Introduction

Discovering Abilities for Persons with Disabilities

People come in all shapes, sizes, colors with different attitudes, skills, outlooks, personality styles, familial genetics, family relationships and experiences, intelligence, education, culture, lifestyle, and so many other variables.

So why is it when a person with a disability ventures into a public setting, an employer’s workplace or into the presence of others, there are preconceived ideas about that person based on his or her disability? Why do others sometimes believe they are smarter, happier or more talented than people WITH DISABILITIES?

You may be saying to yourself, “well, I don’t think or feel that way.” If that is the case, what makes serving a person with a disability different from serving any other individual that comes to Goodwill seeking assistance in preparing for or obtaining a job?

It may be the lack of information needed to assist a person with a disability to move ahead, using their skills and considering the accommodations needed to assist individuals with disabilities entering the workforce. Note that the person must be able to perform the essential functions of a task or job, but accommodations to complete those tasks must also be included as part of the equation.

So where do we start? Let’s create an outline that may be helpful in successfully serving a person with a disability.