Useful Articles

What’s cool at school won’t fly at work

By Louise Kinross Sun, Feb 7th, 2010

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.

Complete article