Strategies for Working

with Employees with

Disabilities

Chris Sparrow

Employment Services Coordinator

Able South Carolina

Presenter:

AGENDA

Tips for

understanding your

employees with

disabilities.

Tip #1

Never assume to know what

a person can or can’t do.

Tip #2

Treat people with disabilities the same

as you do everyone else.

Tip #3

If you are unsure, just ask.

Person-first Language

Individuals feel more valued.

Family, friends, and support system

become more active in encouraging the

individual’s independence.

We build a more cohesive, employable

community!

Strategies for working with

People with Specific Disabilities

Try sitting or crouching

down to talk to someone

in a wheelchair.

Individuals who use a wheelchair

If they are straining to look up at you,

step back to reduce the angle.

Individuals who use a wheelchair

Be aware of what is accessible.

Only push their chair when asked.

Don't lean on a person's wheelchair.

Individuals who are Blind or have Low Vision

Identify yourself when interacting.

Offer tour of workplace and allow time to orient.

Notify when stepping away/leaving.

Individuals who are

Blind or have Low Vision

Inform about physical

changes to facilities.

Offer your arm to lead them,

don’t grab.

Offer print materials in alternate format of

choice.

Individuals who are Deaf or

Hard of Hearing

Face the person when

you are speaking.

Let the person establish their preferred

communication mode.

Don't chew gum or cover your mouth

while talking.

Move away from noisy areas.

Re-phrase sentences or substitute words rather

than repeat yourself again.

Individuals who are Deaf

or Hard of Hearing

Speak clearly and at your usual volume

level.

Individuals with a Psychiatric

Disability

Give individuals breaks if needed.

Remove stigma surrounding

individuals being violent or

incapable of being

independent.

Speak calmly to reduce stress in

overwhelming situations.

Individuals with a Psychiatric Disability

You can refocus the person by

remind them of the topic of

discussion.

Be positive and have the same expectations

for them as you do for others.

Criticism should be done privately and

provide positive suggestions for improving.

Use clear sentences

and concrete

concepts.

Allow adequate time

to complete tasks.

Individuals with an Intellectual,

Cognitive, or Developmental

Disability

Treat people as adults and allow

them to make decisions.

Be patient when asking questions and

waiting for responses.

Individuals with an Intellectual,

Cognitive, or Developmental

Disability

Use easy to understand

terminology.

Provide pictures outlining

steps.

Individuals with Autism

Do not force eye contact during

conversation.

Create a schedule and stick to

it. Use pictures.

Allow for breaks/quiet space if individual

is overwhelmed.

Individuals with Autism

Teach social rules in clear

language.

Provide verbal cues when activity is

coming to an end.

Use pictures, modeling, and

verbal instruction.

Individuals with Autism

Respect personal space.

Don’t overwhelm with options

or open-ended questions.

Use concrete language (avoid clichés,

sarcasm, etc.)

Individuals with a Speech Disability

Minimize distractions and

background noise.

Give the person your full attention.

Don’t complete his/her sentences.

Individuals with a Speech Disability

Ask him or her to repeat information

for verification.

Ask to write information down.

Maintain good ventilation

and indoor air quality.

Individuals with a Respiratory Disability

Follow and enforce no-smoking regulations.

Avoid the use of scented body-care

products and cleaning products.

Individuals who use a

Service Animal

Ask before touching the

animal.

Do not pet or distract a

working animal.

Do not offer food or treats to the

animal.

Individuals who use a Service

Animal

Guide Dogs

Hearing Dogs

Insulin Reaction

Seizure Alert Dogs

PTSD

Mobility Service Dogs

Autism Service Dogs

Types of Service Animals

Panel Q&A

Contact Info