Work team members who have disabilities have great performance in the execution of a project. ¿Have you ever had a person with a disability on your team? ¿What type of disability did the person have, and what were the measures you took to better adapt the person to the project? Saving Changes...
Hi Verónica, I have worked with a number of people with physical disabilities in office environments as well as volunteering with an adaptive sports program with a wide range of both physical and mental disabilities. The key is not adapting the person to the project so much as adapting the project to the person.
For people with back injuries for example, we provide them with working accommodations like a sit/stand desk and other specialized equipment depending on the situation. Certain conditions may affect assigning tasks whether that is someone in a wheelchair, autistic, or with Downs Syndrome. Don't make the person with one leg climb stairs all day or put the autistic person in a high stress environment. Some conditions require general awareness and some team training like seizures, or tics. You can't set someone up to fail by assigning them something significantly impeded by their disability, or holding team building activities that exclude that person.
Try to understand what their limitations are and what they aren't, for example people with cerebral palsy often get treated like they lack cognitive ability which isn't true. Then understanding the limitations, use empathy, be patient, innovate, and experiment with how you can maximize their skills.
Also remember that emotional intelligence is important for understanding your own reactions. I have made more than one embarrassing mistake when working with the disabled. Don't give up and shut down out of the situational awkwardness. Acknowledge the mistake and try to move on. Keith
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
May 08, 2024 11:15 AM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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Keith, thank you for sharing your experiences working with people with disabilities. They are surely valuable members of your team.
Hi Verónica, I have worked with a number of people with physical disabilities in office environments as well as volunteering with an adaptive sports program with a wide range of both physical and mental disabilities. The key is not adapting the person to the project so much as adapting the project to the person.
For people with back injuries for example, we provide them with working accommodations like a sit/stand desk and other specialized equipment depending on the situation. Certain conditions may affect assigning tasks whether that is someone in a wheelchair, autistic, or with Downs Syndrome. Don't make the person with one leg climb stairs all day or put the autistic person in a high stress environment. Some conditions require general awareness and some team training like seizures, or tics. You can't set someone up to fail by assigning them something significantly impeded by their disability, or holding team building activities that exclude that person.
Try to understand what their limitations are and what they aren't, for example people with cerebral palsy often get treated like they lack cognitive ability which isn't true. Then understanding the limitations, use empathy, be patient, innovate, and experiment with how you can maximize their skills.
Also remember that emotional intelligence is important for understanding your own reactions. I have made more than one embarrassing mistake when working with the disabled. Don't give up and shut down out of the situational awkwardness. Acknowledge the mistake and try to move on. Keith
Keith, thank you for sharing your experiences working with people with disabilities. They are surely valuable members of your team. Saving Changes...
Veronica,
Emergencies happen; therefore, I would prepare backup plans using a what-if approach. Additionally, I have noticed that people with special needs often have a strong fondness for animals, like dogs that can serve as their assistants. Considering this, I recommend creating a dog-friendly working environment (if possible).
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1 reply by Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
May 31, 2024 12:25 PM
Verónica Elizabeth Pozo Ruiz
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María,
It's a good consideration, to take advantage of the deep link that persons of disabilities have with pets; and another motive to increase pet-friendly working spaces. Thanks for sharing your valued experience with the community.
Veronica,
Emergencies happen; therefore, I would prepare backup plans using a what-if approach. Additionally, I have noticed that people with special needs often have a strong fondness for animals, like dogs that can serve as their assistants. Considering this, I recommend creating a dog-friendly working environment (if possible).
María,
It's a good consideration, to take advantage of the deep link that persons of disabilities have with pets; and another motive to increase pet-friendly working spaces. Thanks for sharing your valued experience with the community. Saving Changes...
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