DOES YOUR TEEN HAVE THESE JOB SKILLS?
By Louise Kinross
Teens with disabilities are less likely to work part-time and in the summer, or to volunteer.
As parents, we may think of these activities as extras that can’t be squeezed in with school, therapy, personal care and appointments. But without early work experience, our children may lack basic social skills that are a must for success later on.
“Some of the youth we work with don’t even say ‘hi’ or ‘bye’ to people or make eye contact,” says Carolyn McDougall, occupational therapist with Youth@Work, a Bloorview program that includes skills training, work placements and job coaching for teens with disabilities.
Part of the problem is that teens who don’t have work experiences may act in a way that’s “cool in school,” but unacceptable in the workplace, Carolyn says.
“Behaviours that help you fit in at school – not wanting to look ultra keen, sitting at the back and yawning, talking while others are talking, not greeting the teacher – are opposite to what’s needed at work.”
Youth facilitators Dolly Menna-Dack and Nikoletta Erdelyi suggest your child may benefit from practising the skills at right.
How to nurture them
Let your child answer the phone.
Give your child chores – feeding the dog or watering the garden can turn into employable skills when your neighbours go away.
Teach your child appropriate social greetings and conversation for buying a treat at the mall, paying for movie tickets, ordering a pizza over the phone or booking Wheel Trans. Over time let them become more independent with these tasks.
Get your child involved in recreation programs, after-school activities and camps where they can develop interests and social skills.
Have a friend interview your child to give them confidence in speaking about themselves. Arrange for your child to interview an adult (help them prepare questions to ask).
When you play a game as a family, take turns being the leader so your child learns to be in charge. The game leader gives instructions for the game, encourages players to have fun, and makes a wrap-up comment at the end.
Look to your friends and family to find volunteer opportunities for ‘tweens’ and young teens. If your child has significant needs, you, a worker or a sibling can volunteer with your child.
Mentorship programs and youth advisory councils at children’s rehab or community centres are another good way to develop social skills.
Take advantage of co-op programs at school.
For more information on Youth@Work,
call (416) 425-6220, ext. 3328.
