News and notes from Imagine! and the Imagine! Foundation.
Noise Sensitivity in the Work Place
Oct-12-2020
Services
We live in a fast and busy society. Public spaces are often accompanied by spontaneous noises, vibrant colors and patterns, and quick interactions. In order to manage these unpredictable stimuli, one must develop coping strategies to settle the senses and maintain focus on the given task. We all experience overstimulation, and individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) often have a harder time managing sensory overload.
One misconception of employees with I/DD is lack of capability. Individuals with an I/DD are more than capable to complete the task at hand, and may need additional accommodations to prevent sensory overload. Everyone needs an accommodating workplace/environment in order to thrive, and employers are often willing to provide needed accommodations for loyal, hardworking, and friendly employees.
Arranging accommodations for an individual with a disability does not mean you are making a charity hire, rather, it encourages inclusivity and empowers those who are capable, yet need a little extra support. Our friends at Job Accommodation Network dedicate their website to offering solutions for employers who seek to provide accommodations for their employees. Click here to check out their resources on noise sensitivity. Link is https://askjan.org/limitations/Noise-Sensitivity.cfm.
If you are interested in learning more about hiring individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, contact Scott at swendelberger@imaginecolorado.org.
