Anticipated Barriers
One of the most anticipated barriers that youth feel they may face is the general attitude of potential co-workers. However, studies show that when persons with disabilities are hired, morale, teamwork, and employee satisfaction increases.
As mentioned, most youth with disabilities believe that Canadian society in general is not equipped to provide with the assimilation of persons with disabilities. Youth often experience heightened stress while on the job search. For example, in 2004 the CNIB conducted a study that showed nearly half of visually impaired job seekers gave up the search after only one year.
Experience combined with perceived perceptions often results in youth with disabilities feeling uncertain abut asking for assistance or inquiring about accommodations.
Youth with disabilities recognize that they are looking for work which they are qualified to perform in addition to being manageable and rewarding. They also recognize that they have a large role to play in achieving this goal. This can be done thorough:
- Education about possible obstacles in the workplace
- Development of effective coping strategies
- Development of strategies and communication techniques
- Knowing how and when to express their abilities and limitations
- Being aware of accommodations possible and being able to communicate about them with employers
