Skip to main content

Asking the person

The person with disability is an expert on their disability and the supports and adjustments that will help them to do their job safely and effectively. The best way to find out what works for each person is to ask them.

Last updated: 20 Jan 2026

“'What is ATP?’ ... It stands for ‘Ask The Person’. Ask the person. So it’s not some fancy technology you can use, it’s ‘ask the person.’.”  1 

Randy Lewis
Walgreens
Slide 1

Overview

Given how personal each experience of disability is, always consider the person you are supporting as the primary expert on their support needs and conditions for success. Avoid making assumptions and be prepared for them to contradict your expectations. This includes what they may need as they prepare for job search and settle into working with you. It also includes any adjustments they may require to engage in the job search process effectively.  Instead of assuming what someone can or cannot do, ask the person how they would do it instead.2

Key strategies for success

Asking the person is a key strategy that underpins the foundations of good practice(Opens in a new tab/window) in supporting people with disability into satisfying careers. Important information to explore with the person includes:

  • their interests, goals, strengths and preferences, which can help create a vocational profile to support them in their job search
  • their conditions for success, including things that are considered 'non-negotiables' for the person when it comes to them identifying their ideal work setting. 
Creating a vision statement (opens in a new window)
A positive, well-articulated vision for the person is a critical first step to help them get the good things in life.
Family Advocacy

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to the elders past and present.

© Commonwealth of Australia 2025
Creative Commons License CC BY-NC-ND 4.0(Opens in a new tab/window)

Return focus to the top of the page