Work integration issues go beyond the nature of the communication disorder

The ability to obtain and maintain employment is one of society's most valued life participation events and is often considered in measurements of quality of life (QOL). Many workplaces now require good communication skills and this may jeopardize the opportunity for persons with communication disorders (CD) to access interesting jobs. Sarno, Silverman, and Levita (1970) have long emphasized that functioning is a result of the interaction of psychosocial factors as well as communication disorder characteristics. The current study gathered perceptions from different groups of persons with CD, from service providers and employers on the barriers to work integration. The results show that many barriers are common across types of CD. Such examples are noise, tasks requiring speed, having to speak to groups of persons and the attitudes of others. Although some common barriers were identified between the service providers and the persons with CD, service providers placed more emphasis on psychological adaptation aspects than did persons with CD. Employers generated an equivalently long list of barriers but were also very concerned about job market issues.

As a result of this activity, the following learning outcomes will be realized: participants will be able to (1) identify barriers that service providers and persons with CD each perceive; (2) identify differences in the perceptions of each group concerning barriers; (3) learn ways to modify or eliminate barriers that interfere with successful employment among individuals with CD.