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This manual presents guidelines for supervisors of employees with learning disabilities. Guidelines were developed from both the author's supervisory experience and from a research study surveying employers to identify support systems and techniques to enable supervisors to work more effectively with these employees. The survey, which included 65 complete questionnaires and 27 personal interviews, identified problems that this population experiences, including low self esteem, insecurity, inability to follow directions, distractibility, perseveration, and limited social skills. Principles underlying effective supervisory strategies emerged, including: (1) proper job placement is the first step to successful employment; (2) the supervisor should be committed to training and hiring people with special needs for the work force; (3) specialized supervisory skills are needed; and (4) deficits can be converted into assets. Specific supervisory strategies are listed, divided into two groups: first, general techniques for working with employees with learning disabilities and, second, specific problem behaviors and strategies for handling them. The final section addresses qualities of the on-site supervisor which contribute to effective job performance by the employee with learning disabilities and sources of supervisory consultation and support for the supervisor. (DB)

These guidelines developed out of a study identifying support systems for supervisors of people with moderate special needs (MSN) in training internships and employment situations. Generally MSNs are dependable, loyal employees who are eager to please and to do a good job. Problems occur because the MSNs are insecure about their role at work, have low self-esteem and doubt their capacity to live up to others' expectations. For some MSNs, distractibility and having a short attention span are major problems. Strategies for supervision of MSN staff are discussed in two sections: general techniques, such as welcoming techniques, for working with MSNs across time, and specific strategies for handling problem behaviors ranging from shyness to poor judgement regarding safety issues. (PB)