Counselling People with Learning Disabilities on Employment

What is a learning disability?

An information processing problem in an individual of potentially average to above average intelligence.

How can I recognize a learning disability?

Learning disabilities affect people at all levels of employment, from hourly paid workers to leaders in government, business, and the arts. An individual with learning disabilities may exhibit some of the following characteristics.

Work and Education related :

• exhibits high potential but poor performance;

• often unemployed or underemployed;

• no specific career plans;

• frequently late and/or absent;

• cannot organize belongings, time, activities, or responsibilities; ú academic failure;

• problems starting/completing assignments;

• learns well when shown, but cannot follow written and/or verbal instructions;

• needs on-going encouragement and support.

Social Skills:

• lacks social skills, difficulty maintaining relationships; or, uses social skills to mask poor performance;

• seems constantly anxious, tense, depressed; poor self concept;

• participates in few social activities;

• difficulty interpreting social cues;

• demanding;

• withdrawn; a loner;

• poor concept of personal space;

• behaves inconsistently; impulsive;

• age-inappropriate behaviour;

• frustrated; inability to sit still;

• insecure; fearful;

• takes things literally.

Everyone experiences one or more of these characteristics at some time. Only when several of these signs are present might there be an indication of a learning disability.

Assessment & Remedial Help

There is no one test for learning disabilities. Psychologists use a variety of tests to determine an individual's unique strengths and weaknesses, and make recommendations based on their findings. Contact the Learning Disabilities Association in your area for information on assessment and remedial help available at local hospitals, rehabilitation agencies, or educational institutions.

Employment and Vocational Counselling

Counsellors can help individuals with learning disabilities to understand their disability and make employment choices. Here are some things you can do to help:

Consider employment options:

• discuss hopes and dreams;

• outline skills and abilities;

• think about weaknesses and solutions to their problems;

• list interests;

• discuss general employment information (e.g., jobs in demand, education/training required);

• discuss any necessary work adjustments;

• match skills and interests with jobs (this is the most important step);

Develop a plan of action:

• discuss possible training/educational options;

• discuss possible roadblocks and solutions;

• set realistic goals;

• start with first step (people with learning disabilities often construct plans, but do not act on them.);

• provide support structure to carry out remaining steps.

Work on job-search requirements and skills:

• develop job-search strategy appropriate for individual's needs;

• preparing a resume

• filling out application forms;

• knowing where to look for work;

• knowing how to conduct yourself during a job interview;

• develop checklists on applying for jobs and preparing for an interview;

• if necessary, inform employer of particular style of work and need for accommodation.

Accommodation

Some individuals may want and need specific accommodations in order to be successfully integrated into an employment or academic setting. Some examples of possible accommodations are:

• flexible work assignments;

• access to word processors, calculators, tape recorders;

• extended training periods;

• distraction-free workplace;

• "buddy" system with other employees;

• written, demonstrated or taped instructions.