Course

The Disabled VA Course

The Disabled VA Course is a self-paced foundational course built for disabled, neurodivergent and chronically ill people who want to build a career custom-fit to you and your needs.

Created by a disabled founder for the disability community, this course is designed for different minds and bodies. Content is structured in small segments so you can move through it in your own rhythm and at your own pace.

This is not a generic VA course. Every element has been built with your needs in mind, from the content itself to the tools, adaptations and support available to you throughout.

Course Details

Module 1 - The Basics

This module will introduce you to the very basics of becoming a virtual assistant. We start by claiming your needs and declaring your highest vision – that is, the what and the why you want to become a VA. We’ll also cover some practical tools on setting up your workspace, managing your workflow and time before we dive into developing an executive presence. This includes things like email and chat etiquette, how to be solutions orientated, how to follow up with your client and common response scripts you can adapt.

Module 2 - Brand

As a sole trader or business owner with a service based business, spending the time to develop a brand strategy can go a long way in giving your marketing and services a cohesive look and feel. This module will cover how to choose a niche area to specialise in, conduct competitive research, develop a hero client persona, and support you to establish your vision, values and why. We end the module by writing your base brand script and identity.

Module 3 - Business Development

Here we start to define the customer journey. You’ll create an About Me Kit for potential clients, along with setting up a simple system to manage enquiries. We’ll also cover the base requirements for setting up a business within Australia, including how to price your services, and obligations as a business owner for contracts, tax and insurance.

Module 4 - Systems, Processes and Automations

In this module I’ve provided some video and PDF guides on how to use common and effective tools and platforms, along with how to leverage AI ethically in your role. I go through how to onboard your first client, including client management tools, tips and templates. This module will provide guides in multiple formats for different access needs, and shares tips and tricks on how to utilise your unique skillset.

Module 5 - Marketing

Marketing your VA business is a key element to securing new clients and building a reputation as a creditable virtual assistant. In this module we cover setting up some of your brand channels, different ways to market your services outside of social media, the type of content you can create, along with templates for tracking what and where you market, and the analytic results.

Meet Digital Debbie

The Disabled VA Course includes something you won't find in any other VA program. Digital Debbie is a custom AI course companion built entirely on our philosophy, frameworks and course content.

Digital Debbie is available to you throughout the entire course. She can help you work through worksheets and activities, answer questions about the course content, and support you when you get stuck. She doesn't draw on the internet for answers. Everything she knows comes directly from Debbie's lived experience and expertise.

She is not a replacement for Debbie's human support. She is an extra layer of guidance available to you whenever you need it, at whatever time of day works for you.

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Curious about VA work but not sure where to start?

We've put together a free resource to help you figure out if this path is right for you. The 65 Most Common VA Tasks gives you a real picture of what virtual assistant work can look like day to day. You might be surprised by how much of it you already know how to do.

You'll also receive the first activity from The Disabled VA Course to help you start thinking about what a career built around your needs could actually look like.

Accessibility

This course has been designed with the needs of our community in mind. Every module is structured in small segments so you can move through the content in your own rhythm and at your own pace.

All course content is delivered in written format. Every lesson also includes an audio recording and transcript, giving you two ways to absorb each topic. Module 4 includes additional video and PDF guides for the tools and programs covered. Worksheets and activities throughout the course are written.

We are committed to continuing to deepen this work as we grow. A full accessibility audit with an external expert is planned as a future project. In the meantime we welcome feedback and requests around specific access needs.

You can reach Debbie directly at [email protected] to enquire about access needs.

Your input helps us build a more inclusive experience for everyone.

Commonly Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

People with disabilities, chronic illness, or neurodivergence who want to build a sustainable VA career. It’s also open to anyone curious about starting as a VA.

Do I need to be disabled / neurodivergent / identify as a minority group to do this course?

No. This course is open to everyone. Whether you are disabled, able-bodied, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or anyone else, you are welcome here.

What will I get out of this course?

By the end, you’ll have the knowledge, tools, and templates to launch your VA business, start seeking clients, and build systems that work for your needs.

How is this course delivered?

The course is self-paced and delivered online through our course platform Ivorey. You'll have access to a private Discord community for support, Digital Debbie your AI course companion, and the ability to submit questions or work for Debbie to review via our Google form or directly at [email protected].

What if I don't live in Australia?

This course is designed for anyone to complete from anywhere. However, there is a section within the course that will discuss tax obligations, Australian business and sole trader information and other things that are specific to people operating within Australia. What I would recommend when you reach that point in the course is to research the equivalent information for your country.

Will my disability or learning needs be accommodated?

This course has been built with the needs of disabled, neurodivergent and chronically ill people in mind. All course content is delivered in written format, with an audio recording and transcript available for every lesson. Module 4 includes additional video and PDF guides for the tools and programs covered. Worksheets and activities throughout the course are written. Every module is structured in small segments so you can work through it at your own pace and in your own rhythm.

Do I need prior experience?

No. The course starts from the foundations, showing how your current skills and hobbies can translate into VA work.

What support will I get?

You’ll have access to:

Digital Debbie, your AI course companion available throughout the entire course

A private Discord community for discussion, questions and peer support

A Google form to submit work or questions for Debbie to review

Direct access to Debbie at [email protected] for anything you need

What makes this course different from other virtual assistant programs?

This is the only VA course built by a disabled founder specifically for disabled, neurodivergent and chronically ill people. It doesn't just teach you how to become a VA, it considers how you work, what you need, and how to build a business that fits around your life rather than the other way around.

Throughout the course you'll find adaptations and suggestions tailored to a wide range of needs, from vision impairment aids to managing a work environment around chronic illness to tools that help with memory and task management.

You'll also have access to Digital Debbie, a custom AI course companion built entirely on our philosophy and course content, and a private Discord community of people building the same kind of business as you.

Terms and Conditions