This comic is a collaboration between CeKTER and the Temple University Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Community Living and Participation of Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities (ACL grant #’s 90RTCP0001 & # 90RT5021). It is based on work by Gretchen Snethen, PhD, CTRS, and colleagues.

The comic shows an example of how workers with disabilities can be supported at work.

Click here to view the large image of this comic (png format)

Text transcript

Creating Welcoming Environments for Workers with Disabilities: Managing Cognitive Demand

Document is a comic with multiple panels. There are two scenes in the comic. Each scene represents a different scenario.

Scene 1: New job, scenario 1. When cognitive demand is not managed.

Panel 1: Employee is cheerful throws his hands up in excitement about a new job; New job is written above the man’s head.

Panel 2: His employer is barking commands and looks angry, “Day 1, cook! Day 2, sweep! Day 3, cash register. Day 4—more, more, more!”.

Panel 3: Employee looks distressed. He puts his hand on his face, covering his eyes, and exclaims, “Everything is a different task! I don’t have time to learn to do anything well!”.

Panel 4: Comic cuts to angry employer, “You clearly can’t do the job!”.

Scene 2: New job, scenario 2. When cognitive demand is managed.

Panel 1: Employer presents himself in a warm and welcoming manner, “You will be responsible for a number of different tasks. What is the best way to support your training?”.

Panel 2: Employee looks relieved and responds when she is asked how she can be best supported, “It helps me to learn and master one task at a time, before moving to the next”.