Do’s and Don’ts, Employing People with Special Needs

Do’s and Don’tsEmploying People with Special Needs

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Do:★ Learn about your employee’s disability★ Know their limitations★ Make accommodations

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Do:★ Equal pay for equal work★ Allow the employee to express themselves★ Include them in all activities

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Do:★ Expect quality work and not excuses★ Explain rules and ask for their understanding★ Give encouragement

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Do:★ Treat them like any other employee★ Be patient★ View from their point of view

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Do:★ Model★ Have all employees interact★ Encourage appropriate social skills

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Do:★ Always treat the individual with respect

and dignity!

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Don’t:★ Ignore employees with disabilities★ Call them names★ Exclude them from an activity

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Don’t:★ Overwhelm them with too much information★ Fire them for a manifestation of their disability★ Assume anything

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How to communicate and work with individuals who use a wheelchair:

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Do:★ Respect Personal Property

○ Their wheelchair and anything attached is personal property★ Speak at eye level with the person★ Remain aware of their reaching limit★ Keep commonly used paths clear of obstruction

○ Trash cans, chairs, boxes, etc.★ Offer another type of chair if needed to perform the job

○ If the person can transfer

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Don’t ★ Lean on wheelchairs★ Hang items on wheelchair★ Push chairs without permissionIf the person transfers out of their wheelchair do not remove it from the area unless approved by the employee using it.

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How to Effectively Communicate and Work with people who have Hearing Impairments

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Do’s and Don’ts:★ Use eye contact★ Speak to the person - not to their interpreter★ Speak in a normal tone unless asked to do otherwise★ Get their attention by tapping them on the shoulder, flashing the lights, or waving your

hands★ Individuals may use a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD)- When

communicating, say “Go ahead” to signal to the other person that they may begin speaking★ If the employee indicates they “read lips” avoid placing hand over mouth, eating,

chewing gum or speaking with your head down

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How to Effectively Communicate and Work with Employees with Vision Impairments

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DO:★ Introduce yourself and others who are present.

○ Identify your role (“I’m the recruiter”)★ Notify the person if you are walking to another area or ending the conversation★ Offer the person your arm when walking★ Give clear and concise directions★ Always ask to pet someone’s service animal

○ Service animals are not just pets, but working assistants

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Don’t:★ Grab someone’s arm

○ it may result in a loss of balance★ Make noises at the service animal

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Remember……★ Be patient, flexible and supportive★ Take time to understand and know your employee’s and their abilities!★ Remember to relax★ Treat the individual with dignity and respect★ Listen

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Remember…...★ Offer assistance

○ but do not insist or be offended if your offer is not accepted★ Treat individuals age-appropriately★ Use short phrases★ Be prepared to repeat what you said

○ orally or in writing★ Offer assistance completing forms or understanding written instructions

○ provide extra time for decision making

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Employer Resources for additional information and training topics related to employees with disabilities:

Diversity World WebsiteEarn-Employer Assistance & Resources NetworkJAN - Job Accommodation NetworkUS Department of Labor - Office of Disability Employment PolicySpecial Needs Alliance - “The Do’s and Don’ts When Hiring an Employee with Special Needs”

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Did You Know?

The Power Of AttitudinalBarriers

★ 40% of employed people with disabilities report they have encountered job discrimination?

★ 33% of employed people with disabilities report they have encountered ”unfavorable attitudes” toward their disability on the job?

★ 22% of employers cite supervisor/co-worker attitudes and stereotypes as a major barrier to employment and advancement of employees with disabilities?

★ 15% of non-disabled people report they do not feel comfortable working for, or nearby a person with a disability?

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It is no wonder that most places of employment are not effective at hiring/retaining employees with disabilities.

“The 10 Commandments of Communication with People with Disabilities”

Diversity World Website

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Susan Abernathy Cindy Keele

Riverton High School/Career Center Community Entry Services

RHS IDEAL Work Department Chair Supported Employment Coordinator

sabernathy@fremont25.org ckeele@ces-usa.com

(307) 856-6557 ext: 4005 (307) 856-5576

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Business Panel - Hiring Employees with Special NeedsJune Bailey - Owner/Massage Therapist of Icons & RebelsTracy Blumenshine - Owner/Manager of Teton Athletic ClubKevin Jones - Manager of Hammer Electronics/Radio ShackDarla Knuth - General Manager of Riverton Wendy’sBecky Wieser - Operations Asst. Manager of Riverton Smith’s

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1. Tell your story of employing a person with special needs/disability - Your do’s and don’ts

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2. What would you have liked to have known before you hired an employee with a disability?

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3. How did you prepare your employees to work with a disabled co-worker?

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Questions for the panel?

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Thank you business panel for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us today. Taking your time to help inform

others of the eager employees out there waiting to be successfully employed is greatly appreciated. Thank you again!!!

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