EMPLOYMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

For lots of people, with disabilities or without, getting a job is not a big deal. They apply for a job for the first time, get hired, go to work and anything they don’t already know about the job they learn as they go. Sometimes they like the job and keep it. Sometimes they dislike it and go find another job.

What if it is not that easy? To assist an individual with a disability to find or keep a job, you might try using job analysis or job carving.

HOW DO YOU DO A JOB ANALYSIS?

1. Watch an employee do the job. Are there any special tools or skills needed?
2. Observe the environment. Must an employee be able to get used to working with a lot of noise, extreme temperatures or under pressure? Will it be easy to get along with co-workers?
3. Ask to be trained in the job yourself.
4. Perform the job yourself for a day or more.
5. Write down everything that is expected for the job tasks. Also include other expectations like dress code or behavior.
6. Have the employer review what you have written and agree that this is what is expected.
7. Ask about any unusual work expectations, for example, the Christmas shopping season might be more rushed than usual work days, and employees would be expected to work extra hours during that time. (Griffin & Hammis, 2002).

ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT RESOURCES (Click on the words in blue to get more information on any of these topics.)

Vocational rehabilitation can be a valuable partner to schools, people with disabilities and their families. Vocational rehabilitation helps people get and keep jobs.

JOB ANALYSIS--- TWO EXAMPLES are given here, the first for an individual with a severe disability and the second for a person with milder disabilities.

JOB CARVING - what it is and an example.

Getting a job - some tips to try for people with disabilities and their families

.Sources for assistance in finding employment and self-employment

DOCUMENTS TO DOWNLOAD- Courtesy of the American Indian Disability Technical Assistance Center at the University of Montana.

Everything you need to know about employment rights for people with disabilities. Can an employer be required to make accommodations for interviews or tests when you apply for a job? When is it all right for an employer to ask you about your disability? Can an employer refuse to hire you if you would need some accommodation to do the job, such as putting you in an office on the first floor?

Resources for self-employment and small businesses owned by people with disabilities. SBA.pdf