Laky has a B.A. in Sociology and an Honours Bachelor's of Social Work. She is also registered with the Ontario College of Certified Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Laky has been doing work with physically and developmentally challenged young adults, and VAW (violence against women). Send your questions to laky@mybindi.com

Dear Laky,

I was just wondering if you could help me with my career. I know what I want to do, I just don't know the career path that will take me to it. I want to work with disabled children. I have thought of becoming a physio or occupational therapist but I know there are more options. I just don't know what they are. I've tried talking to professors, family and friends and they all just keep telling me to go on the internet, but its so hard to find information. Could you help me out?

Lisa.

Hi Lisa,

First let me commend you on your desire to work with the physically abled, it's a very noble profession. Working with this segment of the population requires a great gift because they are Gods very special children.

Lisa what you first need to do is decide what aspect of this field you wish to work with. There is much that you can do with this population. Do you wish to focus on the physical or physiological, mental, emotional or educational. Once you have narrowed this down you will have a better idea of where you should channel your energies. Another place that you can look is at any University or college career center or at the local library, they should have binders that give you a description of certain professions and what education you need and what they focus on.

I can send you in many directions but the problem with that is I will only end up frustrating you further. Try and determine what aspect you wish to focus on this will enable you to drive your research in the right direction. While the Internet can be very helpful it's only good if you can narrow down the search. The realm is very broad; you can focus on medical, education, family supports, recreation or charity.

Here are a few sites that you can get started on:
1) telemed.medicine.uiowa.edu/TRCDocs/projects/interteam.html.
2) dcrf.com
3) specialchildren.net

I hope this helps you. The field of physiotherapy is also a good one; it all depends on your interest. Good luck and stick with it, the rewards are well worth while.

Laky