A personal assistant is an adult with the skills to support a person with a disability to live independently, who has completed certified care and assistance training. Personal assistance can be a part-time job for people over 18 from any professional background, including students. What makes this work distinctive is that it is grounded in human rights and the service user's wishes: in a given situation, the assistant may provide support as the person's hands, mobility or means of speaking. Although it may be considered an ordinary job, it is meaningful work that brings together human rights, social protection and humanitarian values. People with severe disabilities may have a substantial need for assistance. Having an assistant can build confidence and make independent living a practical possibility.
For example, a person with severe cerebral palsy may need assistance with dressing, getting out of bed, eating, using the toilet and other activities. Mongolia's current welfare system tends to leave responsibility for people with disabilities to their families or residential institutions. Relying on family care can also worsen a family's financial situation. Personal assistance, by contrast, enables active participation in society and a more active way of life, creating opportunities to live independently, study and work.
A personal assistant should not be confused with a caregiver, servant or domestic worker. Internationally, personal assistance training is designed and delivered within a shared framework of principles. The government authorizes this training, which is delivered and certified by designated organizations and teams of specialists.