Being able to get to work reliably, and to get to work on time is a large barrier that can often change what an Individual with a Disability’s work choices and locations can look like. Many times parents and guardians are willing to twist themselves into pretzels to be the main transportation, and while the heart is there, that’s not viable long term. Freak accidents will happen, illnesses will happen,

Looking at ways you can support your individual NOW for competitive employment.

In the world of work, clean is king! Aside from the typical thought process of hygiene, showering, dressing, and brushing teeth, sneaky Independent Living joins the party too. 

Many individuals with disabilities have medications that require ongoing specific usage to perform at their best; therefore, managing medications is an important part of successful employment.

Because of the superb quality of the products in the kit, the kit grows with the family and will last a long time. Working independently in the kitchen translates to working independently in other areas.

Witnessing increased engagement and interest in cooking among the individuals she coaches, Jody has found that the Color-Coded Chef Kit not only features beloved recipes but also removes barriers associated with cooking, she empowers clients to proudly say, "I cooked this," promoting self-esteem, confidence in daily life skills, and a sense of inclusion. 😊 The kit has transformed their cooking routine, streamlining everything into an accessible book, saving time, reducing frustration, and making the kitchen a fun and engaging experience!

"Our first center cook day was a huge success, and we have The Color-Coded Chef to thank for it. The oatmeal cookies and deviled eggs from the recipe book delighted everyone, and we're proud to see the individuals we support stepping into the role of chefs."

Welcome back as we discuss Employability Skills and the Local Industry standards.  We will continue to look at ways you can support your individual NOW for competitive employment.  We will pick back up looking at Workplace Tolerances. 

Physical Abilities and Workplace Tolerances: Tolerate Environmental Conditions for Job of Interest

An employee can tolerate the conditions of the job as defined in the job description. For example, individuals with seizures triggered by heat wouldn’t seek outdoor positions and be able to recognize and explain this. The critical part of this is distinguishing between tolerable and unhealthy. For example, I can tolerate fluorescent lighting, but I find it helpful to eat lunch outside to have a break. These are skills and strategies that can and should be taught. 

The first section is Physical Abilities and Work Tolerances. It is crucial to keep in mind when discussing Competitive Employment that accommodations cannot change items in the job description but make them easier to complete. While accommodations can be provided for individuals who need them for physical needs, the skills noted are standard requirements in inclusive employment.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, “46% of new employees fail within 18 months, and of these, 89% fail because of a lack of soft skills, such as professionalism or the ability to get along with others.” What was once known as “soft skills,” now known as employability skills, are interpersonal skills an employee demonstrates, not job tasks. An employee with good Employability Skills can usually be taught hard skills, especially in the population of individuals with disabilities. It is frequently found that if individuals with disabilities can be coached to have good Employability Skills, they will be better employees. Businesses that have employed individuals with disabilities report better retention, better attendance, and more consistent work performance. 

Discover how the simple act of learning how to cook can ignite a journey towards professional success. In our upcoming blog post, we explore the valuable skills cooking imparts that extend far beyond the kitchen. From attention to detail to time management and customer service, join us in uncovering how culinary expertise can open doors to diverse job opportunities.