Though you may no longer be in school and faced with the challenges of learning new material, having one or more learning disabilities can still impact daily life out in the world - particularly on the job.

For example, suppose you were hired to do a job with a certain list of tasks with which you felt comfortable. Then, down the road technology changes, or there is a change in personnel around you, and your job description changes. Now you are faced with tasks you find you have trouble learning.

This may be time for a frank discussion with your supervisor about the situation. Some solutions to adapt to your job changes:

1. Request specialized training that includes practice doing the new tasks without suffering the consequences. This gives you a chance to see if you can adapt to the new job requirements.

2. If you can't adapt to the new requirements ask to switch that particular task with another person on the job. Even if there are just two of you in the office it is possible to help each other out with tasks in an equitable way so the overall job gets done most efficiently and effectively.

3. Take this opportunity to explore new job opportunities. Sometimes when we are faced with a difficulty in a changing job we would be happier looking for a job with even greater satisfaction. The Human Resources department may offer job counseling to help you with another placement in the company.

Adapting to change in all areas of life is challenging at times. And it seems particularly irksome when we get comfortable with our job tasks, and then we must start learning in another area that in the past we have had trouble doing.

In summary, follow the steps set out above to give yourself a chance to see if you can learn the new tasks. If you still have trouble after giving it a try talk to your supervisor about switching parts of your job with a coworker. If that is not practical go to the company Human Resources department and inquire about training to do another job in your company.

Adapting is part of life whether with learning disabilities or not, and these hints point out that it is possible to find a solution by trying out diverse methods; different courses of action.

Article by Susan Kramer

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