[Community-service] red cross volunteering and barriers experienced

[Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter]

I have several blind friends who work jobs requiring them to handle paperwork, so it's possible. There are situations, though, where creating an alternate way to deal with paperwork may not be the most efficient way or be more complicated. I think, like anything in life, something like this has to be taken on an individual basis. However, I also think we should attempt creative solutions before deeming it impossible or too difficult.

Bridgit

-----Original Message-----
From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Danielle Ledet via Community-service
Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2015 10:06 PM
To: Community Service Discussion List
Cc: Danielle Ledet
Subject: Re: [Community-service] red cross volunteering and barriers experienced

Girl I don't understand the problem youre having with reception type work. People blind people do this everyday. In fact, I live in LA in the southwest so if anyone knows of any hiring potentialities in this area, let me know.


On 6/21/15, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Community-service <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I’m just throwing this out for the sake of discussion, but lots of 
> jobs require paperwork, and lots of blind people work positions like 
> this. So how are these blind people making the accommodation? Again, 
> just for the sake of an open discussion and exchange of ideas, does 
> making blanket statements that it can’t be done work as a solution, or 
> is it worth it to first consider the problem and investigate and find 
> potential alternate means to accomplish paperwork? Perhaps in the end, 
> there is not an efficient enough way to do paperwork, but shouldn’t we first attempt a solution?
>
>
>
> Bridgit
>
>
>
> From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett via Community-service
> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2015 6:23 PM
> To: Community Service Discussion List
> Cc: Ashley Bramlett
> Subject: [Community-service] red cross volunteering and barriers 
> experienced
>
>
>
> Hi all,
>
>
>
> Just curious if any of you were successful in becoming a Red cross 
> volunteer.
>
> If so, what did you do and please share your experience including the 
> adaptations you made.
>
>
>
> I’ve been searching for a volunteer opportunity for a while and many 
> places tell me they have enough volunteers which is probably true; 
> with so many senior citizens, competetion to volunteer is tough.
>
>
>
> I was going to volunteer  in the red cross office, but they need data 
> entry at the front desk which I cannot do; we were fine till they explained that.
> I can definitely answer phones and questions via phone and in person. 
> But I cannot see paperwork.
>
>
>
> So I am trying to apply online to be a blood donor ambvasador; the 
> coordinator suggested this after not approving me for the front desk 
> position. We both agreed that this was a good way for me to use 
> customer service skills, make people feel welcome while donating blood 
> and contribute and would not involve the paperwork which the receptionist job did.
>
>
>
> Here is the barriers.
>
>
>
> I am very disappointed I run into this as I cannot do this alone, and 
> will need a sighted volunteer to help me complete the registration 
> process to be a red cross volunteer.
>
> The online process is not very accessible.
>
> I cannot even do this without help.
>
>
>
> 1. When you complete the first application step, red marks show where 
> you have to redo items. I cannot tell those with jaws.
>
> 2. Next you are sent a link to complete the orientation steps. There 
> are six more steps.
>
> 3. I clicked on the link they sent via email to complete these 
> additional steps. This was not a problem.
>
> 4. The biggest barrier is now.
>
> The orientation is 45 minutes consisting of several videos.
>
> I attempted to do this and watch them. Not all videos are 
> inaccessible, so I tried.
>
> But it is not accessible.
>
> After video 1 welcoming you, it says, click begin to start the first video.
>
> I cannot get beyond that!
>
> The videos are flash and nothing seems to be labeled.
>
>
>
> I’m stuck. My plan is to complete the other steps including your 
> location preference and background check form now if possible.
>
>
>
> Then I have to grab a sighted person to assist me for the 45 minutes 
> of orientation.
>
> BTW, I know its 45 minutes because the application says that. They say 
> to allow that time frame to go through the orientation and it includes 
> the assessment checks; and I assume that is some quiz or something.
>
>
>
> So, here we go. Yet another barrier.
>
>
>
> Sigh, sigh.
>
>
>
> Ashley
>
>

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