Here are eight reminders about employment of employees with disabilities.
" Provide a comfortable environment in which an open discussion of
issues is welcomed.
" Describe what the interview process involves, i.e., any tests or job
demonstrations, so that the interviewee can be prepared. Fifty-five percent of
individuals interviewed cited a companys culture and work environment as a
critical factor in their employment success.
" Increase employer knowledge about assistive technology and what it can do
for an employee with special needs.
" Provide IT staff with training on AT so that they can be prepared to
address any compatibility problems between the companys systems and an
employees
of the hardships of the job search by providing valuable interviewing and
work skills. Nearly 33 percent of those interviewed wished there were more
internship and training opportunities available to people with disabilities.
" Consider flextime and time-sharing options. The option of a flexible work
schedule was the third most common accommodation made for the group of
individuals interviewed.
" Provide more diversity training to HR professionals and other staff
responsible for conducting interviews. Forty percent of participants felt that
there is still a need for more training and education about disabilities for
employers.
" Provide more training to all employees about disabilities. Fifty-five
percent of the individuals interviewed cited supportive and open-minded
coworkers and supervisors as one of the critical factors in their employment
success.
Workforce, August 2002, p. 44 -- Subscribe Now!
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