Personal Assistant Referral Program

Personal Assistant Policy

The Center for Students with Disabilities (CSD) at the University of Connecticut acts as a referral source by assisting students with disabilities to locate personal assistants (PAs). PAs work directly with students who are in need of assistance with activities of daily living. Students, not the CSD, are responsible for securing and paying personal assistants. Applications are taken year-round at the CSD and are then shared with the students seeking assistance. Potential PAs are then contacted and hired by the student depending on their availability and the student's needs. While the Center will assist students in identifying individuals who are interested in becoming personal assistants, please be advised that the provision of applications does not constitute an endorsement of each applicant. CSD staff is not authorized to assist you with your personal care needs.

PA duties may include:

• daily grooming and hygiene
• transfers
• bathing and dressing
• laundry and errands
• other individual duties as needed

Additional information may also be obtained from Michele LaBonte, Director of Nursing at Student Health Services. PAs may receive an explanatory demonstration by a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner from Student Health Services. Call 486-0765 to arrange an appointment. A training manual is also available to students from the CSD to assist students in hiring and supervising PAs.