Accommodations

Consider accommodations.

Work place accommodations are sometimes necessary in order for an individual with a disability to successfully meet work related expectations. Accommodations have the potential for being costly but typically the higher the expense, the higher the level of scrutiny regarding the appropriateness of the job. Our philosophy on the subject is, keep it simple! Matching a potential employee with a job in which they’ll succeed shouldn’t be complicated. Simple accommodations can be very effective and inexpensive, but don’t confuse simple with unnecessary. For the sake of discussion, let’s use reading glasses as an example of a simple accommodation. They are light weight, take up very little room, are inexpensive, easy to use and don’t get in anyone else’s way. For the user however, they’re a necessity.

The following examples are real-life accommodations – simple, inexpensive and highly effective.
• pictures of specific activities, placed on a key ring in sequential order – addresses the need to complete tasks in a specified order
• the setting of an alarm on a wrist watch while on lunch break – addresses the need to return to work at the appropriate time
• the use of a telephone headset – addresses the need to hear phone conversations more clearly
• a one-handed keyboard – addresses the use of a computer

Our world is fast becoming full of gadgets and gizmo’s made for the sole purpose of making people’s lives easier. Imagine how many different ways in which accommodations positively impact our work places! Look around. How many do you see?