[blindLaw] Interviewing whilevisually impaired

[Sanho Steele-Louchart]

Same. So far I've been very direct in explaining what I do, how I do
it, and addressing any concerns or hesitations they might have. I try
to remember that when I was sighted, I might've wondered how or if a
blind person could do a certain task, and that uncertainty came from
genuine ignorance rather than a conscious sense of superiority. (And
then there are the times when people aren't interested in learning
regardless of what evidence you provide them.)

Sanho

On 3/10/23, Robert J Morrissey via BlindLaw <blindlaw at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I agree with all that has been suggested.
>
> My experience has been that I never lead with the visual disability, but
> also never try to conceal or be unwilling to discuss.
>
> Clearly, the most important thing is to focus on accomplishments along with
> skills that point to success in the job itself.
>
> Good luck.
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: BlindLaw <blindlaw-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Aser Tolentino via
> BlindLaw
> Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 12:19 PM
> To: Blind Law Mailing List <blindlaw at nfbnet.org>
> Cc: Aser Tolentino <agtolentino at gmail.com>
> Subject: Re: [blindLaw] Interviewing whilevisually impaired
>
> 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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>>
>>
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He/Him