After the Classroom
The functional limitations created by disability do not stop being a problem when the student leaves the classroom. They are a constant for the student, and impact on all activities. For instance, how do you suppose the functional limitations created by significant problems with ADHD might impact on a student's employment experience?
It can be a real challenge for the student to succeed. Like students with disabilities, we cannot put all employers into one box. Some employers have more resources and flexibility to accommodate an employee's disability than others. The interview is a delicate two-way conversation where the prospective employee can not just put his/her best foot forward, but also get an idea of how accommodating the employer can be.
I would expect them to have a significant impact. The student may have difficulty in time management therefore he/she may be unable to meet deadlines. The student may have difficulty focusing on the task at hand, forgetting what he/she needed to be working on or skipping necessary steps. The student may experience difficulty in controlling behaviors due to difficulty in focusing on the work. This all could lead to difficulty in maintaining employment.
I had a person with ADHD working for me in New Hampshire as a carpenter. He would frequently start a task, say stud up a wall, and notice something else and get sidetracked, all it took was for another worker or myself to say how's that wall coming and he would resume working on the wall. It didn't take much to keep him on track.
The functional limitations that come with a learning disability, specifically ADHD, impact individuals in as aspects of life. An example of the functional limitations affecting a student's employment experience the same way it would with them learning anything new at first. It might take longer to grasp the specific tasks that must be performed and to stay focused.
Employees that are easily distracted, disorganized and forgetful often have periods of success and then periods of ineffectiveness. Employees who understand that they have these deficiencies will need to look for cues that their performance is slipping and work with supervisors or employers to resolve the issues.
I completely agree that teaching self advocacy is crucial in the student having their needs met. There are strategies that students can be taught to help focus with their ADHD or recognizing their specific letter combinations with dyslexia, that can aid them in recognizing if they are not focusing or are switching certain letters or words that leads to confusion.
I would also suggest more training on programs such as the Orton-Gillingham method being used in the classroom. As a former Special Education Teacher in the private sector, using the Orton-Gillingham method was crucial in aiding my students comprehension as well as finding ways to use differentiated instruction so that all learners (kinesthetic, visual, and auditory) are given a learning environment where they can be successful.
Hello Crystal,
Your post is dead on! I too, feel we (society) need to empower students/individuals. We need to be able to give them the confidence to break away from their fears, so in turn, they are able to find success, not only in the classroom but out in the workplace as well. Communication and opportunity not only foster growth within the workplace but it also fosters so much more within the individual.
Tyler,
That's exactly why it's important for people with disabilities to advocate for themselves.
Sarah Smoger
Gabriel,
I'm glad to hear that this hasn't been just my experience!
Sarah Smoger
I couldn't agree with you more. Students with ADHD tend to perform better in fields that are hands on. I have found success for students that have ADHD and having them transfer to hands on fields and the students have been successful in finding employment.
most employees will notice that this person if they are having troubles completing tasks on time or managing there day. or staying on top of daily duties. its something that inside the work place the supervisor might mistake it as laziness.
Ted,
Challenges, yes. However, I don't believe that they cannot be overcome by someone who is self aware of such limitations.
Sarah Smoger
I believe that the functional limitations created by significant problems with ADHD would greatly impact an the individual's performance at work. One problem that individuals with ADHD face is being easily distracted, missing details, and forgetting things. An individual with ADHD tasked with a very detail oriented project would face many challenges.
It's very beneficial we are receiving the ADHD training at the campus level and it certainly will benefit those affected by this disability. The comment made is that we should teach our students to self advocate for themselves as they decrease the fears of their employers.
I feel that employers should also receive more training on how to accommodate individuals with ADHD and in doing so will better understand how the employee can benefit their organization.
Christopher,
Interesting. I will say that over the years, I have worked with a great number of non-disabled college age students who have significant social skills deficits. I think its becoming more and more characteristic of the newer generations.
Sarah Smoger
Melinda,
Be careful not to overgeneralize! I know a good number of people who have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and are very successful professionals, from police officers to general managers of entire (well known)large chair department stores.
Sarah Smoger
Diane,
When as student or employee decides to disclose a disability to an employer or potential employer, that employer has a legal obligation to engage with the disabled person regarding reasonable accommodation.
I think that it's important for schools to thoughtfully look at some of the support new graduates many need as they enter the workforce, any such types of support and help ensure the student is adequately prepared.
Sarah Smoger
Jennifer,
Sometimes there are informal "accommodations" that a person with a disability can employ to help reduce these types of functional limitations which can be very effective.
Sarah Smoger
I think it is necessary to teach the student with a disability to identify & understand their limitations. Overcoming those limitations may be within their own reach, through an accommodation or simply asking others for assistance. I think more emphasis should be put on the teaching of social skills and breaking down the barriers of communication between those with the disability and those that may be able to help. When the stigma of the disability is removed, it will be easier for the student to reach-out and become more integrated with their surroundings.
