Discovery

In Course 1, we discussed the use of strategic questions to help the counselor identify the client's interests and abilities. The customized employment process also begins with strategic questions--an extension of those asked previously-- in a process called "discovery." In the discovery process, the VRC:

1. Interviews and observes individuals in familiar environments of their choice to get an accurate idea of their genuine interests and abilities.

2. Asks job candidates strategic, open-ended questions to uncover their unique interests and abilities. The VRC must listen carefully to the answers and ask additional questions to clarify what precisely the person enjoys about a task and how it may be translated to job tasks in the workplace.

For example, if the VRC asked, "What do you like to do in your spare time?" and the individual answered, "Read comic books." The VRC may then clarify with a host of who, what, when, where questions such as:

1. • "What do you like best about comic books?"
   • "Who is your favorite character."
   • "What do you like about the character?"
   • "Would you please share your favorite character story?"
   • "Where do you get your comic books? Do you buy them yourself?
   • "Where do you store them? May I see where you store them?"

From the answers, the VRC can identify if the individual is:

• • reading the comics,
  • comprehending the character's features and storyline,
  • independently buying them at a store or ordering them online, and
  • organizing

From that clarification, the VRC infers that the individual may be able to read and comprehend simple work instructions, perhaps use a computer, and sort and organize items.

The VRC may also ask common job aspiration questions such as the following:

• • "What would be your dream job?"
  • "What is you like about that job?"
  • "What job would you like to try?"
  • "Where did you see that job?"
  • "What was the person doing that you'd like to do?"

The VRC may also ask questions related to home-based chores:

• • "What kind of chores do you do at home?"
  • "Would you please describe to me the steps you take to do that chore? For example, what do you do first?"
  • "What do you like or dislike about that chore?"
  • "Does anybody help you do the job? If yes, what does that person do to help you?"

The VRC may also ask about school-based work experiences:

• • "What work experiences have you had at school?"
  • "Would you please describe to me the steps you take to do that chore? For example, what do you do first?"
  • "Which did you like best/least like?"
  • "What was it about the job that you liked/disliked?"
  • "Does anybody help you do the job? If yes, what does that person do to help you?"

Reminder: When interviewing youth with disabilities and their support teams, don't forget your OARS! That is, after asking the open-ended questions noted above, don't forget to follow up with:

• • affirmation, offering positive feedback for their input
  • reflective listening, paraphrasing what was said to ensure understanding
  • summarizing what was said

3. Interviews support team members (e.g., parents, guardians, teachers)to corroborate or correct information from the individual and to add additional clarification or ideas.

4. Arranges job site tours with local businesses that match the interests and skills of the individuals to further clarify or confirm interests.