Note: Accommodations for any employee with a disability must be selected on a case-by-case basis.

A retail store clerk with autism can’t remember to wear all parts of his uniform and sometimes shows up for work not properly groomed.
Solutions:

• Take a picture of the employee in full uniform and properly groomed. The employee can use the photo as a reference when preparing for work.
  

A computer programmer has dyslexia and has difficulty processing written instructions.
Solutions:

• Create a schematic flow-chart of tasks and procedures
  
• Provide a tape player, and tapes with verbal instructions.

A construction worker with a learning disability has difficulty measuring to a fraction of an inch, and calculating how much building material is needed.
Solutions:

Create two small wallet-sized cards:

• One card would have an enlarged photo of a ruler showing fractions marked off. The carpenter could compare the fraction shown on the card with the location on the ruler to identify the correct fraction.
  
• The second card would have sample mathematical calculations, and other tips for determining quantities of building materials (this could be a useful tool for all construction workers, whether or they have a cognitive disability or not.)
  
  

A shipping and receiving clerk with a learning disability has difficulty categorizing and sorting paperwork, and has difficulty reading.
Solutions:

• Mark paperwork with color-coded symbols
  
• Provide Mylar overlays or other reading templates
  
• Provide sample forms that are correctly processed and filed
  
• Provide written instructions on tape.

A data-entry clerk with dyslexia sometimes transposes telephone numbers.
Solution: Provide extra time to proofread entries.

An assembly worker with mental retardation has difficulty grasping a plastic bottle to accurately apply an adhesive label. He also has difficulty completing multiple tasks.
Solutions:

• Make a wooden jig to hold the bottle while the employee applies the label.
  
• Create a list of job duties and a checklist using a combination of words and pictures to help the person stay on task.

An accountant with attention deficit disorder has difficulty concentrating on tasks and is easily distracted by noise, clutter, and visual distractions in his work area.
Solutions:

• Reduce distractions and clutter in the employee’s work area
  
• Provide space enclosures or a private office
  
• Allow for use of white noise or environmental sound machines
  
• Allow the employee to listen to soothing music over headphones
  
• Move noisy machines such as printers away from his work area
   

A warehouse clerk who experienced a traumatic brain injury has seizures. Prior to the injury, one of the clerk’s responsibilities was driving a van to make deliveries, but due to the seizures he no longer drives.
Solutions:

• Allow flexibility in work schedule to allow use of public transportation
  
• Consider job restructuring (e.g., assign driving duties to coworker)
  
• Install automatic cutoff switches on machinery
  
• Have a pillow available to support head during seizure
  
• Put up staff first aid training and first aid posters in workplace
  
• Eliminate strobe-type flashing lights (can trigger a seizure)
  
• Install safety shield around machinery
  
• Install soft carpet to cover hard flooring in work area
  
  

An assistant cook with mental retardation has difficulty keeping track of many separate tasks and timing food preparation.
Solutions:

• Transfer “non-essential” tasks that are not necessary to meet basic job requirements, to co-workers.
  
• Assign one task at a time
   

A customer service representative who experienced a traumatic brain injury has impaired memory.
Solutions:

• Allow the employee to tape record meetings
  
• Provide type written minutes of each meeting
  
• Use notebooks, calendars, or sticky notes to record information for easy retrieval
  
• Provide written as well as verbal instructions
  
• Allow additional training time
  
• Provide written checklists
  
• Provide environmental cues to assist in memory for locations of items, such as labels, color coding, or bulletin boards
  
• Post instructions over frequently used equipment such as fax machines and copiers.
  
  

A social worker with a learning disability has difficulty staying organized and meeting deadlines.
Solutions:

• Make daily TO-DO lists and check items off as they are completed
  
• Use several calendars to mark meetings and deadlines
  
• Remind employee of important deadlines via memos, e-mail or weekly supervision
  
• Use a watch or pager with timer capability
  
• Use electronic organizers
  
• Divide large assignments into smaller tasks and steps
  
• Assign a mentor to assist employee determining goals and provide daily guidance

For more sample accommodations, visit the Job Accommodation Network website: www.janweb.icdi.wvu.edu

Businesses in the Los Angeles area have many resources available to obtain assistance in meeting the needs of employees with cognitive disabilities.

EmployABILITY Partnership Programs
The EmployABILITY Partnership is a collaboration of service professionals working together through the Los Angeles WorkSource California system to help people with disabilities find jobs and build careers, and to assist the employers who hire them.

Empowerment Team -- A group of highly trained disability specialists provide employer education and consultation. Contact: Lisa Jordan: 323-539-2098 ljordan@lagoodwill.org

disABILITY Hotline
A free disABILITY Hotline provides disability-related information and resources to employers. The Hotline number is: 1-866-521-7867 TTY/TDD (323) 539-2081.

Additionally, businesses can obtain assistance from:

State Employment Development Department : www.edd.gov

California State Department of Rehabilitation: www.dor.ca.gov