Essential Tasks

There was a great client that was eager to prove himself but didn't seemed to be given any opportunities. He explained to me that because he was going legally blind, with several learning disabilities and had a major memory issue, that most employers wouldn't give him a chance. He did know an employer that was open to giving him work because they liked his attitude, but couldn't figure out how to make his work sustainable.

The position they had in mind was answering phones. This required the client to answer the phone and take messages for the staff. The employer quickly became concerned when several times the client writing was unreadable, and the client forgot the message.

When I visited the employer I did a Job Analysis. The essential task of the job was to take messages for the staff in a manner as for the staff to respond. From this analysis we arranged for an adaptive technology called Dragon Natural Speaking and two tape recorders.

The plan of action was to have the client restate the message as he would as if he was confirming a message. Dragon would type out the message into an email and the tape recorders would act as a back up the message.

Example:

Thank you for calling ABC Company, how can I help you?, Your calling about an invoice. ok, what is the invoice number. 456789. Ok, and your located where? 123 able st., Toronto and postal A1B 2C3. Great I will pass this message on and John Smith will get back to you shortly. Have a good day.

These actions have resulted in continuous employment for the client and a better understanding of work and essential tasks.

Accommodation Cost: Less than $360.00 paid by ODSP