University of Canberra student Keegan Jackson has begun working as a disability support worker through the Mable app.
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Jackson is an exercise physiology student who is preparing to take his exit exam.
He aspires to work with children with disabilities and chronic conditions.
It's a calling that is close to home for Jackson, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 10.
"When I was young I had never even heard of exercise physiology. I didn't have anyone that gave me advice around being physically active while managing a condition," he said.
Yet, COVID-19 has hit both Jackson's work plans and his clients' access to care.
"With COVID and everything sort of being shuffled around, I did have a job lined up but that's been mixed up and shaken up a bit," he said.
A friend recommended Mable to Jackson, and he quickly found a client to work with.
"[On Mable] I was reached out to by someone [whose] child has had a lot of their physical activity cancelled due to COVID-19," he said.
"Every week I catch up with [my client] and then do physical activity. I get her out of the house, give her educational tips about the importance of exercise and how it can help with her condition.
"The world seems to have come to a stop, but people with disabilities and chronic conditions - their health aspects haven't stopped."
The Mable app aims to connect people with disabilities or older people with support workers, giving them agency through the ability to choose who they work with.
People with disabilities and older people can choose support workers based on their interests as well as their skill set.
Even if this is something you've never done before, you're going to have some sort of set of skills.
- Mable chief executive Peter Scutt
Support workers can provide services that do not require qualifications. This includes companionship, in-home care and basic personal care.
Mable chief executive and co-founder Peter Scutt encourages people out of work to consider working as a support worker.
"So many things are out of our control at this time so it's great that at Mable we can offer those who have been stood down opportunities to re-engage with work," he said.
"Ultimately, we want to assist as many Australians as possible during this difficult time.
"This means engaging support people from those in need of jobs, and connecting them with older Australians and people with disability in need of companionship and support."
For Jackson, the Mable app has provided a fulfilling work opportunity.
"Working through Mable I have been able to provide that support which has been void continuing that care [for] the people who still need it," he said.
"Even if this is something you've never done before, you're going to have some sort of set of skills. There will be someone out there who will want to take advantage of that. It's worth trying."
- To find out more about Mable go to mable.com.au.