There's a moment parents like me don't talk about enough—the moment when the world seems to shrink for our children.  Opportunities disappear.  Programs end.  And it feels like we are falling off a cliff.

Transferable Work Skills: meet/maintain industry standards for pace, quantity, and quality of work. 

Transferable Work Skills: recognize when assistance with new tasks is needed and seek support. 

Transferable Work Skills: The ability to learn and maintain work tasks within a limited amount of time.

Willingness/Desire to Work skill is a more intrinsic quality for individuals to have; however, we can work to help create this quality along the way. 

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.

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.