Dyspraxia in the Workplace (continued)
Applying for a job
When you have planned, prepared and made your choice, the next step is to apply for a job.
- Prepare your typed CV. Get as much help as you can, for example, by getting someone to assist you in drafting your covering letter. In some cases, you will able to get somebody to hand-write the letter for you.
- Consider seeking help from your local Careers Service or Job Centre
- If possible, download the application form into your computer and type your answers. Otherwise, photocopy the application form and write it out in rough first, to ensure you send in a neat and well-presented form.
Interviews
When you have planned, prepared and made your choice, the next step is to apply for a job.
- Ask somebody to give you a mock interview
- Make a list of likely questions that you will be asked
- Think of an interesting question you can ask about the company/work at the interview
- Plan your route to the interview in advance ñ perhaps even have a trial run to make sure that you arrive on time
- Choose the clothes you are going to wear for the interview well in advance. Do not wear anything brand-new. You need to be comfortable and smart.
Disclosing dyspraxia
Should you tell your potential employer about your dyspraxia?
Each personís circumstances are unique: only you will have an idea of how your dyspraxia is likely to affect your ability to do the job. If your dyspraxia is only mild, for example, it may not affect your ability to do that particular job. If you do disclose, however, do so in a positive way and point out your strengths.
The Disability Discrimination Act
The provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act cover those people whose ability to carry out normal day to day activities is adversely affected by a physical or mental impairment on a long-term basis. Under the terms of the Act, an employer must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate disabled employees' needs.
If you feel that your dyspraxia falls into the definition as described in the Act, it is best to let your employer know before you start the job that you may need extra support. Be prepared to educate your employer about dyspraxia, to ask for the support to which you are entitled - and be ready with information about dyspraxia. The Dyspraxia Foundation publishes a leaflet, Dyspraxia in the Workplace for Employers. (See at the end of this leaflet for details.)
Strategies at work
Time management: Before you start work, plan what you have to do that day and prioritise your tasks. Use visual aids such as mind maps, flow charts, and spider diagrams. Ask your employer to help you with planning and prioritising and at the same time make clear (tactfully!) that you would prefer them not to 'hover over' you and that you find being put under pressure difficult. Ask your employer to give you plenty of advance warning of deadlines.
Organisation: Organise your workload into urgent and non-urgent piles. Break down tasks and projects into manageable chunks. Think of large projects as a series of small tasks with a beginning and an end. Reward yourself when you have finished a task. Make sure that you take regular breaks to maximise your productivity and concentration.
Instructions: Write down instructions clearly and keep them for safe reference. Ask your employer to take time to clarify instructions if necessary. At meetings, use a tape recorder to help you to remember what you have to do.
Operating office machines: When you use a computer, make sure that you sit in comfortable position. It may be possible to use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Slowing down the mouse can help, as can using keyboard shortcuts, if you find the mouse particularly difficult to manipulate. Keep clear instructions on how to operate photocopiers, fax machines, printers etc. Pin the instructions up next to these machines - then they can serve as a memory jogger for other people too.
Written work: Use your word processor's grammar- and spell-checks and consider asking someone to proof-read your work. If appropriate, ask for speech recognition software and proof-reading programs such as textHELP! Make use of templates. Your employer may be willing to send you on a course to improve your writing skills.
Coping with distraction: You could look into the possibility of flexi-time - coming in early or leaving late. A partition round your desk or wearing headphones can also help to reduce distractions.
Attitude: Try to be as calm and positive as possible. You might want to think about using basic mind and body relaxation exercises to help you to reduce your stress levels and thus improve your overall performance. Assertiveness training may help you to communicate more effectively at work. It is important to show your employer that you have many strengths; and that you want to do a good job and can achieve this, with the right support.
Additional Information
text here
Disability Rights Commission - Helpline 08457 622633
DRC Helpline, Freepost MID02164, Stratford-upon Avon, CV37 9BR
May be able to help in cases of unfair dismissal. Visit their website at www.drc-gb.org
Disability Service Team (DST)
A service for those seeking work and already in work. For further details, ask to see the Employment Service Disability Employment Advisor (DEA) at your local major job centre. They may refer you to your E.S. Occupational Psychologist. They and the team will also be able to advise you on training, supported employment, Access to Work and the New Deal for disabled people etc. Visit their website at www.employmentservice.gov.uk
Mind (National Association for Mental Health) - Tel: 020 8519 21122 (HQ)
Granta House, 14-19 Broadway, Stratford, E15 4BQ. May be able to help with supported employment. Visit their website at www.mind.org.uk
Mencap (Pathway Employment Services) - Tel: 020 7454 0454
123 Golden lane, London, EC1Y 0RT. Visit their website at www.Mencap.org.uk
RADAR - Tel: 020 7259 3222
12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF.
Publishes material on employment for disabled people. Visit their website at www.radar.org.uk
Shaw Trust - Tel: 01255 716350
Shaw House, Empson Square, Whitehorse Business Park, Trowbridge, Wilts.
Training and employment for disabled people. Visit their website at www.shaw-trust.org.uk
SKILL (National Bureau for Students with Disabilities) - Freephone 0800 328 5050
Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane London SE1 3JW.
Has material on training and employment for disabled students. Visit their website at www.skill.org.uk
Workable - Tel: 020 7553 0002
123 Minories, London EC3 1NT. Visit their website at www.drc-gb.org
Dyspraxia Foundation - Helpline 01462 454986
8 West Alley, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1EG
Adult Support Group Helpline (can refer you to your local adult contact): 0207 435 7891
Adult Computer list ñ dyspraxia@yahoogroups.com
A guide for employees - ‹‹page 1