can ensure thatpeople with a disability are seen as valued members of the community.They include: being a positive role model using appropriate language ensuring people with a disability participate in appropriate activities treating each person as an individual respecting each person as an individual offering the support they need to accomplish what they wish.A positive attitude towards people with a disability can also have apositive impact on the individual. Individuals will have the opportunity tohave new experiences, gain greater respect, gain friendships,experience the feeling of being part of the community and develop selfesteemand self-confidence.Supporting Disability Support Workers 15