Helping Students with Asperger
Syndrome Prepare for the Workplace
By Julie Coulter
Many students with special needs may have trouble seeing themselves as
employees or understanding an employer's expectations of an employee.
Students with special needs can learn how to work effectively and can
succeed in the workplace.
During high school, special needs students need to learn about the
work world and see the many types of employment opportunities open to
them. High school counselors and case managers can assist these
students by arranging presentations to students by employers,
transition agencies, and employees so that students can learn about
the various types of jobs in their geographic area. School
administrators can assist high school students to find work through
transition programs or in after school employment. For example, North
Hunterdon High School in Annandale, NJ, has a career development
program, which allows students to work in six or eight different jobs
during the school year. This program helps them to try and find a job
that fits their skill set and which they enjoy.
Parents of students with special needs can make sure that their
student's Individual Education Plan addresses appropriate steps to
transition from high school to post-secondary education or the
employment community. The goals of the student's academic courses and
after school activities should include learning how to function in
settings outside of school, how to advocate for themselves, how to ask
for assistance, personal money management, and communication skills.
Parents need to make sure that their student is involved in the
transition planning process as an active participant rather than a
passive observer.
Parents and educators can help the student with special needs learn to
discuss their strengths and special needs with employers. If the
person with special needs will need accommodation in the workplace,
the person needs to decide when to tell the employer. If the new
employee does not disclose his or her need for accommodation during
the interview process, or soon after employment begins, the employer
is not required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to meet
those needs.
Working in a job, receiving a paycheck, and learning how to manage
money are all experiences that really help a person with special needs
function in the world and feel a part of the community.
While the rate of unemployment among people with special needs is very
high, with community support, employer assistance, parental guidance
and educational training, students with special needs can find a place
in the work world and make a contribution to the community.
Copyright Coulter Video 2003
All Rights Reserved Used by Permission
