Published on: 11th March 2026
As a registered NDIS provider, Deaf Connect employs a multitude of Support Workers across Australia to deliver important services to the Deaf community.
Support Workers play a vital role in empowering Deaf NDIS participants to live independently.
This can include assistance with appointments, building everyday life skills, and staying connected through social and community activities.
We recently chatted with one of our Support Workers, Olivia Jackson, about how lived experience shapes the way she supports others. As a Deaf community member herself, Olivia shared how her career has given her a new sense of purpose:
“One of the barriers Deaf people face is that English is not our first language – it’s Auslan. Because I share that experience with my clients, we can connect on a much deeper level. I communicate with them and understand their Deaf identity.
My favourite part is working with so many different clients – helping them learn new skills, supporting them to get out into the community, and empowering them. That’s what I love.
We’re guided by what our clients want to do. They may need support with social connection, building their skills, or getting outdoors and exercising.
Some days we go to a gallery for a social gathering, or I might spend time with a client working towards a specific goal. Everything we do is tailored to their service plans and what they want, to develop their independence and life skills.
Being able to adapt to what our clients want, learning their personalities, and respecting their choices. It’s a constant learning and sharing opportunity, and I think that’s so valuable.”
Deaf Connect is thrilled to be hiring more people like Olivia to provide 1:1 support to NDIS participants.
If you’re interested in a Support Work career, find out more here!
