[blindlaw] Transportation Issues

[Daniel K. Beitz]

There are basically two ways I have dealt with this issue.  Currently, my
employer simply provides a paid driver.  This is cost effective for them
because I can work, and therefore be productive, on the road.  Moreover,
since I brought in a significant account, it is worth it to them.  However,
you are unlikely to be able to bring in much work right now, so you are
going to have to work out a different arrangement.  I worked out an intern
arrangement with several universities where my office brings on interns for
credit and no pay, and they drive me around and assist with other tasks.
This works out well, although sometimes you can get a lack of interest for
certain semesters.  The other option is to use paid drivers on a purely as
needed basis.  Again, this can be challenging, but you can sometimes find a
stay-at-home mom or a retired person that doesn't mind being flexible and
making a few extra bucks.  My guess though is that at many firms, you won't
be traveling much early in your career, as you will be stuck at a desk doing
research.

-------------------------------------------
Daniel K. Beitz
Wienner & Gould, P.C.
950 University Dr., Ste. 350
Rochester, MI  48307
Phone:  (248) 841-9405
Fax:  (248) 652-2729
dbeitz at wiennergould.com
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-----Original Message-----
From: blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Kristi Wilkins
Sent: Monday, October 24, 2011 11:57 AM
To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
Subject: [blindlaw] Transportation Issues

Good morning,

I am a recent law graduate and am in the middle of a job search.  I am
legally blind and can't drive.  I was wondering how some of you deal with
transportation issues.  I have been hesitant to apply for some jobs
(especially litigation positions) because I am concerned about being able to
get to and from the office, courthouse, meetings, etc.  Right now, I live in
Austin, TX and use the transportation services provided by Cap Metro.  It
can sometimes be time-consuming and requires me to be able to plan my trips
- something that may not always be possible when things come up on short
notice.  Also, they are experiencing budget cuts and may be cutting back on
their services soon.  We have a bus service, but it is difficult for me to
use for several reasons.  A lot of the jobs I have seen lately have been
popping up in small towns, which likely don't have the extensive services
Austin does.  Here are my questions:

1. If you have transportation services like the one in Austin, are you able
to use them efficiently to get around?  Do employers understand the
transportation difficulties that come with being legallly blind?

2. If the services don't work for you (or you simply don't have
transportation services), what do you do to get around?

Thanks,
Kristi
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