A production worker
with mental retardation and Cerebral
Palsy had difficulty grasping a plastic bottle to accurately apply
an adhesive label. JAN suggested making a wooden jig to hold the bottle
while the employee applies the label. Approximate accommodation cost
was under $50.
A cookie maker with mental retardation cannot count,
but must bake cookies in sets of twelve. JAN suggested using a twelve-hole
plastic template, which is inserted on the cookie sheet during preparation,
but removed before baking. The employee can use the template as a
guide, filling every hole in the template with cookie batter, ensuring
that she makes twelve cookies every time. Approximate accommodation
cost is under $20.
A grocery stock person with Autism cannot remember
to wear all parts of his uniform. JAN suggested taking a picture of
the employee in full uniform. Give him the picture, and allow him
to use the picture as reference when preparing for work. Approximate
accommodation cost is $5.
A video store clerk with Fragile-X did not know
her ABCs, and could not read movie titles. She had difficulty stocking
returned videos to the shelf. JAN suggested the employer make xerox
picture labels for the movie cases that matched shelf display boxes.
This will allow the employee to match pictures, not words, when returning
videos to the shelf. Approximate accommodation cost is under $75.
A cleaning staff person with Asperger Syndrome
was not cleaning to quality standards. JAN suggested using a job coach
to model skills and techniques for cleaning. JAN also suggested using
a multi-set alarm watch to help the employee budget time, allowing
herself enough time to complete each task to the employer's standards.
Approximate accommodation cost is under $35.
A production line worker with mental retardation
wears bulky safety gloves and uncomfortable safety glasses while separating
cardboard in manufacturing plant. Her productivity is below average.
JAN suggested purchasing correct size safety gloves, so her manual
dexterity is not affected. JAN also suggested purchasing correct size
safety glasses, so employee is not losing time pushing her glasses
up. Approximate accommodation cost is under $100.
A grocery store clerk with mental retardation cannot
tell time. He does not know when to take his break, and is often late
returning from breaks. JAN suggested using a multi-set alarm watch
that beeps or vibrates. A supervisor can set the alarm to alert employee
when to go on break, or return from break. Approximate accommodation
cost is under $35.
A kitchen worker with Autism has difficulty controlling
emotions at work when his routines or job tasks are changed. JAN suggested
providing employee with a picture chart, which would identify all
tasks to be completed in a week. Meet with the employee daily or weekly
to remind the employee of upcoming tasks or changes in routine, so
he will not become anxious or upset. Approximate accommodation cost
is $0.
A janitor with mental retardation and Prader-Willi
Syndrome cleans physician's offices at night. His compulsion to
eat any food product prevents him from staying on task, and sometimes
makes him sick. JAN suggested storing all food in a locked cabinet
or locked area. JAN also suggested providing a job coach for this
employee, to help keep him on task, and to model appropriate behavior.
Approximate accommodation cost is under $250.
A clerical aid with Down Syndrome would sometimes
get lost or become disoriented when delivering mail items to different
floors in her building. JAN suggested providing an employee with a
color-coded map of the building, identifying each department or office,
and location of elevators. This employee could also use a walkie-talkie
to communicate with a supervisor in the event she was lost in the
building. Approximate accommodation cost is under $75.
A mail clerk with fetal alcohol syndrome has difficulty
filing forms alphabetically, and has difficulty reading hand-written
labels. JAN suggested making print labels for the files. JAN also
suggested providing an ABC poster in the filing area for the employee
to use as an educational reference. Approximate accommodation cost
is $10.
A receptionist with cerebral palsy could not remember
how to transfer telephone calls, due to a cognitive deficit. JAN suggested
providing a color-coded flip chart that would explain the procedures
one step at a time. This employee can keep the flip chart by her phone,
to refer to as needed. Approximate accommodation cost is under $30.
A social worker with Asperger Syndrome works for
a group home. He is extremely disorganized, and often comes to work
unprepared. JAN suggested making a list of job-essential items (keys,
cell-phone, calculator, day-planner, and roster) for the employee
to tape inside his book bag. The employee can review the list prior
to leaving for work, to make sure he has the items he will need to
perform his job tasks. Approximate accommodation cost is $5.
A cafeteria worker with mental retardation cannot
remember to clock out after completing his shift. He also forgets
to turn in keys that will be used on the next shift. JAN suggested
posting a reminder at the employee exit, one with words and pictures
that asks, "Did you clock out? Did you return the keys?"
Approximate accommodation cost is $0.
A mail clerk with spina bifida cannot stay on task
because she is easily distracted by conversations in the workplace.
JAN suggested allowing the employee to wear a headset that plays music,
or providing her with a radio or an environmental sound machine at
her workstation. Approximate accommodation cost is $65.
