5 answers
Bairavi
Student
Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
2
Questions
Updated
1665 views
What is the most rewarding part about serving people with disabilities for a career?
#JULY20 #career brainstorming #health/social services #work interests
Login to comment
5 answers
Vikram Manikantan Prathap
Employed
20
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vikram’s Answer
In my experience serving people with disability in any form is an act of selflessness and actually shows how much you care for the people who need help. That's very rewarding by itself, no monetary benefits will equate the act of service, this to me is rewarding when you see the people contribute in whatever form to help others with disabilities, you are already creating an impact. There are so many areas that one can serve in the field, be associated with an NGO, CSR network in any organisation, volunteering to help the needy etc and all these are more organized these days and provide ample resources to help and also feel very satisfied in doing a service. Money can never equate service !
Stephanie Burnett
Human Service Supervisor
1
Answer
Marion, Iowa
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
For the better part of the last decade, I've had the privilege of working with individuals with disabilities. My personal experiences, growing up in a family where a loved one grappled with the challenges of disability, opened my eyes to the profound need for compassionate helpers in this world.
Yes, the job can be tough, as many have attested, but the rewards are immeasurable. There are days when I question my path, but then there are those magical moments that make me say, "I absolutely love what I do." For me, it always comes down to the people, recognizing the humanity beneath their unique layers.
In the hab houses where I work, we become more than just caregivers - we become their family. Sometimes their biological families are distant, either geographically or emotionally. But we quickly fill that void, becoming an integral part of their lives. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, and even 'unbirthdays' because sometimes, you just need a reason to enjoy cake. We also rejoice in their achievements, no matter how small, like learning to cook, memorizing their address, or mastering how to cut an apple. Our goal is to help them become the best version of themselves.
During the COVID lockdown, we organized BINGO nights and dance parties to keep spirits high. The joy on their faces, lighting up the screen when they saw me, was priceless. I made it a point to get to know them, not just because it's my job, but because I genuinely wanted to understand their likes, dislikes, and who they spent time with.
The most rewarding aspect for me is simply being there for them, witnessing their growth and being a supportive presence when they need it. They're just people, no stranger or weirder than anyone else, despite their limitations. They're simply individuals who've been dealt a different hand in life, and it's an honor to walk this journey with them.
Yes, the job can be tough, as many have attested, but the rewards are immeasurable. There are days when I question my path, but then there are those magical moments that make me say, "I absolutely love what I do." For me, it always comes down to the people, recognizing the humanity beneath their unique layers.
In the hab houses where I work, we become more than just caregivers - we become their family. Sometimes their biological families are distant, either geographically or emotionally. But we quickly fill that void, becoming an integral part of their lives. We celebrate holidays, birthdays, and even 'unbirthdays' because sometimes, you just need a reason to enjoy cake. We also rejoice in their achievements, no matter how small, like learning to cook, memorizing their address, or mastering how to cut an apple. Our goal is to help them become the best version of themselves.
During the COVID lockdown, we organized BINGO nights and dance parties to keep spirits high. The joy on their faces, lighting up the screen when they saw me, was priceless. I made it a point to get to know them, not just because it's my job, but because I genuinely wanted to understand their likes, dislikes, and who they spent time with.
The most rewarding aspect for me is simply being there for them, witnessing their growth and being a supportive presence when they need it. They're just people, no stranger or weirder than anyone else, despite their limitations. They're simply individuals who've been dealt a different hand in life, and it's an honor to walk this journey with them.
Holly Burbach
nurse aide
9
Answers
Derby, Kansas
Updated
Holly’s Answer
In my case, most of the people I work with either don't have family or the family doesn't or isn't able to contact much so in a sense you do become their family. You're responsible for these people's lives and well being. It can be challenging of course depending on the day and the individual behaviors but at the end of they day you feel like you helped someone. Yes it is tiring and yes people do actually say why do you work with stupid people. These people aren't stupid, they may not think like you or me but they're human just the same and you embrace each person's different personalities. You end up telling people about your personal life and sharing joys/rewards and other emotions together. while you work for the person, not really with them in a sense, you do get thanked at the end of the day. not necessarily by a manager or anybody, but by the person you care for.
I have four years of direct care intellectual disability experience and I love it.
I have four years of direct care intellectual disability experience and I love it.
Hoang Tran
Tutor
13
Answers
Fullerton, California
Updated
Hoang’s Answer
Hello Bairavi,
As you stated, many in the helping professionals find their jobs highly rewarding and remain in the field despite the field's many shortcomings (i.e. emotional draining, compassion fatigue, low pay, high stress).
I think most in the helping profession find their work intrinsically motivating. If you do decide to pursue a career in the profession, expect to sleep well at night, knowing that you made a difference in someone's life daily.
As you stated, many in the helping professionals find their jobs highly rewarding and remain in the field despite the field's many shortcomings (i.e. emotional draining, compassion fatigue, low pay, high stress).
I think most in the helping profession find their work intrinsically motivating. If you do decide to pursue a career in the profession, expect to sleep well at night, knowing that you made a difference in someone's life daily.
Emily Rivera
Clinical Team Leader/ Rehabilitation Counselor/ Vocational Case Manager
4
Answers
Maitland, Florida
Updated
Emily’s Answer
Hi Bairavi,
In my job, I work with people with disabilities after initial onset of impairment to help them identify
suitable and appropriate alternative employment options and/or assistive technology that would aid
them in being able to perform a new or modified occupation independently. For example, if a traditional Floor Registered
Nurse is unable to continue lifting the 50 pounds required of her position in a hospital, I may help her translate those
skills to obtain employment in medical case management work, which is done in a seated capacity and with no lifting
required. I think there is a pride, for all people with and without disabilities, in being independent and productive. It is both
satisfying and rewarding to be able to help people reach those personal milestones and goals, and if you are drawn to a
helping field, working with people with disabilities can satisfy that drive.
In my job, I work with people with disabilities after initial onset of impairment to help them identify
suitable and appropriate alternative employment options and/or assistive technology that would aid
them in being able to perform a new or modified occupation independently. For example, if a traditional Floor Registered
Nurse is unable to continue lifting the 50 pounds required of her position in a hospital, I may help her translate those
skills to obtain employment in medical case management work, which is done in a seated capacity and with no lifting
required. I think there is a pride, for all people with and without disabilities, in being independent and productive. It is both
satisfying and rewarding to be able to help people reach those personal milestones and goals, and if you are drawn to a
helping field, working with people with disabilities can satisfy that drive.