Shifting the Lens: Celebrating Strengths in Disability Support

When we focus only on what someone can’t do, we miss who they truly are.

In disability support, it’s easy for plans and paperwork to revolve around limitations — challenges to overcome, deficits to manage, goals to ‘fix’ what’s missing. But that’s not how people thrive. At Alula, we start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong.

This week, we’re looking at how families, support workers, and communities can embrace a strengths-based approach — and how that shift can empower participants to grow, lead, and feel truly seen.

🌱 What Is a Strengths-Based Approach?

A strengths-based approach focuses on what a person can do, loves doing, or is proud of — even if it doesn’t fit into traditional boxes.

Strengths might be:

• Curiosity

• A great memory for detail

• Empathy and emotional insight

• Creativity

• A calming presence with animals

• Strong visual learning

• Unique humour or perspective

When support starts with strengths, participants feel:

• More confident

• More engaged in planning

• More independent

• More in control of their future

🧠 Why This Shift Matters

Traditional disability support systems often highlight “deficits” — what someone struggles with — because funding and services are built around those needs. But over time, that lens can:

• Reduce self-esteem

• Create learned helplessness

• Make people feel like a list of problems

• Limit opportunities to try new things

A strengths-based approach flips the script. It recognises that everyone has capacity — and that building on what’s already working leads to better outcomes.

🔍 Strengths Aren’t Always Obvious

Sometimes strengths aren’t polished or conventional — but they’re still worth celebrating.

• A participant who fixates on numbers might be brilliant at budgeting, forecasting, or remembering dates.

• Someone who struggles with social settings might still have an incredible sense of loyalty or fairness.

• A young person who’s non-verbal might communicate powerfully through movement, art, or pattern recognition.

🌟 Strengths don’t always show up the way we expect. That’s why we need to stay curious.

🔄 Turning Challenges into Strength Pathways

Rather than trying to “eliminate” a behaviour or trait, ask how it could become a bridge to growth.

ChallengeReframe as StrengthActionFixation on routineDetail-oriented, reliableIntroduce structured tasks or planning rolesSensory sensitivityHigh self-awarenessUse it to co-design calming spaces or sensory-friendly outingsLimited verbal communicationStrong non-verbal cuesEmbrace visual tools, gestures, and body languageResistance to group settingsIndependent thinkerOffer 1:1 or interest-based engagement instead of generic programs

This isn’t about ignoring challenges — it’s about meeting them with creativity and compassion.

🛠️ How to Practice Strengths-Based Support

Whether you're a support worker, parent, or plan manager, here are practical ways to shift into strength-first mode:

1. Ask Strength-Based Questions

Instead of “What’s the problem?” ask:

• “What’s something you feel proud of lately?”

• “What helps you feel calm or in control?”

• “When do you feel most like yourself?”

• “What’s something people often overlook about you?”

These questions create space for insight, not just checklists.

2. Frame Plans Around Strengths

When writing NDIS goals or support notes, use language that reflects growth and capability.

Instead of:
“John struggles with emotional regulation and often has outbursts.”

Try:
“John is learning how to express big feelings and responds well to visual prompts and quiet spaces.”

Instead of:
“Sarah has limited mobility and requires assistance.”

Try:
“Sarah enjoys exploring her community and uses mobility support to participate in local events.”

3. Celebrate Small Wins

Strength doesn’t mean mastery — it means growth. Celebrate progress, not perfection.

• Someone made their own lunch for the first time? Acknowledge it.

• Managed a difficult social setting for 20 minutes? That’s a win.

• Remembered an appointment independently? Give credit.

Build confidence through real recognition — not over-the-top praise, but sincere encouragement.

4. Involve Participants in Identifying Their Strengths

This might include:

• Strength cards or visual aids

• Journaling or voice notes

• Artistic self-portraits

• Collages of favourite things

• Strength spotting in conversations (“That was really kind of you — kindness is one of your strengths.”)

When people identify their own strengths, they’re more likely to use them with purpose.

5. Create Opportunities to Use Strengths

Support workers can intentionally build tasks or activities that allow strengths to shine.

Examples:

• If someone is great at routines, they might love helping plan the day’s schedule

• A participant with artistic flair could help design the weekly menu board

• Someone who loves animals might volunteer at a shelter or visit a pet café

• A strong visual learner could try photography or design

Don’t just acknowledge strengths — activate them.

🌟 What Participants Say

“I didn’t know I was good at anything until someone asked me what I was curious about. No one had ever asked that before.”
— Eli, 32

“People used to tell me I was too sensitive. Now I help other people feel heard. My support worker said that’s a strength — empathy.”
— Rachel, 24

“I always thought being quiet was bad. But my quietness makes others feel safe. That’s my gift.”
— Leo, 18

Final Thoughts

Everyone has strengths. Some are loud and obvious — others are quiet, waiting to be noticed. But they’re always there.

At Alula, we believe strengths are the seed of dignity, independence, and joy. When we celebrate what people bring to the world — not just what they need — we create care that uplifts, not manages.

So next time you sit down to plan or support, try asking:

“What’s already working? And how can we build from there?”

That’s where real growth begins.