Objectives
Ready, Willing and Able strives to provide job supports for underemployed autistic individuals throughout Canada. But what exactly does that mean? Job supports vary greatly and differ between individuals because everyone is different! There are three major types of job supports that job coaches and employment agencies can provide to autistic individuals: Adaptations Adaptations refer to changing something within the workplace so the employee is supported in a more inclusive environment. For instance, it might be necessary for a job coach to shadow the employee and then write down the “unwritten rules” of the workplace for the individual to better understand the social norms of their environment. This can extend to alterations to the employer’s training process itself, such as adapting the training manual to break down the information visually. These changes relate to the accessibility of the workplace. Making changes to the physical environment and how the employee relates to that environment allows them to better adapt to their new job. Accommodations Many individuals on the spectrum require routine to succeed in the workplace. Others have difficulty with certain motor skills or time management/organization skills. This is where accommodations such as physical supports and tools can be identified and implemented by the job coach and employer. For instance, an individual with autism may be tasked with cleaning the lobby of a restaurant. They require the use of a broom to sweep the floors and a cloth to wipe down tables. However, this individual is used to a certain type of broom and has difficulty using other brooms. While on-site or in follow-up discussions with the client, a job coach would be able to identify this hurdle and prompt the employee to address it with the employer to provide them with a broom they’re used to using. This is only one example, but accommodations refer to any support that can be provided in the workplace by the employer and/or job coach that allow the employee to succeed and accomplish their tasks. Natural Supports Developing healthy relationships in the workplace is one of the most important supports that a job coach and employer can provide for their autistic employee. More often than not, a friendly face who is willing to answer questions makes the difference between a successful and failed transition into a working environment. Support from colleagues, supervisors, and other staff members at every level of the organization will help an employee with autism feel comfortable in their new work environment. Ensuring natural supports exist outside of the workplace can benefit an autistic employee as well. Continued support from family, friends, employment agencies, and job coaches guarantees that the employee will have a person to turn to with any difficulties or problems they might be facing. This is why RWA job coaches continue to offer support to their clients following their successful transition into a workplace environment. These internal and external supports can reduce employee turnover and increase quality of life for the autistic individual. Help Yourself! Job coaches will not be around forever. That is why one of the most significant supports that we provide is teaching the employee to advocate for themselves in the workplace. For instance, instead of raising a question or issue with a job coach, the employee learns to approach the employer directly. Self-advocacy promotes independence is all aspects of daily life and is a crucial skill to learn to enjoy a healthy workplace environment.
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