From classroom to support work: Disability service expands into Toowoomba

‘Disability to me is a part of human beings, but I don’t see it as a negative, I really like helping people out, and if I can help them live a good and happy life I’ve done my job.’

Disability support worker Adam Thompson of new business Community Access Care, Picture: Kevin Farmer

After four years teaching in classrooms in Logan and Bundaberg, Adam Thompson found the lifestyle wasn’t for him, and decided to follow his passion for helping people.

His new path took him into disability support work, and after spending a year on the job in Bundaberg with Community Access Care, last month Mr Thompson made the move south. With the blessing of owner Julie McCracken, Mr Thompson launched a Community Access Team in Toowoomba.

Mr Thompson said while the work had its challenges it was tremendously rewarding, and he was keen to continue to provide disability support services in the region.

“As a disability support worker I provide assistance to people with various physical and mental disabilities, and I work with people of all ages,” he said.

“It can be at their home or out and about in the community. It’s all about providing assistance so that people with a disability can live the potential of their lives.”

Mr Thompson said disability support was an in-demand service across Queensland, and that his time in the classroom gave him an insight into the need for support workers, as well as discovering his passion for the work.

“When I moved from Logan to Bundaberg I taught in integrated classes and learnt to teach students with different learning styles and cultural backgrounds, and that plays a big part in disability support work,” he said.

“When Covid hit last year teaching became a real quiet spot, and I realised that as much as I loved teaching I really wanted to get into this sector so I could help continuously.

“The big thing is that we provide skill-based learning and help develop skills so that our clients can do everyday activities and things they might struggle to do otherwise.

“As a schoolteacher I can use my background in teaching to help clients in education areas and also teach skills.”

Mr Thompson said something that set Community Access Care apart was the flexibility of its service and its ability to tailor the level of care to a client’s need.

“Toowomba has got a lot to offer with things to do in the community, and we are very community based,” he said.

“I like to get our client to access the community and do things in public and also at home.

“For me personally as a support worker I love teaching skills and building their confidence.

“For some, going out and doing things like shopping is a daunting thing, but with our support we help to provide safe environment.

“Disability to me is a part of human beings, but I don’t see it as a negative, I really like helping people out, and if I can help them live a good and happy life I’ve done my job.”

Community Access Care is based in Bundaberg and is now branching out to help the people of Toowoomba. For more details, contact [e-mail], [e-mail], or call 0455 503 074.

Originally published as From classroom to support work: Disability service expands into Toowoomba