The ability to understand and follow verbal instructions is a part of most jobs. People with cognitive impairment, such as specific learning disability or intellectual disability, often experience difficulty with language and may not possess strong verbal communication skills. They may need extra support and consideration or an alternative means of instruction, for example, learning more effectively by 'seeing and doing', using a 'hands on' approach or active learning strategies (Walsh 2006). See 'active learning' for more information:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
On the job strategies
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When providing instruction, ensure good eye contact is established and that the message is clearly directed at the relevant person.
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Ensure that instructions are not given in a noisy environment, as sound and noise can be very distracting for people with cognitive impairment.
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Keep any verbal instructions brief and straight forward, using simple language.
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Confirm worker understanding by asking for a demonstration or to repeat back in their own words what was said, as many will say that they understand when in fact they don’t.
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Provide alternatives to the verbal mode of communication, for example, role play or demonstrate the instructions, including the 'do’s' and 'don'ts' (perhaps more than once) and then allow the worker the opportunity to practice for themselves, providing appropriate feedback.
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For factory workers include a model of the various stages of the product during production.
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Include team activities to consolidate understanding.
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Establish a buddy system with a co-worker to provide extra support for workers who experience verbal communication difficulties.
Support
Australian Government employment service providers, such as the Disability Employment Network and Vocational Rehabilitation Services, provide a range of assistance and support such as coaching, mentoring and support on the job. They offer a valuable service to people who experience learning difficulties, such as people with intellectual disability, in the development of work skills.
For other support options, visit:
A cognition and communication specialist or speech pathologist may also be able to assist with providing assistance with verbal communication in the workplace
References
Walsh L 2006, Introduction to the DVC Learning Style Survey for College/The Four Learning Styles in the DVC Survey, University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls, viewed 17 June 2007, <http://www.metamath.com/lsweb/dvclearn.htm> and <http://www.metamath.com/lsweb/fourls.htm>.