Job Hunting Fun Facts

If you Google “Top Qualities Needed for a Job” the first thing you will see is “Good Communication Skills.” We as Speech-Language Pathologists know that “good communication skills” mean more than just being able to simply speak to someone. In order to have good communication skills one must have the following (in no particular order):

Appropriate volume – talking loud enough where someone nearby can hear you and not so loud that the person 3 aisles down at the supermarket can hear you.
Clear speech – also known as “speech intelligibility” and involves being understood by the listener.
Good eye contact – this involves looking at the person you are talking to and also looking at the person that IS talking.
Good listening – following instructions given verbally, looking at the speaker, answering questions.
Understanding nonverbal language – being able to differentiate between the many facial expressions and gestures presented.

These are just some of the qualities that are considered “good communication skills.” Often times adults with intellectual disabilities have impaired communication skills. This will have a major impact as to what job they will be applying for and/or the position that they truly want. Some may want to be a barista at the local coffee shop, but they are afraid to step up to the cashier station because they know the customer won’t understand them so instead they apply for a job that requires less communication. Well guess what, friend that is where I come in to play!

Even as adults, individuals with speech and language deficits can still make progress! You heard me right, you can still have that dream job that you always wanted! Yes, sometimes old habits are harder to break, but that does not mean it is impossible. Do I have your attention? Good. Send me an email or call me and we can discuss your goals and how I can help you nail down that dream job!