How can someone who does not verbally communicate express choice or make decisions about going to work?
Everyone can express choices; however, the way a person with a disability demonstrates this ability may be very different. Consider for example an individual who chooses not to participate in a workshop activity or yells, screams and attempts to run out of the building when instructed to complete a task. Consider another person who does not regularly attend the workshop. Some providers may say that the first person has inappropriate behaviors and is not ready to work. Others may feel that the second person must regularly attend the workshop program in order to demonstrate that he or she wants to work in the community. However, if staff take the time to learn more about the unique styles of expressing choice for both of these individuals, they may discover that the behaviors reflect the person s choices and support needs. Providers must take the time to listen to what people have to say, especially when their communication skills are limited. For the person who is not able to communicat
