Finding the right Personal Assistant

Abstract

A thorough self-assessment by the employee with a disability is critical to determining the level of need for workplace Personal Assistance Services (PAS). This paper describes why the self-assessment process should be employee-driven and how the self-assessment can assist the individual to select the Personal Assistant (PA) most qualified to meet his/her needs on the job. Although the process needs to be employee-driven, the author strongly advises employees to consult with rehabilitation professionals when appropriate to see that all support needs are addressed in the self-assessment. Finally, two sample tools are presented that can be used in the self-assessment process and in the recruitment of a qualified workplace PA.