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# JAN’S ACCOMMODATION FACT SHEET SERIES

**Job Accommodations for People**

**with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities**

People with intellectual or developmental disabilities may experience limitations in cognitive abilities, motor abilities, and social abilities that can affect workplace performance. The degree of limitation will vary from individual to individual, and therefore, the accommodation provided will also vary.  

The following is a quick overview of some of the job accommodations that might be useful for employees who experience intellectual or developmental disabilities. For a more in depth discussion, access JAN's publications at http://askjan.org/media/atoz.htm.  To discuss an accommodation situation with a consultant, contact JAN directly.

**Cognitive Limitations:**

*Reading*

· Provide pictures, symbols, or diagrams instead of words 

· Read written information to employee or provide written information on audiotape

· Use voice output on computer

· Use Reading Pen on single words

· Use line guide to identify or hi-light one line of text at a time

*Writing*

· Provide templates or forms to prompt information requested

· Allow verbal response instead of written response

· Allow typed response instead of written response

· Use voice input and spell-check on computer

· Use a scribe to write the employee's response

· Provide ample space on forms requiring written response

· Use voice activated recorder to record verbal instructions

*Calculations*

· Allow use of large-display or talking calculator and use counter or ticker

· Make pre-counted or pre-measured poster or jig

· Provide talking tape measure and liquid level indicators

· Mark the measuring cup with a "fill to here" line

**Organization:**

· Minimize clutter and color-code items or resources

· Provide A-B-C and 1-2-3 chart

· Divide large tasks into multiple smaller tasks

· Use symbols instead of words and use print labels instead of hand-written labels

**Time Management:**

· Provide verbal prompts (reminders)

· Provide written or symbolic reminders

· Use alarm watch or beeper

· Use jig for assembly to increase productivity

· Arrange materials in order of use

· Use task list with numbers or symbols

· Avoid isolated workstations

· Provide space for job coach

· Provide additional training or retraining as needed

**Gross and Fine Motor Limitations:**

*Computer Use*

· Use keyguard

· Use alternative input devices such as speech recognition, trackball, and joystick

*Telephone Use*

· Use large-button phone

· Use phone with universal symbols (fire, police, doctor)

· Use phone with speed-dial, clearly labeled

· Use receiver holder and/or headset

*Workstation Use*

· Place anti-fatigue mats at workstation

· Use motorized scooter

· Use stools at workstations

· Move items within reach

· Provide frequent rest breaks

*Tool Use*

· Use ergonomic tools, handle build-ups, or other tool adaptations

· Use orthopedic writing aids

· Use grip aids

· Use jig or brace

**Social Interaction:**

· Implement a structure of positive feedback

· Use visual performance charts

· Provide tangible rewards

· Use co-workers as mentors and provide sensitivity training (disability awareness) to all employees

· Use Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

· Provide job coach and use training videos to demonstrate appropriate behavior

· Model appropriate social skills such as where to eat, when to hug, how to pay for coffee, and how to ask for help

**Resources Specifically for People with Intellectual or other Developmental Disabilities**

**President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities**

Administration for Children and Families

Aerospace Center, Suite 701 

370 L’Enfant Promenade, SW 

Washington, DC 20447

Direct: (202)619-0634

Fax: (202)205-9519

satwater@acf.hhs.gov

http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/pcpid 

**ARC of the United States**

1660 L Street, NW, Suite 301Washington, DC 20036

Toll Free: (800)433-5255

Direct: (202) 534-3700

info@thearc.org

http://thearc.org

**American Association for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities**

444 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 846

Washington, DC 20001-1512

Toll Free: (800)424-3688

Direct: (202)387-1968

Fax: (202)387-2193

http://www.aaidd.org

**Association for Persons in Supported Employment**

1627 Monument Avenue

Richmond, VA 23220

Direct: (804)278-9187

Fax: (804)278-9377

apse@apse.org

http://www.apse.org

**National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities**

1660 L Street, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 20036 

Direct: (202)506-5813

Fax: (202)506-5846

info@nacdd.org

http://www.nacdd.org/

Updated 4/08/11. 

This document was developed by the Job Accommodation Network, funded by a contract agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy (DOL079RP20426). The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. Nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Fact Sheet Series

Job Accommodations for People with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities