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Attention Employers: Brain Injured Employees Available

© Shannon Lester

The gamut of disabilities resulting from brain injuries is widespread, including physical, emotional, cognitive and psychological impairments. Some are more pronounced than others, and often brain injury survivors have the “invisible disability,” an impairment not visible to the naked eye.

If you hire someone with a brain injury, you may have to make some accommodations. These changes aren’t usually costly; they just require a little instruction and understanding. Assessing one’s resume and prior job experience may help determine how well one may do at a job, according to West Virgina University. Bear in mind that an applicant is not obligated to disclose information about his disability at the interview.

However, it is advantageous to ask about one’s limitations after he’s been hired. If an individual needs a “reasonable accommodation” to perform the tasks of the job, it is up to him to approach you. You may be able to help out, however, by offering a hand in carrying objects, if the individual has a physical disability. A general sensitivity to individual’s needs, could help foster a feeling of confidence, which, in turn, may encourage one’s productivity.

To make the evaluation process easier, it is important to consider the different limitations experienced by people who have suffered brain injuries. While each injury is unique and different, the most common limitations share one common trait. They were caused by an insult or injury to the brain. The brain consists of several different regions called lobes. The occipital lobe controls vision, while the temporal lobes, located in the front of the brain, control motor activity, such as walking and manual dexterity. The left frontal lobe is responsible mainly for the use of the right side of the body as well as reasoning. The parietal lobe processes sensations.

Some type of disability almost always results from an injury to the brain. According to the Traumatic Brain Injury web site, a number of abilities may be affected by a brain injury. Short-term memory loss is relatively common, so it is important to reiterate directions a few times, or write directions down on a piece of paper. One may also have learning disabilities, problems with strength, or a language difficulty, such as slower speech. In addition, difficulties with math and reading may be a factor. Other limitations resulting from brain injury include changes in personality and problems with social skills.

According to West Virginia University, it may be helpful to ask the person how he or she would prefer to complete a specified procedure. For example, allowing one to take an application and obtain assistance filling it out, if the individual has a visual problem or limited or no use of one hand, is a legitimate accommodation. Also, making sure that the individual is included in company meetings and decisions is key to one’s self-concept in the workplace.

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