Transcript - slide 3

Customization of a job must begin with an understanding of the job seeker's abilities, preferences, and potential support needs.

When an applicant with a disability is unable to perform the essential job functions of an existing position, either with or without accommodations, negotiating the design of a customized job should be explored. This innovative job development strategy can lead to a customized work opportunity for the job seeker who has a disability. Under these circumstances, a job is restructured when some of the duties or tasks typically performed by one or more workers are changed to develop a customized job for the person with a disability. This may be accomplished by dropping and/or adding one or more tasks or by reducing or increasing some duties. The end result is a customized employment opportunity that maximizes a job seeker’s strengths and abilities, minimizes disability, and meets a business need. This strategy has proven to be particularly effective for individuals with disabilities whose specific vocational strengths might not otherwise be recognized or given credence under an existing work structure or position description. Please note that such efforts are not designed to relieve an employee with a disability from making a genuine contribution to the workplace or relegate the worker to performing undesirable tasks.

These creative work structures or jobs cannot be developed without an understanding of the job seeker’s abilities, preferences, and potential support needs. Without this knowledge, you will not be able to negotiate a work opportunity that is suitable to the job seeker and beneficial to the employer. This online seminar focuses on negotiating positions within the business community, while assuming that you have already spent time getting to know the job seeker.