Hello everyone, I’m Ryan Tindal, Director of Skilled Carer. Our company, founded in 2017, is dedicated to fostering positive relationships between support workers, participants, and their families. I’m here as an advocate for both support workers and participants, ensuring that you have the rights and opportunities needed to excel in this field while maintaining the highest standards of care.
My Journey
My background is in special needs education, where I spent over a decade as a classroom teacher working with children with autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, and trauma. Throughout my tenure, I held leadership roles such as house leader, school council member, and social-emotional learning coordinator. In these roles, I implemented programs and professional development to help teachers and support staff work more effectively with vulnerable children.
I transitioned to the disability support work sector in 2016, quickly realizing the industry’s need for more education, leadership, and integrity. Support work is complex and subjective, often leaving room for misinterpretation and exploitation of the most vulnerable. Integrity, for me, means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. I have created a course that is designed to help you navigate these grey areas and make informed, ethical decisions.
The Importance of Integrity
In support work, you’ll encounter situations where it’s tempting to take the easy road. However, it’s crucial to stay committed to high standards, even when it’s challenging. This course will prompt you to reflect on your practices and how to handle the challenges you’ll face with participants, their families, and care teams. Every action and decision you make carries weight and can significantly impact the lives of those you support.
Learning and Growing Together
Continuous learning and self-reflection are key. No matter where you are on your journey, this course offers a wealth of knowledge distilled from my 15 years in education and disability advocacy. The goal is to upskill the disability industry by benefiting parents, participants, support workers, and the broader community.
Addressing the Fear of the Unknown
Fear and anxiety often stem from a lack of understanding. By educating ourselves, we can reduce uncertainty and make fewer mistakes. Acknowledge ownership of your learning and invest in yourself. This investment benefits not just you but also the people you work with. The industry can be demanding and sometimes confronting, but with preparation and resilience, you can make a positive impact.
The Power of Positive Connections
Having spent over a decade in teaching, I’ve seen how positive connections can transform lives. Schools can be safe havens or places of dread, and it’s up to us to create supportive environments. Unfortunately, many in our field lack the psychological and social understanding needed to fulfill their roles effectively. Even those more qualified can underestimate the responsibility they hold. Never underestimate your influence on someone’s life—both positively and negatively.
Practical Strategies for Support Workers
The free course provides practical strategies to benefit participants, their families, and support workers, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards common goals. Understanding disabilities, social media habits, financial management, nutrition, and more are crucial for comprehensive care. As a seasoned educator and disability advocate, I aim to fill the gaps in accessible, professional education in this field.
The Poker Chip Analogy
One analogy that has guided my teaching is that of poker chips representing self-esteem. Imagine playing poker with a limited number of chips; you’d play conservatively, right? Similarly, people with disabilities often face a scarcity of self-esteem, making them hesitant to take risks. This mindset isn’t inherent but developed through cultural norms and educational systems.
In my philosophy, I strive to build others up, offering encouragement whenever possible. Life isn’t a game of poker, and we never know the struggles others are facing. This perspective helps me stay compassionate, whether in traffic or at the gym, and I hope it can guide you too.
Conclusion
I’m excited to share more insights and connect with you on these important topics. Together, we can build a better future in disability support, enhancing lives and fostering understanding.
Stay tuned for podcasts, courses, videos and discussions as we navigate this journey together.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to our continued learning and growth.
Best, Ryan Tindal
