Parramatta resident Deborah Lawson, 53, has been working as a disability support worker with Hireup for the past three years and says supporting Murray Loudon, 54 – who is living with cerebral palsy and is a fulltime wheelchair user – has been life-changing.
Hireup is an NDIS-registered provider that allows clients across Australia to find and book trusted and verified support workers who meet their needs and share their interests.
“I’ve been with Murray for three years and we are partners in crime,” said Ms Lawson.
“We do everything together from going to Parramatta Eels games where we work handing out merchandise to rock concerts to going on holidays.
“I love it because with Murray there is no limits, we find ways to do things together. It’s been the most rewarding experience not only being able to provide support but watching someone participating in life, and getting the most of it.”
Last week Hireup recognised 25 of its Western Sydney employees, who it says are setting the benchmark for inclusion, by providing them with additional training to launch a new program that will promote the work the platform’s supporters do and the services available.
“The Hireup platform is revolutionising the way people with disabilities find, hire and manage support workers,” said Hireup CEO, Jordan O’Reilly.
“Our support workers and the people they support have built relationships beyond that of just work.”
“They have bridged the gap for people with disabilities and shown that having compassion, understanding and being open-minded forges long-term, meaningful relationships that set the benchmark in care and inclusion.”
According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, more than 4.4 million, or one in five Australians are living with a disability.
