Employability Skill Building When There Are Learning Disabilities

By John Civita, MS Ed

FOR MANY EMERGING YOUNG ADULTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES, FINDING AND KEEPING A JOB CAN BE A DAUNTING TASK. THE NEUROTYPICAL WORLD OF EMPLOYMENT IS OFTEN NOT DESIGNED WITH NEURODIVERSE PEOPLE IN MIND. MANY TRADITIONAL WORKPLACES OPERATE UNDER THE ASSUMPTION ALL EMPLOYEES HAVE THE SAME COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL ABILITIES, WHICH CAN BE A DISADVANTAGE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NEURODIVERGENT TRAITS OR DIAGNOSES SUCH AS AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD), NONVERBAL LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, ATTENTION-DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER (ADHD), EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING CHALLENGES, DYSLEXIA, OR ANXIETY.

Additionally, neurodiverse individuals may face barriers in the job search process. Biases may exist during the hiring process. Challenges in communicating strengths and skills in traditional job interviews hinder chances in a competitive environment. Furthermore, navigating social dynamics and “office” politics, following directions, complex and inflexible work routines, or managing sensory sensitivities in open workspaces can be incredibly difficult, too.

It is important to note the employment rate for adults with learning disabilities varies widely depending on the specific type of disability and the severity of the impairment. However, according to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research, in the United States, the employment rate for adults with any type of disability, including learning disabilities, was approximately 21% in 2022.

It is also important to note there are variables that exist. Individuals with learning differences may be underemployed, and others may not be diagnosed or recognize they have a disability.

Disclosure is another defining factor and for individuals with mild intellectual impairments or “invisible disabilities,” choosing to disclose or not is complicated. Individuals with exceptional needs may wonder, “Will it be held against me during the interview process? If I do not disclose this at work, will they find out sooner or later? If I don’t disclose, am I running the risk of not getting the support I need to be successful and find sustainability?” However, disclosure can lead to more access to support, similar to disclosure in a college environment leading to greater success. Employers, by law, cannot discriminate against any disability, so learning how to articulate an individual’s needs will, in turn, demonstrate awareness, and that is a strength.

Developing key employability skills for young adults with learning disabilities is paramount to increase opportunities and growth in this crucial next step in life.

1. Practical communication skills are essential in any job, especially for young adults with learning disabilities. Struggles with language processing, social cues, and body language, affecting communication with colleagues, managers, and customers, may exist for many. Listening and speaking in different settings, such as family and friends, social settings, or with online resources, helps develop vital communication skills. However, most importantly, having real-world experiences in a job setting through internship opportunities with structure, support, guidance, and feedback is imperative to the individual’s ultimate growth in this area.

2. Time management and organizational skills are critical for success in any job. For many individuals with learning challenges, there are often overlapping executive functioning difficulties or delays, which impact decision-making, following directions, planning and organizing, prioritizing, and task initiation and completion. To improve time management and organization, young adults with learning disabilities can start by setting goals, breaking them down into smaller, manageable tasks, and creating a schedule or to-do list. Calendars, alarms, and reminders to stay on track and minimize distractions are also helpful tools. Taking notes or asking for directions in written form supports comprehension and greater success with task completion.

3. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valued by employers. To improve problem-solving and necessary thinking skills, young adults with learning disabilities can practice analyzing information, brainstorming ideas, and evaluating solutions to problems. They can also seek opportunities to learn from others through mentorship programs or job shadowing. Developing problem-solving and critical thinking skills can help tackle challenges in the workplace and demonstrate value to employers.

1. Adaptability and flexibility are essential skills in today’s competitive, fast-paced job market. For young adults with learning disabilities, adapting to new situations and learning new skills can lead to success in various job settings. Engaging in diverse experiences and challenges, such as volunteering, internships, or part-time jobs can improve adaptability and flexibility. More exposure can lead to more comfort and confidence. Practicing being open-minded, flexible, and willing to learn from mistakes, by “failing up,” is another step in the right direction.

2. Self-advocacy and self-awareness are crucial skills for young adults with learning disabilities to succeed in the workplace. Articulating strengths, needs, and accommodations to employers and self-advocating when necessary is imperative. To improve self-advocacy and self-awareness, seek out support and resources from disability services organizations, self-advocacy groups, and mentors. Practice with identifying strengths and areas of growth, developing self-care routines, and setting realistic goals supports this as well.

Closing thoughts

Although there may not always seem to be a level playing field, there is growing awareness and advocacy for accommodating neurodiversity in the workplace. Some companies are implementing neurodiversity initiatives, adapting work environments and practices to support individuals with diverse cognitive profiles. These include changes in communication styles, flexible work arrangements, and the provision of sensory accommodations.

Nonetheless, greater efforts are needed to create inclusive work environments that celebrate and value neurodivergent employees’ contributions and unique talents. There is still room to increase the chances of success in the job market with the right employability skills, awareness of a disability, and the ability to self-reflect, self-advocate, manage, organize, and communicate effectively. Developing these skills through practice, education, and support can increase their chances of finding and keeping meaningful employment. With determination, perseverance, proper skill development, and learning opportunities, young adults with learning disabilities can overcome their challenges and achieve their career goals.

References

(n.d.). Persons with a Disability: Labor Force Characteristics Summary. U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/news.release/disabl.nr0.htm

(n.d.). Factors Affecting Disability Disclosure in Employment Setting for Individuals with Intellectual Disability. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9959408/

Qualities of a sustainable and independent learner (QSIL). Winston Preparatory School. (n.d.). Retrieved December 30, 2022, from https://www.winstonprep.edu/list-detail?pk=106884

John Civita, MS Ed, is the Director of Transitions Programming for the Winston Preparatory School. Winston Transitions is an extension of the Winston Preparatory School educational experience with NYC and San Francisco campuses. He is the founding director of Winston Transitions, a program for young adults aged 17-21+ with learning differences, focused on building academic skills while developing life and work readiness. His experience includes 20 years of working in education, emphasizing language processing, nonverbal processing, and executive functioning difficulties. He is also experienced in supporting adults with learning differences and their families with a particular interest in sustainability, employment, goal setting, and problem-solving.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/john-civita-25b61248 Websites: Winston Transitions New York City, Winston Transitions San Francisco