I am currently working on a project to assist state employment counselors to help persons with LD obtain employment and receive assistance with adaptive supports once a job is found
The state workers do not know that someone they see has a learning disability, and a person with a learning disability does not tell everyone they meet about their disability. I want to know from anyone, if you walk into a government office seeking help to get a job, what would you want the state workers to do differently so you can be successful regardless of a learning disability?
Naturally we all want them to be patient and polite.
Any other thoughts on this as well? Please tell me your experiences
Re: Employment
Hi Kathy:
I would hope that state counselors focus more on a person’s strengths rather than the disability yet keeping a person’s limitations in the back of their minds. When I started with DVR back in 1995, my counselor took one look at my resume and was like “How do you want me to help you??” Almost like I wasn’t in need of services. What she should’ve done was discused with me my concerns of employment despite my strong academic performance in college. Then, a plan could’ve been tailored to maximize the strengths. That’s why I’ve been in such menial jobs. Now I’m taking the brave step by beginning a Masters program this fall. (After taking care of some minor emotional troubles).
Hope this helps! Good luck with your project :)
Christine H
Re: Employment
It does help. Many times counselors who are not trained in working with the disabled are not sure how to begin a discussion to even refer someone to resources that help. In focusing on strengths this can be an opening to such a discussion. Is there something you see they can do regarding adaptions in workshops, instructions or forms that would assist persons with disabilities without having to make the adaption visible to the rest of the people. I find that most adaptions require the disabled person going to “special” computers or being part of a “special” class and this in itself causes people not to want to come into the offices, as it seems there are signs pointing to you, saying look I have a problem. The solutions sometime become the problem.
Kathy
Re: Employment
Kathy,
Why not automatically do what one temp agency did and have everyone fill out the paperwork on the computer. That way, I am not singled out. I don’t need a special computer as long as I can adjust the font size.
The temp agency explained they went to this system because it saved them time as they didn’t have to reenter the information. Sounds like a win win situation to me.
PT
I am working with this now. I have a wonderful counselor at supportive employment and vocational rehabilitation where I live.
I was able to have an assessment where the counselor took me to a library and I was there as a volunteer but I was paid minimum wage. They taught me about the job. I did that for a month.
After the month was up I was given to a supportive employment counselor. I got a job on my own in a consignment shop. I reported to my counselor to discuss my job and she helped with self esteem issues and job issues.
I recently was layed off because the store had financial problems. I saw my coach for job club. Now I’m starting a new job this week.
It’s nice to have someone in your corner. Gina is always available for me to see in person. She has her phone and email if I need her. She also gives me other contacts if she is going on vacation.
I have been blessed.
Also vocational rehab has helped me with work uniforms. They are a great support. I live in Raleigh NC. They treat me normal. I am lucky to be provided with such services.
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