The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at the University of Connecticut acts as a referral source by assisting students with disabilities to identify personal assistants. A personal assistant is a paid employee (paid by the student) who assists an individual with a disability to perform daily tasks.
Personal Assistant Duties May Include:
- Assistance with daily grooming and hygiene
- Assistance with transfers
- Assistance with bathing and dressing
- Assistance with laundry and errands
- Other individual duties as needed
Students Seeking Personal Assistants
Students with disabilities are responsible for hiring and paying personal assistants. While the CSD assists students, the provision of applications does not constitute an endorsement of each applicant. CSD staff is not authorized to assist students with personal care needs.
Responsibilities for Students Seeking Personal Assistants
Students requesting a personal assistant should contact the CSD as soon as possible if they are seeking assistance identifying personal assistants.
Provide the CSD with information regarding the specific personal assistant requirements (e.g., advertisement).
Responsibilities of the CSD
Assist students with identifying personal assistants by communicating with targeted constituencies (e.g., School or Nursing students).
Assist students to identify personal assistants by advertising available positions and collecting employment applications.
Any questions regarding this policy and procedure should be directed to Christine Wenzel, Interim Executive Director, at (860) 486-2020 or christine.wenzel@uconn.edu.
Become a Personal Assistant
Applications & Forms
Suggestions for Personal Assistants
Sign an employee agreement before you start assisting.
Be aware of your duties prior to the start of your job
Ensure that you are certain of your schedule.
Be willing to commit the time and punctuality necessary to be successful at this job.
Be honest with yourself and with the student whom you are assisting – talking openly about concerns will be likely to settle any conflict before it arises.
Ask questions if you are unsure about how to do something – it is better to ask then risk anyone’s safety.
Get the contact information of the student’s other personal assistants in case you are unable to work on a scheduled day.
Keep track of your hours and sign off on them daily in the presence of the student whom you are assisting.
If there is a disagreement regarding your work schedule or payment, talk to the student whom you are assisting. If additional assistance is necessary, contact the CSD.
If any other problems arise, or if you are asked to take on more responsibility than previously agreed upon, talk openly with your employer.
If problems persist, contact the CSD.
Get Training from Student Health and Wellness (SHaW)
UConn Student Health and Wellness offers guidance and experienced consulting by registered nurses, nurse practitioners or physical therapists.
Reach out to the Student Health Services appointment desk at 860-486-2719 to make a request for a demonstration.
Prior to your appointment, prepare ahead by outlining your responsibilities and tasks so you can get demonstrations specific to the needs of the student you are assisting.