[blindLaw] Accommodations for work in a law firm

Carlton Anne Cook Walker attorneywalker at gmail.com
Thu Jan 6 13:56:06 UTC 2022


Syed,

As you know, I am a sighted attorney with a passion for accessibility for
all (though my focus is on accessibility for blind individuals).  Sanho and
Laura provided great advice, especially with regard to the potential
obstacles a firm's chosen software will pose.

As you know, self-advocacy is vital, but some will be resistant to change.
I have found this to be particularly true of those in the legal profession;
many lawyers like what they are used to and resist change. Thus, it can
help to take a firm, but flexible, approach in advocacy for accessibility.
First, if possible, let the firm get to know you and how your talents can
benefit the firm. Give the hiring manager a chance to evaluate your brain
before delving into disability-related accommodations. Help the interviewer
emotionally invest in you. Then, when the accommodations discussion
commences, the firm's representative can add your value to the firm to the
accommodations equation.
When discussing possible accommodations, begin with the truth: the
accommodations you need are simply to provide ACCESS to information. All
lawyers need access to information, and access is all you seek. You can
then explain how accessible software provides nonvisual access and
reinforce that you are capable of performing the tasks once the tools are
accessible.
You might want to mention all the software that you know is accessible and
efficient (or at least workable) and also note that accessibility is
improving in the software world (you need not mention that the improvement
is sometimes moving at a glacial pace). If the firm uses software that you
have mentioned, they will relax and feel more comfortable with talking
about the matter. If they use a different software, you have laid the
foundation of optimism that their software might be accessible.
Another point you might choose to make is the benefit of accessibility, --
including benefits to the firm's clients. Accessible software also produces
accessible products, including transcripts of video calls, accessible
documents for client use, and accessible bills. While most clients will not
demand this accessibility, someone will need it. By committing to
accessibility, a firm is likely to improve service to current clients and
will certainly have a competitive advantage over firms that do not embrace
accessibility.
While it may or may not be appropriate to discuss in an initial interview,
we also have a growing body of research regarding the business benefits of
diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI initiatives result in a more diverse
workforce (and client base) and greater productivity for all. Additionally,
software that follows principles of universal design (including
accessibility for the blind is also accessible) can increase accessibility
and productivity for individuals with other disabilities and for
individuals without disabilities. The rate of return on investment can be
tremendous.

To me, the key points are:
1. Sell yourself first, and make them want to hire you.
2. Demonstrate your ability to perform tasks independently (with proper
supports that are available now).
3. Exude positivity about problem-solving any perceived areas of
inaccessibility, and show that you are eager to work proactively in this
area.
4. Share that accessibility benefits the firm, even if you never work there.
5.  On a personal level, recognizer that the accessibility discussion is
actually a great gift. It allows you to discover information about the core
values and the work environment of the firm. Often, one must actually take
the job to get a full appreciation of what it is like to work in a place.
Embrace this opportunity.


I hope this is of some use. As always, please do not hesitate to reach out
any time. Take care, and crush those interviews!
Carlton





Carlton Anne Cook Walker
Attorney at Law
BEAR--Blindness Education and Advocacy Resources
Teacher of Students with Blindness/Low Vision
President, National Organization of Parents of Blind Children (NOPBC)
101 Kelly Drive
Carlisle, PA   17015
Voice: 717-658-9894
Twitter: BrailleMom


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