Do's & Don'ts
DO:
When working with a person who has a disability,
keep in mind that we are all more alike than different.
Each person comes to a new job with unique skills and abilities.DON'T:
Assume a person with a disability doesn't have the "ability" to do the job.
Levels of disability and ability are unique to an individual. There are many ways that disabilities can affect the ability to perform effectively on the job that can be addressed with an accommodation.DO:
Avoid labels for groups of people with disabilities such as "the blind" or "the deaf."
Instead, say "people who are blind" or "people who are deaf." Use terms and expressions that are currently preferred and reflect a positive attitude.DON'T:
Avoid providing specific feedback on job performance because an employee has a disability.
If you have concerns about performance, mention it. The person may not know he is doing something incorrectly.DO:
Speak directly to the person and focus on the abilities rather than the disability.
During the interview, talk about things you talk about with other job candidates, ask the same questions you would of a non-disabled person.
Browse through these links to discover disability friendly strategies and tips!
WorkSupport Guide
www.worksupport.com/topics/guide.asp
This website, answers and provides solution to many of the questions, concerns and fears that an employer has while recruiting the disabled workforce.
Education Kit 2000
http://www.dol.gov/odep/pubs/ek00/career.htm
Disability Friendly Strategies for the Workplace
CSU Northridge - Resources
www.csun.edu/~sp20558/dis/dahoc.html
Do's and don'ts for supervisors. This section offers some disability friendly strategies and tips for employers.
