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A learning disability can hinder everyday tasks and life in general, especially if you grow up knowing you have a LD. Over the last 25 years The Learning Disabilities Association of New York has been supporting teens and young adults with learning disabilities to transition in to the job world. This presentation outlines how individuals coping with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia can better understand their condition and work with trained professionals to find the best strategies to find jobs and succeed in the workplace. This presentation shows employers how to accommodate individuals who have learning disabilities, both in the application process and after hiring.
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Hiring People with LDA Resource for Employers
Learning Disabilities Association NYC
• Since 1989, we have worked to empower New Yorkers who have learning disabilities become job & life ready.
• Our Helpline has been a resource for nearly 25 years, helping parents, children, teens & adults with referrals and information.
Learning Disabilities Association NYC
• In 2010, recognizing there were fewer resources for adults, we decided to focus on older teens and transitioning adults.
• We work closely with companies interested in hiring people with LD.
LDANYC’s Life-changing ProgramsAt LDANYC, we provide assistance on every aspect of LD including: • Educational evaluations/assessments• Educational tutoring and accommodations• Career and job counseling• Career and vocational training• Job search coaching• On-the-job accommodations• Legal matters• Life skills• Social programs and more
What is a Learning Disability?
• Learning disabilities (LD) are not one thing, but rather a variety of specific disorders that create real obstacles for success in school, on the job, and in life.
• LD is an umbrella term that points to weaknesses in areas such as reading, writing, spelling, math, and other kinds of skills.
• LD is a result of differentiated ways that information is processed in the brain.
“By definition, individuals with a learning disability do not struggle because of low intelligence, poor
teaching, lack of motivation or other such factors.
Their underachievement is unexpected and unexplained, which is why the term is often
misunderstood.”
Dr. Sheldon H. Horowitz, National Center for Learning Disabilities
Did You Know…?• 1 in 7 Americans of all ages have some type of learning disability --
over 44 million individuals.*
• In NYC, this includes over 750,000 older teens, young adults and transitioning adults.
*National Institute of Health
What Do They Have in Common?
Albert Einstein Could not talk till the age of four. Did not learn to read till nine. Teachers thought of him as a slow learner,
unsociable and a dreamer. Failed the entrance examinations to
college in his first attempt. Lost three teaching positions. Worked as a patent clerk.
Today, Albert Einstein is synonymous with genius.
Why You Should Hire Someone With LD
• In a survey, 93% of customers said they prefer buying from a company that employs individuals with disabilities. (Illinois Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity)
• Employees with disabilities stay on the job longer, resulting in a 6% retention rate. (Cornell University, JAN, DePaul University)
• There are 28 million veterans with disabilities, 21% of which are unemployed. Most of these veterans have professional and/or technical training. (Dept. of Veteran Affairs, Dept. of Labor).
It’s Good Business
• A Larger talent pool, with lower employee turnover
• Positive community recognition and public relations
• Support to diversity & human resources teams
• Compliance with EEO, ADA & other legal issues
• Tax benefits with WOTC
Why You Should Hire Someone With LDYour Company will Benefit from…
Why You Should Hire Someone With LD
It is illegal to discriminate against a job applicant or an employee because of the person's
race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.*
* EEOC Website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/federal/qanda-employment-with-disabilities.cfm#affirm
It’s the Law
Why You Should Hire Someone With LD
Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act requires all agencies, regardless of their size, to have an affirmative action program plan
for individuals with disabilities.**EEOC Website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/eeoc/index.cfm
What is Your Action Plan?
It’s the Law
Developing Your Action PlanLDANYC Can Help You
Think beyond labels & evolve your workforce
Understand reasonable accommodations
Create an environment that provides support
Assistive technology is any piece of equipment or software program that helps people with learning disabilities communicate better
and perform their jobs.
Understand Reasonable Accommodations
Understand Reasonable Accommodations
More than half of workplace accommodations cost nothing, while the rest typically cost up to only $500.*
Assistive Technology Includes:
• Software: Inspiration, Dragon Naturally Speaking, Read & Write Gold, Kurzweil 3000, Ginger Software
• Hardware: Livescribe Pen, Keyboard Filters, Screen Enlargers, Screen Readers
*http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/jobs/search/chi-disability-hiring-law-20131021,0,519705.story
Understand Reasonable AccommodationsAccommodation statements are important.
Does your business have one publicly displayed?
MY CompanyOfficial Notice
Please let us know if you need an accommodation to participate in the employee application process. We can be reached at xxx-xxx-xxxx or email us at [email protected].
Create a Supportive Environment
Educate your workforce about:
interacting with individuals with disabilities, providing reasonable accommodations and
correcting misconceptions
this can help create a more supportive and positive environment.
Develop Team Commitment & Sensitivity
Create a Supportive Environment
Be sensitive of your employees right to confidentiality.
Use people-first language:“a person who has a learning disability”
instead of “a learning-disabled person”
Develop Team Commitment & Sensitivity
How LDANYC Can Help You
• On-site workshops and trainings for managers and supervisors on understanding and supporting employees with LD challenges.
• Employee support options such as individualized counseling with the employee regarding supervisor/coworker relationships, social conduct at work, personal organization, time management, etc.
How LDANYC Can Help You
• Educational Assessments to help employers determine which accommodations will help an employee with LD challenges perform his/her job.
• Recommendations on assistive technology, low-cost, yet highly effective ways to improve employee productivity.
How LDANYC Can Help You
Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) offers access to a full range of employment and independent living
services that may be needed by persons with disabilities through their lives.
http://www.acces.nysed.gov/vr/
Use LDANYC as an Employee Resource!The best job
candidate for your next opening might
be one of the “1 in 7” New Yorkers
with LD.
We can help!
Read Our Brochure for Employers
People with LD can be assets to your workforce.
Visit www.LDANYC.org
Meet LDANYC’s Experts
Sheila Steinhof, MSVice President
Programs Lauren Sigal, MSLearning Specialist
Lenin Gross Director of
Career Support Sully DiazDirector of
Educational Support
Tiasia O’BrienCommunity Outreach Coordinator
LDANYC
237 W. 35th Street, Suite 1101 | New York, NY 10001
Contact Me
