Discover how to teach teens and young adults with disabilities workplace readiness skills, including teamwork, punctuality, and job interview tips.

Building Workplace Readiness Skills for Teens with Disabilities

Getting teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental differences ready for work isn’t just about landing them a job. It’s about giving them the tools they need to succeed in the workplace. From being on time to working well with others and communicating clearly, these skills can open up a world of independence and confidence. So, how do we get started? Let’s dive into some practical and age-appropriate ways to teach these key life skills and set them up for success.

Punctuality is the Cornerstone of Workplace Success

Being punctual is more than just showing up on time. It shows you’re responsible and respect others’ time. Teaching this skill helps teens and young adults build a solid reputation at work.

Using Visual Schedules to Teach Time Management

Visual schedules can really help students who struggle with time management. You can try using colorful charts or apps to break down a typical workday into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, creating a mock schedule lets them practice adding appointments, breaks, and end-of-shift times to their calendars. Role-playing a morning routine, where they set timers for tasks like brushing their teeth or getting dressed, makes it feel more real. Adding alarms or phone reminders can be a great way to keep them on track. The activity How to Schedule Appointments is a fantastic resource to build these skills.

Another fun twist is to let students use sticky notes to arrange their schedules on a board or planner. This tactile activity not only makes planning more engaging but also allows for flexibility as they rearrange tasks. Plus, students can easily visualize how their day will unfold, reinforcing the importance of staying on time.

Practicing On-Time Arrival Through Mock Scenarios

Try role-playing a scenario where students “clock in” at a workstation at a set time. Use a timesheet to track their arrival. Simulating a commute with a timer for steps like finding keys or packing a bag makes the practice more realistic. Pair students up and let one act as the “supervisor” checking arrival times. Adding small rewards for showing up on time can make the whole process more engaging and fun.

To add variety, you can set up a “mock workplace” environment with realistic tasks, like preparing a workspace or organizing tools before the shift starts. Assigning each student a specific role ensures accountability, and when they succeed, celebrating with small recognition tokens adds to the excitement.

Explaining Consequences of Being Late

Helping students understand the impact of being late can make a big difference. Talk about how showing up late to a meeting might delay a team project or disrupt the flow of work. Share relatable stories about missed buses or being late to an important event to drive the point home. Keep these discussions upbeat and focused on finding solutions rather than dwelling on negatives.

A practical activity could involve creating a cause-and-effect chart. For example, illustrate how being late to a shift can lead to missed tasks, delayed projects, or strained relationships with coworkers. This visual representation can help students grasp the importance of timeliness in a way that’s simple and straightforward.

Creating a Morning Checklist

A simple morning checklist can make a huge difference in staying organized. Add tasks like packing lunch, checking the weather, and reviewing the day’s schedule. Encourage students to use their checklist for a week and reflect on how it helped. Sharing their experiences can reinforce the benefits. You can even laminate the checklist to make it reusable and easy to update when needed.

To make the checklist more engaging, try adding a reward system for completing it. For example, students could earn points each day they successfully follow their checklist, redeemable for a small treat or privilege. This adds an extra layer of motivation to stick with the habit.

Thriving Together in the Workplace

Teamwork is a must in most jobs. It’s all about learning to cooperate, respect others, and solve problems together.

Participating in Group Projects

Group activities are a great way to teach teamwork. Plan a mock project, like organizing a small event, and assign roles like team leader or scheduler. During the activity, encourage everyone to share ideas, just like they would in a team meeting. Rotating roles helps students get a feel for different responsibilities and teaches them to work in different capacities.

You could also have students create a “team success plan,” where they outline goals, assign tasks, and establish timelines. This process mirrors real-world project planning and gives students a chance to practice their collaboration skills in a structured way.

Playing Cooperative Games

Games like “Escape the Room” or scavenger hunts can make teamwork fun. Split students into small teams and give them tasks that require collaboration. These games naturally encourage communication and problem-solving. After the activity, have a chat about what worked well and what they could do differently next time.

Adding a reflection component, where each student shares their role and contribution, can deepen their understanding of how teamwork leads to success. Encourage them to discuss the challenges they faced and how they overcame them as a group.

Role-Playing Conflict Resolution

Conflicts happen, and learning to resolve them is essential. Set up scenarios where students role-play common workplace disagreements, like overlapping tasks or differing opinions. Practicing how to compromise and find a solution helps build confidence. Give them sentence starters like, “I see your point, but…” to make it easier for them to express themselves.

To further this, host a “conflict resolution workshop” where students brainstorm strategies to handle disputes. Creating a “toolbox” of phrases and approaches gives them concrete techniques to apply in real situations.

Emphasizing Active Listening

Active listening is key to working well with others. Play games like “telephone” to show the importance of listening carefully. Pair students up to interview each other about their hobbies or interests to practice asking clarifying questions. Show them how to make eye contact, nod, and give verbal cues to show they’re paying attention.

As a follow-up, challenge students to reflect on a time they felt truly heard and how it impacted their confidence or comfort level. These insights can help them appreciate the power of good listening skills. Alexa Learns the Importance of Empathy and Active Listening is the ideal social skills worksheet to help develop this skill.

Communication is the Heart of Every Workplace

Good communication is what keeps workplaces running smoothly. Teaching students how to express themselves clearly can set them up for success.

Practicing Verbal Communication Skills

Verbal skills are often the first thing employers notice. Role-playing scenarios, like speaking with a supervisor or clarifying instructions, are great ways to practice. Activities like How to Prepare for a Job Interview can help students get comfortable expressing themselves and making a good first impression. Encourage them to speak slowly, clearly, and confidently.

Building confidence through public speaking exercises, like presenting a favorite hobby or skill to a small group, can further enhance their verbal communication. These experiences create a safe space for students to practice articulating their thoughts in front of others.

Building Non-Verbal Communication Awareness

Non-verbal communication, like body language, is just as important. Play charades to highlight how much we communicate without words. Watching workplace interaction videos and discussing employees’ body language can give students valuable insights. Practice things like a firm handshake or maintaining an open posture during conversations to help them feel more confident.

You might also try using mirrors to help students observe their own body language, making them more aware of their posture and facial expressions during interactions.

Teaching Email and Phone Etiquette

Professional communication tools, like email and phone calls, can feel intimidating at first. Drafting mock emails helps students practice proper tone and formatting. Role-playing phone calls to supervisors or customers let them get comfortable with workplace communication. Remind them to always proofread emails before hitting send. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Introduce real-life templates for emails and phone scripts to give students a clear starting point. These examples can make formal communication feel less daunting.

Encouraging Feedback and Questions

Learning to give and receive feedback is an essential skill. Role-playing performance reviews can help students practice responding positively. Creating a Q&A session where they can ask about workplace scenarios fosters curiosity and builds their confidence to speak up when they have questions. Encourage them to write down questions ahead of time. This will help them feel more prepared and less anxious about seeking clarification.

Workplace Etiquette

Workplace etiquette is about behaving in a way that’s respectful and professional. These skills make it easier to build positive relationships with coworkers and supervisors.

Dressing Appropriately for Work

Dressing right for the job is part of making a good impression. Try a wardrobe activity where students pick outfits based on different workplace settings, like an office or retail store. Talk about why dress codes matter and how they project professionalism. Using visual examples or holding a “dress for success” presentation makes these lessons stick.

Adding a “mix and match” challenge, where students pair clothing items to create appropriate outfits for specific scenarios, can make this activity more interactive and memorable. How to Dress for All Occasions is an excellent activity to reinforce this life skill.

Practicing Professional Greetings

Professional greetings set the tone for workplace relationships. Role-playing scenarios, like introducing themselves to a new coworker, gives students hands-on experience. Encourage them to practice a firm handshake and eye contact. Discussing cultural differences in greetings can also help them feel more prepared for diverse workplaces.

Bring in guest speakers or mentors to demonstrate professional greetings in real-time. This not only gives students a fresh perspective but also a chance to practice with someone new.

Managing Personal Space

Respecting personal space is a big part of workplace etiquette. Activities where students practice maintaining physical distance during conversations can reinforce this concept. Talk about body language and how to share workspaces respectfully. Open discussions about personal space help students navigate these situations with empathy.

Create a “personal space map” where students identify boundaries in various settings, such as break rooms or shared desks. This visual tool can help clarify expectations.

Using Polite Language and Manners

Politeness can go a long way. Teach students to use phrases like “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me” in their daily interactions. Role-play scenarios like asking for help or apologizing for a mistake to build their confidence. Giving positive feedback for using polite language encourages them to make it a habit.

Reinforce this by having students write thank-you notes to someone who has helped them. This exercise combines gratitude with practical writing skills.

Helping teens and young adults with intellectual and developmental differences prepare for the workplace is a meaningful journey. By focusing on skills like punctuality, teamwork, communication, and etiquette, we’re equipping them for success. These strategies don’t just build independence. They also boost confidence and resilience. Let’s keep empowering our students, one step at a time, so they can achieve their goals and thrive in their careers. 

The Adulting on the Spectrum team is excited to hear from you. Please share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

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