Qualifications to Provide Disability Support

Disability support work suits people who have:

• An ability to build rapport with others
• A willingness to learn
• Compassion for others
• Common sense
• A positive attitude
• Respect for others
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Teamwork skills
• A satisfactory criminal record check including vulnerable sector search
• Clear Child Abuse and Adult Abuse Registry checks
• Valid First Aid certificate

Education

In Manitoba, the Disability and Community Support Program (DCSP) at Red River College gives students what is needed to work successfully with people with disabilities in a variety of community settings.

A variety of training options are provided through other schools, including the University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg, Assiniboine College and others.

Other Training

A variety of additional training is encouraged for workers in the field. Examples include legal issues, reporting abuse and crisis intervention. Availability of training depends on the employer, the region and the community.