Southeast Regional ADHD Conference Successfully Bridging the ADHD Lifespan Tuscaloosa, Alabama January 27-28, 2017

Transcription

1 Southeast Regional ADHD Conference Successfully Bridging the ADHD Lifespan Tuscaloosa, Alabama January 27-28, 2017

2 Belynda Gauthier, Coordinator Louisiana Capital Area CHADD CHADD National Board Member Retired Human Resources Director

3 Employment Laws To tell or not to tell Who to Tell How to Tell Requesting Accommodations Dealing with co-workers Success Stories Finding the Right Job

4 Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Act Amendment Act of 2008 (ADAAA) Civil Rights protection - EEOC Must be otherwise qualified for the job Mitigation of disability does not remove protection Reasonable accommodations Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) Not all employers/employees are eligible Up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave It s better to have a job than a lawsuit!

5 Why you shouldn t Stigma Inaccurate information Fear of the unknown Puts the interviewer at a disadvantage Ask about the work environment instead Why you should Can t think of a single good reason

6 Is it necessary? Can you get the accommodations you need without disclosing your diagnosis? Who should you tell? How should you tell?

7 Human Resources Perhaps Find out who handles ADA requests Supervisor Manager

8 BE POSITIVE!!! Do NOT be whiny! Know what you need in advance. Have a script/plan ready. Be open to other options and suggestions. Make it easy for management to help you. Be as low-maintenance as possible. BE THE EMPLOYEE THEY WANT TO HELP!

9 Identify your specific challenges.

10 Research possible solutions. CHADD/NRC help4adhd.org JAN askjan.org Make it easy for management to help you.

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12 Reading from a computer screen Reading from a printed document Voice output software Use on-screen ruler Change font or color theme Typed instructions Large print Double spaced Reading pen

13 Transferring information between media Cognitive writing process problems Physical problems with writing Voice output software Inspiration software Voice recognition software Forms Proofreader Verbal reporting

14 Scratch paper Calculations Calculators Post mathematical tables at work area

15 Customers Co-workers Supervisors Mentor Job Coach Model behavior Counselling Awareness Modify supervisory methods Shift work Optional social events

16 Divide large assignments into several small tasks. Set a timer for task completion. Provide a checklist of assignments. Supply an electronic or handheld organizer and training in its use. Use wall calendar to emphasize due dates. Develop a color-coded system. Allow others to add entries or double-check entries.

17 Job coach or mentor Use auditory or written cues Allow additional training time Record trainings, meetings, directions Provide written checklists Use a COLOR coding scheme to prioritize tasks Notebooks, planners, sticky notes, apps Labels/bulletin boards Provide minutes of meetings and trainings Cheat sheets!

18 Reduce workplace distractions Desk organizers White noise Headphones Re-orient desk Workspace location Lighting Break assignments into tasks Reminders. Auditory and written cues.

19 Undeveloped social skills Lack of experience/exposure Shyness Intimidation Behavior disorders Low self-esteem Review conduct policy with employee Provide concrete examples to explain inappropriate behavior Provide concrete examples to explain consequences Recognize/reward appropriate behavior Model

20 Discovering unwritten rules. Blurting out/interrupting others Volume and speed of speech Responding to criticism or discipline Don t burn bridges!

21 Structured breaks Modified break schedule Work from home Flow chart of tasks Ergonomic equipment Flexible work schedule

22 Identify your individual challenges at work related to your ADHD or LD. Determine accommodations and solutions that will best address your challenges. Determine whether it is necessary to reveal that you have ADHD or LD. With whom should you discuss this? Draft your strength-based script. I am really good at: AND I can be most productive if:

23 Be the employee they WANT to help!