<p>I want to work with people with disabilites. At first I was thinking about becoming an OT, but after reading several OT job descriptions I’m not sure that’s what I really want to do. I want to help people with disabilites find jobs, find a house, etc. Is that more of a social worker? I want to help them with life situations. I’m not sure what I should go to college for.</p>
<p>My familiarity is with services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities. If that is your interest, then the types of job tasks you mentioned generally fall under the job description of a case manager or supports coordinator (the terminology differs by state &/or provider agency.) Relevant degrees for this would include psychology or special education. Sometimes a social worker would be in that type of job. You can work in these types of positions with a bachelor’s degree. A degree in special education would give the most specific focus on developmental disabilities. If you followed that path, you might want to become a special education teacher. One aspect of that field that might align with your interests is providing supports to high school students who will transition out of special education when they reach the age of 21. A degree in psychology will focus less on developmental disabilities. The most useful emphasis in psychology will be applied behavior analysis, but not every program offers appropriate coursework in this area. You may have difficulty finding departments that do, although you sometimes can find such courses in the special ed dept. If you pursue that pathway, you might want to consider going on for a master’s degree in special education or applied behavior analysis. Usually, a degree in social work also will offer very little specific training in developmental disabilities. The main advantage of a social work degree is that you may learn may about certain aspects of the service delivery system, including case management and coordination of services, guardianship, etc. While in college, one of the most important things you can do to prepare for this type of work is to get a job as a direct support staff in an agency that provides services to persons with disabilities (or, as a paraprofessional aide in a special ed setting).</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>