Vol. 4, No. 3, May/June 1996	Previous Issues Subscribe to AT Messenger Download PDF Viewer
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"Fresh From the Kitchen at Hardees... Assistive Technology at Work"

Tracy A. Bombara, M.S., CCC/SLP

If you stop by the Hardees restaurant in the Greentree Shopping Center on Route 8 in Dover, don't be surprised to hear Nihal Kibria use a synthesized voice to request a fish sandwich, a small 7-Up, or even more disinfectant to clean the tables in the lobby! You see, Nihal is the newest dining room "host" at the restaurant, managed by Ed Mentor. And because Nihal has cerebral palsy, various pieces of assistive technology are being employed, along with Nihal.

Nihal using his Vois 136 communication system

Because he has the ability to verbalize only short, single words, Nihal has often experienced difficulty communicating with unfamiliar listeners. He is, however, able to ambulate independently and has an excellent ability to learn and carry out tasks requiring several steps. He has participated in the Community Services Program at the Kent County Easter Seal Rehabilitation Center since his graduation from Caesar Rodney High School in 1993. Competitive, supported employment was identified as an achievable goal for Nihal by the team that developed his Individual Rehabilitation Program; however, increasing his communication skills was also identified as a major need.

An augmentative communication system (on loan from the Kent County ATRC) was introduced to Nihal in March of 1995, and has greatly expanded Nihal's ability to communicate with others. He began with two overlays containing 36 symbol locations and, at last count, had increased to four overlays with just under 400 symbols. Nihal creates sentences to communicate with others by combining different picture symbols and words on the different overlays. Trial periods with more advanced communication systems continue as part of his speech therapy program, in an effort to determine the best system for Nihal based on his language, motor coordination, strength, and communicative needs.

Nihal became gainfully employed for the first time in February, thanks to the assistance of his family, a dedicated team of individuals, and the help of several types of assistive technology. At his initial interview with Mentor, Nihal effectively used the VOIS 136 communication system to answer questions about his abilities to perform tasks such as wiping tables and trays, cleaning windows, and emptying the trash. By combining different symbols, Nihal was able to tell Mentor about his previous volunteer experience setting up lunch trays at a local nursing home and also about his participation in several Special Olympics programs. He even asked Mentor if a microwave would be available for him to warm up his lunch if he brought it from home!

Mentor, obviously impressed with Nihal's interest in employment and his ability to communicate with an augmentative communication device, decided to give him a try as a dining room host. Next came the challenge of making sure that Nihal could do his jobs effectively, given limitations in the use of his left arm and hand. Donna Kane, Supervisor of Adult Programs, was instrumental in adapting the apron of Nihal's Hardees uniform so that he could carry all of his cleaning supplies right in front of him. Nihal's Job Coach worked diligently with him to adapt the tasks that most people do with two hands so that Nihal could do them effectively with one. A special belt buckle was even made by Jill Moynahan, OTR, so that Nihal could fasten the belt to his uniform independently. And after a month of employment, the unanimous opinion is that Nihal and the dining room host job are an excellent match!

Mentor stated that he feels Nihal is "doing really well" and he has seen a definite difference in him since he first began. According to Mr. Mentor, Nihal seemed a little uncomfortable at first, but has now learned his routine and is usually "busier than any of the other employees." Mentor also stated that it is apparent that Nihal is very glad to have the job and that he is dedicated to proving himself capable of doing it well.

With regard to the use of his augmentative communication system, Mentor felt that it was a very effective tool for Nihal. Said Mentor, "He lets us know what he needs help with or if he needs more supplies. He will even tell us how many rolls of toilet paper he needs, and for which bathroom." Debbie Hurd, Crew Leader, echoed Mentor's thoughts. Said Hurd, "The communication system is really neat. It gets the job done and the information across." Mentor went on to say that at times, most of the employees could figure out what Nihal needed before he asked, but the staff is committed to letting Nihal ask himself. "It may be someone else, someone new, here, and he would have to be able to tell them, too", said Mentor. Co-workers Mary Mansfield and Ruth Foxx agreed that Nihal is a good worker, and that the communication system has really helped. Said Foxx, "He is very polite when he uses it to talk" with fellow employees.

Mentor indicated that he has hired employees with disabilities in the past at another restaurant in Philadelphia and had some difficulties. This experience, however, has been much more positive and successful. He credited the job coaching as a factor in that success, as well as Nihal's friendly personality. Mentor stated that Nihal's employment has not affected his managerial routine at all, and that Nihal's work has "freed up other employees to do other things." Nihal is definitely meeting a need in Mentor's restaurant.

When asked about his job, Nihal regularly uses words like "fun" and "happy." He stated that his favorite jobs are cleaning the tables and wiping the windows. He indicated that he likes earning money for the work that he does, and he even requested that a verbal message for "May I have my paycheck?" be added to his communication system. He has become proficient at ordering his own lunch every day at Hardees, and can decide if he wants ice in his drink or ketchup with his french fries, getting his food just the way he likes it. By the end of his shift, Nihal has definitely worked up an appetite. To Nihal, being able to eat his lunch is almost as important as getting his paycheck!

Tracy Bombara is a SLP who works with Nihal. She also is a frequent visitor to our Kent County ATRC. She submitted this article at the request of Kent County ATRC staff, who are delighted by the outcomes resulting from partnerships like those mentioned in this account of Nihal's success.