why we are doing a deep dive on ethics in support

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I Am a Disabled Content Creator: Podcast Insights on Ethics in Support Work

As a disabled content creator, I often draw inspiration for my podcast from personal experiences. Today, I want to explore the ethics of support work—a topic deeply tied to the realities of my life.

Some of my housing team, who are pushed forward by our provider despite lacking the necessary training, struggle to de-escalate difficult behaviours. Despite a doctor’s note and my advocacy efforts, progress has been slow due to red tape and regulations surrounding harmful practices. These situations often leave low-support-needs clients like myself bearing the brunt of the fallout.

Before you wonder why I’m discussing this online, it’s worth considering that many people haven’t spoken with those directly impacted by poorly trained support workers. Often, the issue isn’t what they do—it’s what they don’t do.

This lack of action underpins the need to thoroughly examine ethics in support work. By unpacking what ethics truly means in disability care, we can address systemic gaps. For instance, in some parts of the USA, there’s a troubling trend of misusing clinical terminology, which can lead to harm. Diagnoses and care are costly, and dismissive attitudes only exacerbate the problem.

While not all support workers fall short, there’s a pressing need to better understand their role. One comment on my TikTok highlighted this reality: a support worker quit mid-shift after discovering that the role included helping someone to the toilet. This lack of understanding contributes to high turnover rates, making it difficult for clients to build trust with staff.

I’ve experienced the full spectrum of support—from outstanding to criminally negligent. I’ve also encountered unethical Local Area Coordinators (LACs) and planners. For example, during a meeting to access services, one LAC shared a personal story about her family’s Christmas reunion after they were released from remand facilities. While that may have been an achievement for her, it was highly inappropriate to share in a professional context. We had to involve an advocacy organization to resolve the situation.

On my podcast, we maintain clear boundaries around what we share. Defining what constitutes a dual relationship is crucial to protecting privacy and ensuring consent when discussing sensitive topics.

Despite these challenges, I remain grateful for the support I receive. My housing and community access teams help me live as independently as possible. However, these systems aren’t without their flaws. Advocacy is often required to address unresolved issues, such as conflicts with neighbours, which arise when natural and informal supports fail.

While I’m fortunate to have access to care, it comes at a physical and emotional cost. Being constantly on guard and careful about what I say to whom shouldn’t be the norm, but it is.

My hope is that through discussions on ethics, we can move toward a better understanding of what support work should entail, ultimately fostering more effective and compassionate care for everyone.

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