Disability assistant
Towards Ability

This opportunity gives students the chance to learn about meaningful work in the disability and personal care sector by engaging with Towards Ability.

Towards Ability works closely with allied health professionals, community groups, and industry partners to provide trusted and personalised support services for people with disabilities. Their goal is to help individuals live more independently, safely, and confidently while being involved in their community.

Through this opportunity, students will gain an introduction to how a professional care organisation operates and how support services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each person. Students will observe or assist (where appropriate) in a supportive and respectful environment, learning about communication, teamwork, and responsibility.

This experience is ideal for students who are interested in:
• Health and community services
• Disability support
• Allied health careers
• Working with people and making a positive difference

Students will develop employability skills, such as professionalism, empathy, and problem‑solving, while gaining real‑world insight into a growing and rewarding industry.

This opportunity helps students explore possible future pathways while contributing positively to the community in a safe and supported setting.

Skills You Might Learn

By participating in this opportunity with Towards Ability, students will develop a range of valuable skills that can be used in future study, training, and employment.

Students may gain skills in:
• Communication skills – learning how to speak clearly, listen actively, and communicate respectfully with people of different abilities
• Teamwork – working cooperatively with support workers, health professionals, and other team members
• Empathy and understanding – developing awareness of individual needs and learning to treat others with kindness and respect
• Professional behaviour – understanding workplace expectations such as punctuality, appropriate dress, and positive attitude
• Responsibility and reliability – following instructions, completing tasks, and showing commitment to responsibilities
• Problem‑solving skills – learning how staff adapt support to meet individual needs in different situations
• Organisational skills – helping with setting up activities, preparing resources, and maintaining tidy work areas
• Workplace health and safety awareness – understanding how to stay safe at work and follow safety procedures

These skills are highly valued across many industries, especially in health, disability support, community services, and allied health careers, and help prepare students for future pathways and employment opportunities.

Typical Tasks & Duties

Students participating in this opportunity with Towards Ability will be involved in a range of safe, age‑appropriate tasks that support learning about the disability and community services sector. All tasks will be completed under supervision and in line with school and workplace safety guidelines.

Typical duties may include:
• Observing and learning how support workers provide personalised care to meet individual needs
• Assisting with daily activities (where appropriate), such as setting up activities, organising resources, or helping prepare spaces
• Supporting community or group activities that promote social interaction and independence
• Learning how to communicate respectfully and professionally with people of different abilities
• Helping staff with basic administrative tasks, such as organising files or completing simple paperwork
• Maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment by tidying shared spaces
• Following workplace routines, schedules, and instructions from supervisors
• Observing and practicing workplace health and safety expectations

Students will not be asked to complete tasks that are unsafe or beyond their level of training. The focus of this experience is to help students build confidence, understand professional behaviour, and gain insight into careers in health, disability support, and community services.

Student Requirements

To participate safely and appropriately in this opportunity with Towards Ability, students must meet the following requirements before commencing:

• Police Check
Students are required to have a valid Police Check. This helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients, staff, and the wider community.
• NDIS Worker Screening Check
Students must also complete an NDIS Worker Screening Check, as this role involves exposure to disability support services and vulnerable individuals.
• School Approval
Participation must be approved by the school as part of a recognised work‑based learning or career exploration program.
• Willingness to Learn and Show Respect
Students must demonstrate respectful behaviour, good communication skills, and a positive attitude toward working with people of different abilities.
• Ability to Follow Instructions and Safety Rules
Students must be able to follow workplace rules, confidentiality requirements, and health and safety guidelines at all times.

Support may be provided to students and families to understand how to apply for these checks. All requirements are in place to ensure a safe, professional, and supportive learning environment for everyone involved

Dress Requirements

By adhering to dress requirements, students demonstrate an understanding of workplace expectations, personal responsibility, and the importance of professionalism in employment settings. These requirements prepare students for future employment by reinforcing standards that are widely applicable across service‑based industries.

Acceptable clothing for placements includes attire that is modest, comfortable, practical, and suitable for the tasks being undertaken. Clothing should allow freedom of movement while maintaining professional standards. Examples of appropriate clothing include:

• Collared or plain shirts, blouses, or tops that cover the shoulders and torso
• Long or short‑sleeved tops without offensive slogans, images, or language
• Neatly fitted trousers, slacks, or skirts of appropriate length
• Professional dresses that are not low‑cut, transparent, or excessively fitted
Cardigans, jackets, or jumpers suitable for indoor environments

Special Transport Requirements

• Students are responsible for arranging their own transport to and from the work site
• Public transport availability cannot be guaranteed, and students should confirm options in advance
• Travel by private vehicle, school‑arranged transport, or parent/carer transport may be required
• Students must arrive prior to site start times, which may be earlier than standard school hours
• Any transport concerns should be discussed with the school and placement coordinator prior to confirmation
These requirements help ensure students arrive safely, on time, and prepared for the placement.