General Learning Disabilities

Acquired at birth, a learning disability is a lifelong intellectual disability which can make everyday tasks harder than they are for others.

Traits

• Positive traits include: reliability, dedication, commitment, positive outlook and friendliness
• Limited or no literacy and numeracy skills
• Difficulty in understanding and interpreting situations - slower to process information
• May have poor motor coordination
• Difficulty with time management and organisational skills
• Emotional immaturity
• Limited ability to articulate or express themselves effectively
• Low and poor short term concentration.

Potential impact on daily life and employment

• Often more dependent on others for care and personal support

• Support is needed to interpret written instructions or read warning signs
• May need structure in their day and struggle with situations which require flexibility or judgement
• Reduced confidence in social situations which, in turn, may result in inappropriate behaviour
• Will take longer to learn new tasks, but once learnt will deliver them to a high standard
• May misinterpret criticism or take it personally
• May have some difficulty travelling independently
• Susceptible to bullying.

Support in the workplace

• Be clear about the job start and induction process – times, locations, dress standards, personal hygiene etc.
• Job coaching is recommended to help the individual learn the job
• Susceptibility to loss of concentration – close supervision is recommended, connect with a workplace buddy
• Communicate support needs to colleagues as appropriate
• Be mindful that the individual is unlikely to pick up on team dynamics – due to limited social skills they are unlikely to pick up “vibes”
• Establish a preferred communication style – avoid lengthy emails or anything that relies too heavily on text
• Changes in the workplace, such as environment, personalities or work processes, can trigger a behavioural reaction – try to communicate in advance where possible
• If an individual changes department or job role, they may need to be re-trained on the job, even though their duties are similar to their previous activity. It may be worth considering engaging a job coach
• Regularly repeat key workplace messages, such as health and safety related rules or procedures
• Consider how a job can be re-designed to ensure that it plays to the strengths of the individual – eg. has a high degree of structure or routine, instructions are clear and understood
• Where appropriate, consider inviting in a close friend, advocate or family member to help with difficult or particularly serious conversations.

Source; Learning Difficulties Australia, 2015.