Can I Become a Security Officer with a Physical Disability?
Your Rights, Responsibilities and Realities Many people living with a physical disability are interested in working in security. At Asset
Can I Become a Security Officer with a Physical Disability?
Your Rights, Responsibilities and Realities
Many people living with a physical disability are interested in working in security. At Asset College, we welcome these enquiries and encourage all individuals to explore their training options. We also understand that physical ability plays a significant role in both the training process and the actual demands of working as a security officer.
This article has been written to help you make an informed decision – one that considers your health, safety, personal goals, and the responsibilities of a security role.
What Counts as a Physical Disability?
Physical disabilities are wide-ranging and can affect mobility, coordination, strength, stamina, or the ability to perform certain physical tasks. These may include:
- Use of mobility aids such as wheelchairs, walkers or prosthetics
- Conditions causing chronic pain, fatigue or reduced strength
- Restricted movement in limbs, back or neck
- Musculoskeletal injuries or impairments
- Neurological or degenerative conditions affecting movement
Some people live with stable, well-managed physical disabilities. Others may experience changing capacity over time.
The Physical Demands of Security Work
Not every security role is physically intensive – but many are. Depending on your job, you may be expected to:
- Patrol on foot for long periods
- Respond quickly in emergencies
- Physically intervene in volatile situations (where licensed and trained to do so)
- Stand for extended hours
- Access areas via stairs or uneven terrain
- Carry radios or wear belts with equipment
- Escort people or assist with evacuations
Security is often a first response role, especially in venues, events or public areas. Your ability to move, respond, observe and report can directly impact the safety of others – and your own wellbeing.
Training vs. Employment: What’s the Difference?
At Asset College, we assess your ability to participate in training – not whether you can be employed. We do not decide who can or cannot work as a security officer. However, our courses are designed to reflect industry standards and job readiness.
If a physical disability significantly affects your ability to perform core tasks safely and reliably, it may:
If a physical disability significantly affects your ability to perform core tasks safely and reliably, it may:
- Limit your ability to complete all assessment tasks
- Increase your risk of injury during training
- Reduce your likelihood of being hired after the course
We won’t prevent you from enrolling if you wish to proceed. But we will have an honest conversation with you, and in some cases, request a fitness to participate clearance from your treating doctor.
Our Approach to Adjustments and Inclusion
We will consider reasonable adjustments to support your access to training – for example, modifying assessment formats or allowing assistive equipment. However, we will not provide adjustments that:
- Compromise the safety of you, staff, or others
- Reduce the integrity of the training product
- Disrupt the participation of others in group training
- Are not practically feasible within the training environment
This is especially important when simulated emergency responses, physical tasks, or group-based activities are involved.
Fitness to Participate: What It Means for You
If you disclose a physical disability that may affect your training experience or safety, we may ask you to complete a Fitness to Participate form with your doctor. This form includes:
- A summary of the course requirements
- Space for your treating medical professional to outline any restrictions, support needs, or concerns
This process is not about exclusion – it’s about protecting your wellbeing, ensuring we have accurate advice, and supporting you to make the right decision for your future.
Decision-Making Checklist: Physical Ability and Security
Before enrolling, consider the following:
- Can I stand or walk for extended periods without serious discomfort or risk?
- Am I able to respond quickly in emergencies?
- Do I have the strength and range of movement needed to move safely in a crowded or unpredictable environment?
- Can I safely complete simulated training activities, including evacuations or response drills?
- Have I discussed the physical requirements with my doctor?
If you answer “no” to any of these questions, we encourage you to speak with our team before enrolling. You may still be able to train – but the course outcomes and your employment prospects should be considered realistically.
Moving Forward with Confidence and Clarity
Living with a physical disability doesn’t automatically exclude you from training or working in security. In fact, some roles – such as monitoring, access control, and concierge – may have lower physical demands than others. What matters most is whether you can perform the essential tasks of the role safely, consistently, and with confidence.
Asset College is here to help you navigate that decision, not to make it for you. With honest advice, a practical approach, and respect for your goals, we’ll support you however we can.
Asset College is here to help you navigate that decision, not to make it for you. With honest advice, a practical approach, and respect for your goals, we’ll support you however we can.
Disclaimer
Please note: Training with Asset College does not guarantee that you will be eligible for a security licence or employment in the industry. Licensing decisions are made by the relevant state or territory regulators. Employers may have their own requirements for fitness for duty, availability, and role suitability. We recommend seeking independent medical and professional advice before making enrolment or career decisions.
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