The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) assists students with disabilities to identify personal assistants (PAs). PAs, who are hired and paid by the student, assist students perform daily tasks. PA duties may include assisting with:
- Bathing, dressing, grooming and hygiene;
- Transfers;
- Laundry, housekeeping and other domestic tasks;
- Errands;
- Other individual duties as needed.
Students with disabilities are responsible for hiring and paying personal assistants. The CSD may assist students with identifying PAs by advertising available positions and collecting employment applications but the provision of applications does not constitute an endorsement of an applicant. CSD staff is not authorized to assist students with personal care needs.
Student Responsibilities
- Students requesting a personal assistant are encouraged to contact their DSP as soon as possible if they are seeking assistance identifying PAs.
- Provide the CSD with information regarding the specific PA requirements (e.g., advertisement).
Students are encouraged to contact Student Health and Wellness at 860-486-4700 to speak with a nurse regarding their individual needs.
CSD Responsibilities
- Assist students with identifying PAs by communicating with targeted constituencies (e.g., School or Nursing students).
Any questions regarding this policy and procedure should be directed to a student's DSP or to csd@uconn.edu.
Becoming a Personal Assistant
General Tips and Suggestions
- Sign an employee agreement before you start assisting the SWD.
- Make certain that you are aware of your duties prior to the start of your job.
- Before you begin assisting the SWD, be certain that you can commit to the schedule, including the necessary punctuality, to succeed at this job.
- Be honest with yourself and with the SWD whom you are assisting – talking openly about concerns will preclude conflicts.
- Ask questions if you are unsure about how to do something.
- Make sure you can reach the SWD's other PAs in case you need to miss a shift and need someone to cover your absence.
- Make recording your hours worked part of your daily routine with the SWD so there are no disagreements later. If a conflict about hours (or anything else) does arise that you can't settle with your SWD, please immediately contact the CSD office by emailing csd@uconn.edu.
Training Information
UConn expects high standards from personal assistants working with students with disabilities. Student Health Services offers guidance and experienced consulting to make things easier. Potential PAs should contact Student Health Services for training which includes an explanatory demonstration by a registered nurse, nurse practitioner or physical therapist. To access this service, call 860-486-2719 and make an appointment. It is often helpful to outline your responsibilities and tasks prior to your appointment so the demonstrations may be tailored to the needs of the student you are assisting.