What Are the Careers for the Mentally Challenged?
Mentally challenged individuals can make valuable contributions to society. Just like anyone else, they have their own special interests and skills that motivate them to perform certain jobs. Mentally challenged people's mental capabilities cover a broad spectrum, too, say Douglas A. Bernstein et al in their book "Psychology." Some have much higher functioning than others. Often a vocational therapist can help a mentally challenged person find a career that he enjoys and will succeed at.
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Cleaning
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When mentally challenged people understand what their employers expect of them, they often succeed in cleaning jobs, as People's Daily Online says. Tasks are often simple and repetitive, so they can take pride in maintaining a high quality of service each day. Supervisors should be sensitive to each person's way of learning, and have a supportive, encouraging attitude, as the article stresses. Options may include working in a hotel, restaurant, laundry service or other janitorial capacity.
Office Work
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Some mentally challenged people succeed in office settings, as a Boston Globe article says. Jim Cassetta of the employment firm Work, Inc. has placed numerous mentally challenged individuals in office settings, such as a library department, according to the article. The program doesn't just help mentally challenged people, it helps employers, since many mentally challenged people prove to be extremely dedicated and conscientious employees. Higher functioning individuals might work as receptionists, personal assistants or in other capacities.
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Supermarket
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Mentally challenged people might work in supermarkets as baggers or stockers. These roles often allow them to do repetitive tasks, like unpacking products, putting them on shelves or bagging them. Such jobs may offer the chance for increased responsibility, like ordering supplies, if they show they can handle it.
Gardening
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Mentally challenged people who enjoy working outside may thrive as a gardener or landscaper. They could work for a landscaping service, lawn and garden store, or for private clients if they have transportation to the job sites. Many public spaces like schools, colleges, libraries and office buildings may hire a groundskeeper as well.
Food Service
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Working as a cook gives some mentally challenged people the satisfaction of serving meals to many customers each day. Depending on her skills, a mentally challenged person might work as a short-order cook or in preparing appetizers. If she has more experience and enjoys being creative rather than routine, she might cook more complicated meals. Those who work well with people might work as a restaurant host or server, or as a barista in a coffee shop.
Assembly
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Some mentally challenged people might not mind working on an assembly line, particularly if they like repetitive tasks and have a strong attention span. These jobs are often easy to find. Additionally, mentally challenged people, their families, and their counselors should look into options for other careers that might be of interest.
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