[blindLaw] Interviewing whilevisually impaired

[Aser Tolentino]

Good morning,
I think it’s a fine line to walk when it comes to addressing the subject and will very depending on the circumstances. If the conversation goes in that direction naturally, demonstrating your comfort with adapting to new systems can go a long way toward addressing any reservations, however inappropriate they may be. The priority first and foremost is to show off what you as a person bring to the table. For some interviewers, I’ve found that a conversation about assistive technology turns into a dialogue about diverse perspectives, or an opportunity to discuss how technology can improve on productivity more generally,and sometimes it never comes up.

> On Mar 9, 2023, at 8:58 AM, James Fetter via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> I think it’s fine to disclose pre-interview. And while I agree that the focus of the interview should be on your credentials and ability to do the job, it’s always a good idea to signal openness to discussing accommodations and how you might handle various situations. The interviewer won’t know anything about accessibility of firm software, but if you blow them away, they’ll find a way to make things work. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Mar 9, 2023, at 10:14 AM, Rod Alcidonis via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi Sara:
>> 
>> Other than sharing briefly with the interviewer that you are visually impaired to avoid uncomfortable camera situations, in my view, the interview is not the time to discuss any of those issues. You need to convey that you are able to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations. The examples you share in your responses should be evident of your ability to perform the responsibilities of the position.
>> 
>> If you are just entering the workforce, you may need to practice with a trusted colleague to get you to perform at that level, but I personally do not believe it will be to your benefit to turn your interview into a blindness assistive technology education.
>> 
>> 
>> Rod,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Rod Alcidonis
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: BlindLaw <blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Badillo via BlindLaw
>> Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 9:18 AM
>> To: blindlaw at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Sarah Badillo <sbadillo100 at gmail.com>
>> Subject: [blindLaw] Interviewing whilevisually impaired
>> 
>> Hello, I was wondering if anyone had any tips on job interviews while visually impaired. I know that with each job interview, it’s necessary to explain your visual impairment, and there may be a shock to the interviewer upon discovering this fact. When and how do you think is the best time and method to broach the subject with them. I think the biggest question for them is whether the applicant can perform as an attorney, whether they can handel a large volume of cases and for us, whether the software they use will be accessible with jaws. Any advice would bee appreciated. Thanks in advance. 
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
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> 
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