Physical Abilities and Workplace Tolerances: Tolerate Environmental Conditions for Job of Interest

An employee can tolerate the conditions of the job as defined in the job description. For example, individuals with seizures triggered by heat wouldn’t seek outdoor positions and be able to recognize and explain this. The critical part of this is distinguishing between tolerable and unhealthy. For example, I can tolerate fluorescent lighting, but I find it helpful to eat lunch outside to have a break. These are skills and strategies that can and should be taught. 

The first section is Physical Abilities and Work Tolerances. It is crucial to keep in mind when discussing Competitive Employment that accommodations cannot change items in the job description but make them easier to complete. While accommodations can be provided for individuals who need them for physical needs, the skills noted are standard requirements in inclusive employment.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management, “46% of new employees fail within 18 months, and of these, 89% fail because of a lack of soft skills, such as professionalism or the ability to get along with others.” What was once known as “soft skills,” now known as employability skills, are interpersonal skills an employee demonstrates, not job tasks. An employee with good Employability Skills can usually be taught hard skills, especially in the population of individuals with disabilities. It is frequently found that if individuals with disabilities can be coached to have good Employability Skills, they will be better employees. Businesses that have employed individuals with disabilities report better retention, better attendance, and more consistent work performance.