Case studies of Disability support moderators from Bulgaria
Case Study 1: A.I. – Age: 27
- Motivation: “I was inspired by my own experiences growing up with a sibling with a disability. I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar challenges.”
- Learnings: “The DISMODE training taught me about different types of disabilities, effective communication strategies, and how to create inclusive environments.”
- Application: “I now use these skills to tailor my support plans for each individual, ensuring they feel understood and included in all aspects of their lives.”
- Challenges: “One challenge was balancing the theoretical knowledge with practical application. We overcame this through hands-on workshops and peer support.”
- Career Impact: “Absolutely! The training solidified my commitment to this field and opened doors to new opportunities within disability support services.”
- Key Message: “Every person deserves respect and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our role as a disability support moderator is to empower them to achieve that.”
Case Study 2: B.P. – Age: 28
- Motivation: “I had always been passionate about social justice and saw disability support as an area where I could make a tangible impact.”
- Learnings: “I gained insights into legal frameworks, advocacy strategies, and the importance of holistic care for individuals with disabilities.”
- Application: “I now advocate for policy changes at local government meetings and ensure my clients know their rights and how to assert them.”
- Challenges: “Time management was a challenge, but we received excellent organizational tips and resources to stay on track.”
- Career Impact: “Definitely! It confirmed my desire to specialize in disability law and policy, aiming to influence systemic change.”
- Key Message: “Knowledge is power. Equip yourself with it and use it to fight for those who need it most.”
Case Study 3: C.D. – Age: 26
- Motivation: “My previous job involved working with disabled children, and I wanted to deepen my understanding to provide better support.”
- Learnings: “The training covered child development, adaptive learning strategies, and how to create inclusive educational settings.”
- Application: “I implement these strategies in classrooms, ensuring every child feels valued and capable of reaching their potential.”
- Challenges: “Balancing work and study was tough, but the flexible online modules made it manageable.”
- Career Impact: “It reinforced my love for teaching and inspired me to pursue further qualifications in special education.”
- Key Message: “Inclusion starts with understanding and adapting our methods to meet each child’s unique needs.”
Case Study 4: D.E. – Age: 29
- Motivation: “I wanted to combine my medical background with a more personalized approach to patient care.”
- Learnings: “I learned about chronic conditions, pain management, and the psychological impact of living with a disability.”
- Application: “I now incorporate these insights into my medical practice, offering holistic care that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.”
- Challenges: “Integrating new practices into established medical protocols was initially challenging, but teamwork and open communication helped overcome this.”
- Career Impact: “It broadened my perspective and led me to explore interdisciplinary approaches to healthcare.”
- Key Message: “Holistic care considers the whole person, not just their condition. This leads to better outcomes and happier patients.”
Case Study 5: F.G. – Age: 25
- Motivation: “I was drawn to the idea of making a positive impact on people’s lives and felt this training would equip me with the right skills.”
- Learnings: “I gained practical skills in assisting with daily tasks, fostering independence, and building meaningful relationships with clients.”
- Application: “I apply these skills daily, helping clients with everything from personal care to navigating public spaces confidently.”
- Challenges: “Adapting to different personalities and needs was initially overwhelming, but ongoing mentorship provided valuable guidance.”
- Career Impact: “It confirmed my passion for direct support work and inspired me to seek leadership roles within the field.”
- Key Message: “Building trust and rapport is key to effective support. Every interaction matters.”
Case Study 6: H.J. – Age: 27
- Motivation: “I wanted to transition from corporate work to a more fulfilling career where I could directly help others.”
- Learnings: “The training covered disability awareness, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of individualized care.”
- Application: “I now focus on creating culturally sensitive support plans that respect each client’s background and preferences.”
- Challenges: “Adjusting to a new industry and its terminology was challenging, but the supportive learning environment eased the transition.”
- Career Impact: “It completely changed my career trajectory, leading me to a more purpose-driven path.”
- Key Message: “Respect and understanding form the foundation of effective support. Always strive to see the world through your client’s eyes.”
Case Study 7: K.L. – Age: 30
- Motivation: “I have a close friend with a disability and wanted to learn how to better support them and others in similar situations.”
- Learnings: “I gained knowledge about different types of disabilities, effective communication, and the importance of empathy.”
- Application: “I now use these skills to offer emotional support and practical assistance to my friend and others in my community.”
- Challenges: “Finding time for the training alongside full-time work was difficult, but the flexibility of the program made it possible.”
- Career Impact: “It inspired me to consider a career shift towards disability support services in the future.”
- Key Message: “Empathy and understanding go a long way in making someone feel seen and supported.”
Case Study 8: M.N. – Age: 36
- Motivation: “I wanted to contribute to my community and felt this training would give me the tools to do so effectively.”
- Learnings: “The training covered disability etiquette, accessible design principles, and how to create inclusive communities.”
- Application: “I now volunteer at local organizations, advocating for accessibility and inclusivity in public spaces and events.”
- Challenges: “Convincing businesses and institutions to adopt accessibility measures was challenging, but persistence and data-backed arguments helped.”
- Career Impact: “It deepened my commitment to community work and inspired me to pursue further advocacy roles.”
- Key Message: “Inclusivity benefits everyone. Let’s work together to create a world where everyone feels welcome and valued.”
Case Study 9: O.P. – Age: 33
- Motivation: “I wanted to combine my background in social work with specialized knowledge in disability support.”
- Learnings: “I learned about crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and how to navigate complex support systems.”
- Application: “I now use these skills to provide immediate and long-term support to clients experiencing crises or transitions.”
- Challenges: “Dealing with emotionally charged situations was tough, but regular debriefing sessions with peers provided much-needed support.”
- Career Impact: “It reaffirmed my dedication to social work and inspired me to specialize in disability support within the field.”
- Key Message: “Compassionate care involves addressing both immediate needs and long-term wellbeing. Every interaction counts.”
Case Study 10: Q.R. – Age: 26
- Motivation: “I wanted to gain practical skills to support my family member with a disability and potentially turn it into a career.”
- Learnings: “The training covered basic caregiving, safety protocols, and how to promote independence while ensuring safety.”
- Application: “I now assist my family member with daily tasks, ensuring their comfort and safety while encouraging autonomy.”
- Challenges: “Balancing caregiving with personal commitments was challenging, but the program’s flexible schedule made it manageable.”
- Career Impact: “It sparked my interest in professional caregiving and inspired me to explore related career paths.”
- Key Message: “Caregiving is about balance—ensuring safety while empowering independence. Every moment spent caring is a moment invested in someone’s wellbeing.”