5 Keys to Finding Inclusive Employment
Living with an intellectual disability and thinking about getting a job?
Fantastic! There are so many great things about working.
You might already know what they are, but here’s a quick list (this is especially helpful if you’re still feeling unsure about finding work).
You can:
- Earn money
- Meet new people
- Learn valuable skills
- Feel proud of yourself
- Take charge of your life
Sounds pretty great, doesn’t it?
Well, lots of companies hire people with disabilities.
It all starts with the right organisation.
You deserve an employer who supports, appreciates and listens to you (yes, please!).
Not sure how to find one of those gems? Don’t worry – we’ve put together a few questions for you to mull over.
Keep these in mind and you’ll find a job that keeps you interested, excited and motivated (and know how to avoid the ones that won’t!).
Do your skills and values match?
Do you want a boring job? No way, you say (nice rhyming!)
But, if you’re not interested in your work, it can quickly become very dull. It’s a similar story if you aren’t using your strengths (the things you’re really good at).
So, before you start applying for jobs, think about:
- The things you like doing – do you enjoy being active or talking to new people?
- Your skills – think about what you’re good at. (Good with numbers, attention to detail, etc.)
- Your values – that’s the stuff you think is important. It might be honesty, hard work and reliability. Or so many others!
The important thing is that you fit into your workplace. Finding a job you love at a company with the same values as you brings happiness, satisfaction and a sense of wellbeing to your life.
Is the organisation flexible?
Your needs may differ from other people.
Maybe you need more regular breaks to keep working at your best. Perhaps you find it hard to speak to people on the phone. Or, it might take you a bit longer to learn how to do new tasks.
All these things are fine!
You can discuss any particular challenges during your interview. The good places will have ways to help you overcome them.
One of Me Plus More’s lovely team members, Ruth, lives with a disability. She says it’s normal for people to be worried about starting a new job.
“When a person with an intellectual disability starts work, they won’t know what they have to do,” she explains. “So, the boss takes them around to meet everyone and show them the kinds of jobs they’ll be doing.
“If they need any help, they can always ask.”
That’s the beauty of a flexible and inclusive employment – they will adapt to you.
Do you feel respected?
Some companies talk about inclusion, but they don’t always mean it.
The job ads that don’t mention anything about including those with disabilities?
Give those a miss.
Or, perhaps the ad refers to “a disabled person” or “the disabled”. That lack of respect likely exists in the workplace, too.
You should always feel like you’re being treated equally. Whether that’s during a job interview, in the workplace or just at the shops.
Because everyone (especially you) deserves respect.
Did the job jump out at you?
The best employers actively seek out a diverse workforce.
They put ads in lots of different places where you can easily find them.
Make sure you look at:
- Nonprofits who work with people with disabilities
- Websites that target job candidates with disabilities
- Social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
- Blogs (search for things like ‘intellectual disability jobs’ or ‘disability employment’)
If you see a job that tickles your fancy, go for it!
These companies are deliberately hunting for amazing people like you.
You just need to find each other!
Are they focusing on your abilities?
Does it annoy you when people can’t look past your disability? Of course it does!
Steer clear of the companies who ask lots of questions about your disability.
Instead, find the ones interested in what you can do. That’s much more important.
Seek out the inclusive employment with organisations who:
- Ask job-related (not disability-related) questions. For example, “How would you perform this particular task?”
- Tell you in advance if you need to take a test as part of your interview. That means they can ensure you have everything you need to do your absolute best.
- Want your ideas. A company who asks for your input wants you to succeed. Perhaps they need to make some changes to their induction process or workplace so you can be your best. Well, you are the best person to ask! And if they listen to your suggestions, you’re onto a winner.
Ready to get out there? You bet you are!
Keep these keys in mind and you’ll be working at a job you love in no time.
As Ruth says: “It might take people a while to adjust, but once they start working, everything is ok!”
There’s loads of other really helpful information about inclusive employment in our newsletter.
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