<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body dir="auto">This post triggered a thought. Perhaps we could seek to have OFCCP establish an applicant/employee IT accessibility obligation on federal contractors covered by Section 503 as part of their affirmative action obligations, assuming they have not done so already, which I doubt.<div>This would take a lot of effort and perhaps Congressional action as well. Also, I have no idea whether Section 508 might already apply to some contractors. Do any of you know? Best, Chris</div><div><br></div><div> <br id="lineBreakAtBeginningOfSignature"><div dir="ltr">Chris Bell, JD<div><br></div><div>Member, Board of Directors</div><div>American Council of the Blind</div><div>(612) 859-4938</div></div><div dir="ltr"><br>Begin forwarded message:<br><br></div><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><b>From:</b> David Goldfield <david.goldfield@outlook.com><br><b>Date:</b> June 18, 2024 at 11:48:13\u202fPM EDT<br><b>To:</b> List <tech-vi@groups.io><br><b>Subject:</b> <b>[Tech-VI] Reflections on Workplace Accommodations for Employees who are Blind and Low Vision</b><br><b>Reply-To:</b> tech-vi@groups.io<br><br></div></blockquote><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr">\ufeff
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<p>ConnectCenter - Tuesday, June 18, 2024 at 2:19\u202fPM</p>
<h1>Reflections on Workplace Accommodations for Employees who are Blind and Low Vision</h1>
<p></p>
<div class="post-thumbnail d-flex"><img width="800" height="523" src="https://aphconnectcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/job-interview-4010991_1280-1024x670.jpg" class="mx-auto wp-post-image" alt="walking into a job interview at an office" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://aphconnectcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/job-interview-4010991_1280-1024x670.jpg 1024w, https://aphconnectcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/job-interview-4010991_1280-300x196.jpg 300w, https://aphconnectcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/job-interview-4010991_1280-768x503.jpg 768w, https://aphconnectcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/job-interview-4010991_1280.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" data-unique-identifier=""></div>
<p>Imagine you have just taken your seat for a\u202f<a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/job-seekers/interview-preparation/common-interview-questions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">job interview</a>. Your skills and training have led
you to this moment in your job search. You\u2019re confident, and you\u2019re ready for it. </p>
<p>When the interviewer asks you which\u202freasonable accommodations\u202fwill be necessary to perform your job responsibilities, you confidently explain what you need, including a screen reader, video magnifier, or a braille display. </p>
<p>Then, instead of a long, uncomfortable pause, the interviewer says, \u201cGreat. Our entire information technology system is compatible with that screen reader software.\u201d </p>
<p>It may not seem like much, but that response would blow my mind. First, it would tell me that the company is aware of making its information technology systems accessible to employees who are blind or have low vision. Second, it would tell me that the company
may prioritize disability employment, especially for employees who are blind or low vision. It demonstrates a situation where the human resources department knows the existing IT system and its capabilities for accommodating screen reader software. </p>
<p>Yes, this is a hypothetical situation. It has never happened to me, but I imagine if it did or ever did happen, it would make me say, \u201cWow!\u201d How about you? </p>
<p>This would be a significant achievement in advancing employment outcomes for people with disabilities. Among larger companies, there are most likely some small successes in the area of disability employment, but what would it take to create widespread success? </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-yourself-up-for-success-employment-outcomes-that-are-under-your-control-nbsp">
Setting Yourself Up for Success: Employment Outcomes that Are Under Your Control </h2>
<p>First things first, let\u2019s talk about the things under our control when it comes to preparing for employment. </p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/employers/employer-resources/rehabilitation-services/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Vocational rehabilitation</strong></a><strong>\u202fis a must.</strong>\u202fLearning to live and to work
with low vision or blindness is vital to long-term success. Reinventing yourself to function as a person with blindness or low vision is challenging. However, the trials and tribulations involved with such an undertaking can forge an iron will. </li><li><strong>Computer training is absolutely necessary these days.</strong>\u202fSuccessful computer use relies on learning to use a\u202fscreen magnification or screen reader system. These adaptive systems create the link to becoming proficient computer users, a necessity
in the workplace. </li><li><strong>Orientation and Mobility (O&M) skills are essential for getting around. Learning to travel independently is a must.</strong>\u202f<a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/visionaware/living-with-blindness-or-low-vision/getting-around/an-introduction-to-orientation-and-mobility-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Orientation
and mobility training</a>\u202fis super important. Whether you use a white cane or a dog guide, become proficient in this skill to get where you need to go. It will assist you with navigating indoors and outside your home and work. </li><li><strong>Along the way, you must also identify areas where you need to improve your\u202fsoft and hard skills.</strong>\u202fThey can help advance your career path and further your long-term objectives. Utilize APH ConnectCenter\u2019s
<a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/job-seekers/job-seekers-toolkit/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">
Job Seeker\u2019s Toolkit</a> to develop your soft skills. </li></ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-employer-nbsp">The Employer </h2>
<p>Now, let\u2019s talk about things that are not under our control. </p>
<p>Don\u2019t take this the wrong way, but most employers are not ready to hire people who are blind or have low vision. By that, I mean the company\u2019s IT systems may pose challenges to workers with visual impairments needing special computer software. </p>
<p>I\u2019ve encountered this situation a time or two during my career. I speak from experience when I say it can become a very frustrating hurdle. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dreaming-about-access-nbsp">Dreaming about Access </h2>
<p>If I could wave a magic wand or sprinkle some fairy dust over the situation, I would make every company\u2019s IT compatible with screen magnification and screen reader systems. I\u2019d remove the barrier. </p>
<p>Until that day, we must continue advocating for employers to recognize the needs of the blind worker, especially where access to a company\u2019s IT system is concerned. Because most work is completed on a computer, access through magnification, speech, or braille
is critical. </p>
<p>Now, let\u2019s backtrack to the imaginary situation at the beginning of this post. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-qualified-candidates-nbsp">Qualified Candidates </h2>
<p>If you are a qualified job candidate who requires braille, speech, or magnification to use a computer, how good would you feel about your chances if the interviewer told you a screen reader worked on their systems? </p>
<p>I would feel extremely positive. Also, it would show me that the company is serious about diversity and inclusivity in their workforce. Going the extra mile to ensure IT is accessible is an honorable achievement. Ensuring that a hiring manager is aware of
the accommodation in the first place would be just as awesome. Dare I say, I would give all my best to work for a place like that! </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parting-words-nbsp">Parting Words </h2>
<p>We are responsible for preparing ourselves to live and work with a visual impairment. But imagine how sweet it could be if employers set the table for our success by building accessibility into company IT systems. A lot of work goes into ensuring the external
user or customer can interact with a company. How about pouring some of that effort into improving internal access? </p>
<p>It is possible. It may be happening occasionally, but we must make more progress together. Perhaps it is the key to improving disability employment outcomes among people who are blind or low vision. </p>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more-nbsp">Learn More: </h2>
<p><a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/employers/employers-guide-to-accommodations-for-blind-and-low-vision-employees/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Employer\u2019s Guide to Accommodations for Blind and Low Vision Employees \u2013 ConnectCenter
(aphconnectcenter.org)</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/professionals-with-vision-or-career-changes/employment-skills/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Employment Skills \u2013 ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org)</a> </p>
<p><a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect/job-seekers/job-search-preparation/ten-steps-to-start-your-job-search/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ten Steps to Start Your Job Search \u2013 ConnectCenter (aphconnectcenter.org)</a> </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect-blog/reflections-on-workplace-accommodations-for-employees-who-are-blind-and-low-vision/">https://aphconnectcenter.org/careerconnect-blog/reflections-on-workplace-accommodations-for-employees-who-are-blind-and-low-vision/</a></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">David Goldfield,<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you need help using your assistive technology learn about my training services by visiting<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><font color="#000000"><span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.screenreadertraining.com/">WWW.ScreenReaderTraining.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
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