Employer Outreach Program



JAWS for Windows



Barrier-free workplace



Workplace solutions

Case Studies From Employer Outreach Program - Shell

STEP I. Creation of Job Opportunity

We visited the Shell petrol pump outlets many times to understand the kind of jobs that can be done by persons with different disabilities. Initial identification and mapping with disability was as follows :

a. Cashier - Physically disabled (severely to mild) can do the job with proper modifications. (see info on barrier-free workplace)

b. (CSA) Attendant - Physically disabled (mild) can do the job if they are able to stand for long hours without discomfort and if they have at least one hand which does not have a disability. This job requires seeing the display and speaking to the customer hence hearing impaired and visually impaired are ruled out for now.

c. (CSA) Traffic Attendant -Hearing Impaired or Physically disabled since this job primarily requires directing traffic and less or no talking.

d.Shift Manager, Supervisor -Physically disabled

Jobs for some disabilities require research into appropriate assistive aids and alternate methods of carrying out the work. Further identification that will be done in the future is as follows:

a. CSA (Attendant ) who is low vision - This can be done with an assistive aid which will magnify the display.

b. Cashier who is visually impaired - This can be done if the computer software can be modified for large font or if it speaks. Also if cash handling is done with the help of talking machine (which is widely used in the US by visually impaired cashiers)

c. Shift Manager, Supervisor - Any disability. Need to understand the challenges and how to overcome them.

STEP II. Employer Collaboration

A. Collaborating with company to provide barrier-free workplace.

a. Physically disabled - We visited the petrol pump and checked out its accessibility. The premises were extremely satisfactory for wheelchair access with ramps at the right place. The following minor modifications were discussed:
Cashier area to have high stool and to be easy to stow away a collapsible wheelchair
Position of drop box for cash to be located little lower for easy access for physically disabled
Mat in front of the restroom to be sunk so that it is easier for a wheelchair
Ensure access to backroom areas easily

b. Hearing impaired -
Interpreter required during classroom training
Communication to be carried out using pen and paper

Future possibilities

B. Collaborative training to ensure success of the disabled employee.

We are very interested in placing especially the severely disabled (such as wheelchair users) because of the barrier-free environment at Shell. The best job we have identified which requires little or no movement is the cashier job.

However, we have noted that the cashier position is a high pressure job and is difficult for anybody without prior experience in cashier roles to be able to perform well. The cashier has to handle 4 to 5 lakhs of cash in a single day with no cash shortages and effective service to customers and attendants.

One avenue we are trying to pursue with Shell (future possibility) - Create a dedicated training module for potential wheelchair candidates and enable them to succeed as a cashier.

C. Queries/Troubleshooting

When there were problems with one hearing impaired employee due to lack of understanding of some aspects such as grooming and communication, we helped interpret and spent time counseling to ensure that the employee complies with the regulations. His lack of understanding should not result in a problem for him and the company.

D. Need based Training for the employee

1. To ensure right selection for cashier, we have devised a test cum training exercise. Very simply, it simulate a part of the cashier's work which is regarding counting cash accurately and doing the mental mathematics (even though they have a calculator). This exercise allows the person with disability to work on the exercise and improve before we take them for an interview.

2. After our reviews, we have realized the importance of pre-counseling. Pre-counseling covers the nature of the job, sets expectations, discusses the work ethics, the do's and don'ts and ensures that the candidate is ready and interested for the required job. Pre-counseling is especially required for the hearing impaired regarding communication and work ethics since their real world exposure is limited to those who know sign and take the time to talk to them.

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