Personal assistant and supporter guide
At The Council for Disabled Children we welcome and encourage the participation of disabled children and young people who use personal assistants.
This document has an explanation of what we understand the role of aPersonal assistant to be and some guidelines we ask personal assistants, carers, support workers and parents to follow when supporting a young person to participate in our work.
What is a Personal Assistant?
A personal assistant is someone who is employed or volunteers to support another person It is the role of a personal assistant to help and support you in life and enable you to do tasks.
Disabled people use personal assistants to support them to do things that are difficult or impossible because of their impairment. For example a personal assistant may help someone eat because they can’t feed themselves, may travel with someone if they can’t travel alone or help someone communicate.
We use the words personal assistant instead of carer or supporter because the disabled person should have choice and control over what a personal assistant does for them.
The role of personal assistant
A personal assistant is there to support a disabled person to live life. The personal assistant does this by carrying out the instructions the person (sometimes with their family and friends) give them. A personal assistant is there to support someone to do things and not there to do things for themselves as someone there as a personal assistant is not participating in their own right.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a personal assistant?
Talk to your local authority social services department. There may be a centre for independent living in your area which can offer information and support.
Can CDC help me find a Personal assistant so I can attend an event?
No, unfortunately we are unable to find people personal assistants.
Will CDC pay for my personal assistant so that I can attend ?
No, however in very exceptional circumstances, we may consider assisting on a one-off occasion; this would have to be agreed in writing in advance.
On the next page you will find a set of guidelines we ask Personal Assistants and supporters (including parents) to follow
Guidelines for personal assistance at CDC events
- Do let us know you are coming and any access or dietary needs you have.
- Where they exist please observe the ground rules of the meeting or event.
- Encourage and support your young person to take part. A personal assistant is there to support their young person, not to take part themselves
- Don’t talk over or instead of your young person, if they require assistance to communicate please communicate the point made, in the young person’s own words
- Do not intervene in the running of the event or activity if something is happening that is causing distress or is not accessible to the person you’re working with inform staff and volunteers.
- With the agreement of your young person do explain who you are.
- Respect the confidentiality of others and the meeting.
- Do check with the person you’re working withif they want your support in an activity if they do not, arrange with them if they want you to remain in the room. If not arrange a return time and provide staff with a contact number. Where possible CDC will ensure there is space for personal assistants to sit outside of the meeting/activity.
- If you are in a meeting supporting someone and have questions about the subject please wait until a break and ask the facilitator/presenter. Do not interrupt the meeting as this may be off putting or intimidating to the young people taking part.
CDC staff and support
In normal circumstances CDC staff will ensure events and activities are accessible. Wewill make sure there is appropriate support for the young people to take part such as scribes, pre-event briefings etc.
We will make transport arrangements but we are unable to escort young people on transport. We will support access needs that do not require specialist training or put our staff or the young person at undue risk. We cannot assist in personal care.