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UK General Cleaning Forum => General Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Darranvps on April 13, 2015, 06:05:12 am

Title: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 13, 2015, 06:05:12 am
Over a year ago I had a deaf and dumb guy ask me for a job within our company.
At the time I said no because of our van insurance is for over 25 year old's only.

Jak did not give up - he was determined to work for me and has kept in touch this past twelve months - then unexpectedly he turned up to our business unit on Thursday with his own van and asked " will you now give me a job"
Because of his determination I decided there and then to give him his chance - he is after all very keen and looks very able and capable to do physical work.

Personally I think the best place for Jak to start is pressure washing to driveways and patios etc - locally to begin with. Therefore this morning I am taking time out to teach him all about pressure washing as we have a lot of different types of pressure washers from Kranzle electric to Zeta engine powered and plenty in between.

We still have no work for him to do - but I am determined to grow this new side to our business - I have just applied to join Checkatrade which I think will help raise awareness locally. I am also developing some great ideas to really push this.

http://purple-rhino.co.uk/services/Driveway-Cleaning-Ashford-Patio-Cleaning-Canterbury (http://purple-rhino.co.uk/services/Driveway-Cleaning-Ashford-Patio-Cleaning-Canterbury) I am starting with this simple web page - but will probably get a stand alone website made soon once we have before & after pictures taken of work that he does.

I have a pro photographer coming one day this week to take some great photos of Jak with a pressure washer/whirlaway so we can get signs added onto his van etc

We will also make up little cards explaining to people that he cannot speak or hear and that they should text him or call our helpline. Plus other cards explaing how to pay etc etc

Any advice appreciated!
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: chris scott on April 13, 2015, 06:21:49 am
Go for it…give the lad a chance.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Matt. on April 13, 2015, 06:57:35 am
Yes mate, give him ago. I know a deaf guy, who also can't talk, it's a sign language, I don't know sign or nothing but he lip reads me wen I talk to him. He works as a maintenance / outside guy for Speke McDonald's, does all there pressure washing outside cleaning. He knows we're to be at wot times, and I think the world of for getting out there and keeps going in life. I offered him a job working for me but he says he was happy to work at the mcdonalds.

Really nice guy always up for a laugh and joke, the little poop thinks it's funny to rob the washing up liquid out me bucket and hides it on me, so I go slash all the bottoms on the bin bags in the bins..........
2 can play that game my friend haha.
But serious I think the world of him and would have no probs working with him.

If there is a problem with insurance, then sub work to him, as he couldn't be any more keen, if he keeps returning for work. 

Good on you rhinoman
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Rob@Blast off on April 13, 2015, 08:07:22 am
Fair play to you for giving him the opportunity, hope it works out well for both of you.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Ian101 on April 13, 2015, 09:18:00 am
with that level of determination I would make him your pressure washer director and make him responsible for growing that department  :)
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Kev Martin on April 13, 2015, 02:23:44 pm
I had a guy who was mentally challenged with severe autism and tourettes apply to me three times for a job.  In the end I gave him a chance because he was so persistent.  He had been unemployed for 4 years and the job centre offered me the moon and the stars if I would give him a chance.  The job centre then immediately washed their hands of him and I got zero help off them.  He was 21 and a great lad who worked really well once shown what to do with clear direction.   Sadly after 3 months I had to let him go as he took constant supervision from one of my team leaders to look after him and watch his every move.  He actually said to one of my more affluent clients who had 4 cars "Are they all your cars?"  To which the client replied "Yes"  He then said "Your a greedy bar steward aren't you"  The client saw the funny side and actually commended me for taking him on and whilst I didn't get rid of him for that reason I decided it was putting undue stress on other members of my workforce looking after him.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: chris scott on April 13, 2015, 06:43:27 pm
I had a guy who was mentally challenged with severe autism and tourettes apply to me three times for a job.  In the end I gave him a chance because he was so persistent.  He had been unemployed for 4 years and the job centre offered me the moon and the stars if I would give him a chance.  The job centre then immediately washed their hands of him and I got zero help off them.  He was 21 and a great lad who worked really well once shown what to do with clear direction.   Sadly after 3 months I had to let him go as he took constant supervision from one of my team leaders to look after him and watch his every move.  He actually said to one of my more affluent clients who had 4 cars "Are they all your cars?"  To which the client replied "Yes"  He then said "Your a greedy bar steward aren't you"  The client saw the funny side and actually commended me for taking him on and whilst I didn't get rid of him for that reason I decided it was putting undue stress on other members of my workforce looking after him.
Whats that got to do with this guy being deaf?
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 13, 2015, 07:29:47 pm
with that level of determination I would make him your pressure washer director and make him responsible for growing that department  :)
My thoughts exactly! Watch this space.....
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: BDCS on April 13, 2015, 11:20:57 pm
Darran, sit him down and have a chat with him - ask him what he thinks. Its best to get him tee shirts and hats that say "I'm deaf, I lip read". You will also need to write a whole load of RAMS because he won't hear fire alarms, horns, etc. I have worked with a profoundly death bloke and it did stretch my patience at times because you need to concentrate on what he's telling you. People who don't know will assume he's ignorant but its no worst than the immigrants on sites who don't speak English
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Kev Martin on April 14, 2015, 01:14:58 am
with that level of determination I would make him your pressure washer director and make him responsible for growing that department  :)
My thoughts exactly! Watch this space.....

Darran

Nothing really just trying to point out that you now have a whole different set of rules to deal with as Carl has highlighted above.  I am not knocking you mate in fact I admire you but there are lots of things to now consider as well.

Kev
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Kev Martin on April 14, 2015, 01:18:27 am
I had a guy who was mentally challenged with severe autism and tourettes apply to me three times for a job.  In the end I gave him a chance because he was so persistent.  He had been unemployed for 4 years and the job centre offered me the moon and the stars if I would give him a chance.  The job centre then immediately washed their hands of him and I got zero help off them.  He was 21 and a great lad who worked really well once shown what to do with clear direction.   Sadly after 3 months I had to let him go as he took constant supervision from one of my team leaders to look after him and watch his every move.  He actually said to one of my more affluent clients who had 4 cars "Are they all your cars?"  To which the client replied "Yes"  He then said "Your a greedy bar steward aren't you"  The client saw the funny side and actually commended me for taking him on and whilst I didn't get rid of him for that reason I decided it was putting undue stress on other members of my workforce looking after him.
Whats that got to do with this guy being deaf?

Chris

There are comparisons and other considerations to be made!   Either accept my post as that from someone with experience or offer your own advice based on your experience???  You wonder why people like Roger Oakley have left the forum! ?????
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: chris scott on April 14, 2015, 07:09:33 am
He can't hear other road users….but the DVLA don't seem to bother that he can/could drive at 70 mph down the m1 at rush hour in his van. The insurance company have (I hope) have deemed him not too much of a risk to do this.
He has communicated with Darren that he wants a job on several occasions…he has overcome the problems by providing his own transport.
He will possibly have developed a completely different set of skills and  senses …that would make you or I look "disabled".
There are plenty of people out there with no "disabilities" that won't even go and look for work.

Give the lad a job.

Kevin….why did Roger and Bob leave? Are you implying it was something to do with me?  As you must of mistaken me for somebody that actually gives a f***……oops my tourets is kicking in.

 (I am using the word "disabled" very loosely …because I don't consider him to be and also I don't know the correct terminology and I apologise if this offends anybody)
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: BDCS on April 14, 2015, 10:08:08 am
Will his driving be any worse than some chav who drives with the stereo full chat ? We have loads of foreigners round here who can't read English and ignor every road sign but they let them drive probably without insurance.

Chris being profoundly deaf probably makes him better equiped to send a day with you  ;D
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 14, 2015, 10:28:55 am
Here is his first days training outside the unit!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=935NfpkwWPY&feature=em-upload_owner (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=935NfpkwWPY&feature=em-upload_owner)

I am sure that he will do well - he rides Motor X as well as having a van - we will make up some cards and give him note pad and pen etc
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: BDCS on April 14, 2015, 05:21:49 pm
What club does he ride with ? Whats his name ? maybe your not such a dodgy employer !  Did he go to school in Margate ?
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: chris scott on April 14, 2015, 06:39:22 pm
Sounds like we might have an "inter-company" Dawn to Dusk comp on……I'll buy a bike.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 14, 2015, 07:03:01 pm
What club does he ride with ? Whats his name ? maybe your not such a dodgy employer !  Did he go to school in Margate ?
I will ask him tomorrow - I am a good employer all aove board and by the book  ;D
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 14, 2015, 07:04:11 pm
Sounds like we might have an "inter-company" Dawn to Dusk comp on……I'll buy a bike.

Me too - I have a camper that one can fit inside
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: hasti on April 15, 2015, 06:47:32 am
Over a year ago I had a deaf and dumb guy ask me for a job within our company.
At the time I said no because of our van insurance is for over 25 year old's only.

Jak did not give up - he was determined to work for me and has kept in touch this past twelve months - then unexpectedly he turned up to our business unit on Thursday with his own van and asked " will you now give me a job"
Because of his determination I decided there and then to give him his chance - he is after all very keen and looks very able and capable to do physical work.

Personally I think the best place for Jak to start is pressure washing to driveways and patios etc - locally to begin with. Therefore this morning I am taking time out to teach him all about pressure washing as we have a lot of different types of pressure washers from Kranzle electric to Zeta engine powered and plenty in between.

We still have no work for him to do - but I am determined to grow this new side to our business - I have just applied to join Checkatrade which I think will help raise awareness locally. I am also developing some great ideas to really push this.

http://purple-rhino.co.uk/services/Driveway-Cleaning-Ashford-Patio-Cleaning-Canterbury (http://purple-rhino.co.uk/services/Driveway-Cleaning-Ashford-Patio-Cleaning-Canterbury) I am starting with this simple web page - but will probably get a stand alone website made soon once we have before & after pictures taken of work that he does.

I have a pro photographer coming one day this week to take some great photos of Jak with a pressure washer/whirlaway so we can get signs added onto his van etc

We will also make up little cards explaining to people that he cannot speak or hear and that they should text him or call our helpline. Plus other cards explaing how to pay etc etc

Any advice appreciated!

well done mate You have done a great deed and GOD will provide you with much more. and i can see from your video that he looks very presentable.  :)
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 15, 2015, 07:52:17 pm
Jak Practicing

(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/darranvps/IMG_2950.jpg)][URL=http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/darranvps/media/IMG_2950.jpg.html](http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/darranvps/IMG_2950.jpg) (http://[URL=http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/darranvps/media/IMG_2950.jpg.html)[/url]
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Rob@Blast off on April 15, 2015, 08:06:11 pm
Looking good, apart from the machine  ;D
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 15, 2015, 08:10:44 pm
Looking good, apart from the machine  ;D

Theres nowt wrong with the machine - 18 ltrs per min 250 BAR https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsbJrN8N6qs (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsbJrN8N6qs) see it in action.
We have all kinds of machines old, new but I always think the Clarke stuff is a lot better than most people think and they don't cost a fortune.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Rob@Blast off on April 15, 2015, 08:17:44 pm
I was under the impression they have cheap Chinese unbranded pumps.
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 15, 2015, 08:26:27 pm
I was under the impression they have cheap Chinese unbranded pumps.
To be honest I have no idea where the pumps come from all I know is I took one out to Bulgaria in 2004 - I am 100% sure that when I go out there next - put petrol in it and pull start it - it will work and I can clean around the swimming pool - Thats the best bit about cheap pumps - they allow you to spend money on a mansion with its own pool  ;D
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Rob@Blast off on April 15, 2015, 08:47:26 pm
If I had a mansion in the sun, I wouldn't be here  ;D
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 16, 2015, 07:12:32 pm
If I had a mansion in the sun, I wouldn't be here  ;D

Wife's having a baby in 5/6 weeks so we are buggered till about September!
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: chris scott on April 16, 2015, 08:00:33 pm
Rhinoman
Ikea must have lost it.
 :'(
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Aqua Power Solutions on April 16, 2015, 10:17:42 pm
One of my customers home , he imports & manufactures goods from china. Did not do him any harm !
There is a demand out there for any merchandise made in china but you get what you pay for I guess   ! 
 Ed 
(http://www.cleanitup.co.uk/smf/1429218830_PE.jpg)
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 27, 2015, 05:54:28 pm
Local News Paper http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/i-can-do-this-job-35831/ (http://www.kentonline.co.uk/ashford/news/i-can-do-this-job-35831/)
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Kev Martin on April 27, 2015, 08:23:29 pm
Brilliant story and some great media coverage
Title: Re: Employing someone who is deaf and cannot speak - advice
Post by: Darranvps on April 28, 2015, 05:58:07 am
Brilliant story and some great media coverage

Hi Kevin
We seem to be getting a lot of enquiries and we have been training him up - perhaps we will get him on a hard floor cleaning course next!