How often do you think about the
environmental demands of your job? I work inside in a temperature
controlled area and I can turn the music up, down or off and on to my own
liking. I have complete control over certain interruptions just by
turning my phone ringer off or on. I am lucky, but not many jobs allow
for that much environmental control. Let's look at what an adult,
with special needs, looking toward employment will need to consider
as they begin to search for a job.
A good place to start to learn about
some of the possible environmental demands on the job would be by
going through Do2Learn's
rating sheet found here. The best thing
about this rating sheet is that there are no wrong answers. Some of us
are not outdoor workers, some of us love to work in busy office
areas, etc.,
this sheet can help sort out what sort of environment might
be a best fit when seeking employment. Right here you have two worksheets to help sort out what kind of job might be a good fit for someone with special needs. Good stuff!
Sometimes there are situations in job environments that are
beyond our control and we need to work around those situations. For
example, our office might be drafty and there is nothing that can be
done. So to cope we just need to bring a sweater and have it in the
office for those times when we are cooler. Here is a worksheet to
assist and guide an adult with special needs in dealing with those
environmental demands that need some accommodations in work
situations.
Let's look at some other demands and
how we might can cope with such situations on the job. (please note that these
links are to pages where you can find comprehensive information and videos to provide further assistance)
- Location—You might work indoors or
outdoors. What types of jobs could you do and how would cope?
- Noise Level—The noise level in your
work area might be very loud or very quiet. What types of jobs could
you do and how would cope?
- Lighting Level—Lighting at some jobs
can range from low to bright to florescent. What types of jobs could
you do and how would cope?
- Work Hours—Some jobs are full time
and some are part time. You might even work shift work. What does
this mean?
- Amount of Movement—Some jobs require
a lot of sitting at a desk and others a lot of standing. What types
of jobs could you do and how would cope?
- Cleanliness and Odors—Workplaces can
range from very clean areas to very messy environments. What types
of jobs could you do and how would cope?
- Work Attire—Jobs have a dress code
(clothes you should wear) that is appropriate for the job you are
doing. Find out what is required for your job.
- Structure & Predictability—Some
jobs are very structured and predictable and others are less
structured an unpredictable. Which environment would be best for
you?
- Work Pace—Pace refers to how quickly
you work. Here is a great guide to finding out what your best pace
is and how to cope with jobs that require changing pace.
We all face these environmental demands
on the job, but for someone who has special needs they are much more
difficult to recognize and cope with. If those who are assisting in
job placement or teaching vocational skills can begin the process of
recognizing the person's strengths early on, the smoother the
employment process can go. Do2Learn has put together talented teacher's and clinicians from around the world to assist you in navigating this process. Please be sure to check out all the information of
Environmental Demands in the JobTIPS section of our website.
