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October 1, 2018 Disability Access Committee Brenna Schaefer, Serving Job Seekers with Cognitive Limitations. Why Do We Work?. To support ourselves and our families To contribute to society Gives meaning to our lives Social interaction Provides a sense of worth and accomplishment.
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October 1, 2018 Disability Access Committee Brenna Schaefer, Serving Job Seekers with Cognitive Limitations
Why Do We Work? • To support ourselves and our families • To contribute to society • Gives meaning to our lives • Social interaction • Provides a sense of worth and accomplishment
Why Do People with Disabilities Want to Work? • The same reasons
Examples of Cognitive Impairments: • Brain Injuries (Traumatic and Acquired) • Intellectual Disabilities (Downs Syndrome, Autism, etc.) • Learning Disabilities (ADD, Dyslexia) • Dementia (Alzheimer's Disease)
Symptoms of Cognitive Limitations: • Memory Problems • Lack of problem solving skills • Trouble with decision making • Poor attention span • Limited verbal comprehension • Reading and/or math difficulties
How can you Help? • Ask the person how you can help • Try to stay calm • Give information or directions one step at a time • Give the person time to process information • Minimize noise or other distractions • Provide info in more than one way • Make sure your message was understood • Follow up phone calls
How can you Help? (cont.) • Assistive Technology and Accommodations: • Alarms on Cell Phones • Voice to Text Technology • Screen Readers • Calendars • Provide paper/pen to take notes • Post It Notes • Checklists • iPad apps • Google • Askjan.org • Referrals: • Schools • Area Agency on Education • Community and Service Agencies • Iowa Vocational Rehab • Local Support Groups • Iowa Compass • Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa • Easter Seals
Presented by: Brenna Schaefer, CBIS IowaWorks Cedar Valley (319) 235-2123 ext 41307 Brenna.schaefer@iwd.iowa.gov Questions? Thank you.