[Community-service] red cross volunteering and barriersexperienced
Ericka
dotwriter1 at gmail.com
Mon Feb 8 05:52:48 UTC 2016
Thank you for your response Bridgit. It's nice to know there are employers out there like your husband had. Hearing the good stories is important on this list too. :-) i'm keeping your response for a frustrating day. It will perk me up. Thanks
Ericka Short
"What is right is not always popular; what is popular is not always right."
from my iPhone
> On Jun 23, 2015, at 12:53 AM, Bridgit Kuenning-Pollpeter via Community-service <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> None of my writing jobs have required accessing information that was not already electronic or scannable. My husband, Ross, though, worked 8 years at a job that required he handle a lot of paperwork though. Firstly, his employer was great about letting him devise ways that worked for a blind person. For instance, staff started sending notes and memorandums via email instead of handwritten. This worked, and the staff, for the most part, remembered to do it electronically, since the employer could not technically demand it, but if they did forget, Ross just politely said something, and the info was given accessibly, whether just read to him or re-sent in an email. All the paperwork he filed was labeled in Braille and the folder it was placed in was labeled in Braille. So he did not need any help knowing what was in his own filing cabinet. The application clients filled out requesting services was available online as well as in print. For hard-copy applications, Ross was able to use magnification if no other options was available, but usually a receptionist assisted with reading handwritten info on the app. Ross then kept intricate Excel docs with this info. On the initial app, all he needed to know was name, contact info and annual income. He then scheduled visits with potential clients where he asked more detailed questions. He was allowed to create an electronic version of the paperwork he filled out on his computer while visiting with potential clients. This completely avoided the necessity for reading and writing on paperwork. Once approved or denied, he continued to collect info electronically and input in his Excel spreadsheet. After paperwork was filled out electronically, he printed it off (using a template or flat-screen guide he and a friend created for the copy machine at work) he filed the paperwork in the correct order in a folder, using the Braille labels to know where it belonged in that particular folder.
>
> Going in, a lot of his job was very visual, but he assessed the situation, devised solutions or possible solutions and made a lot of request for reasonable accommodations, most he was able to accomplish on his own like the template for the copy machine. This isn't to say the job was a breeze and everyone was on board, but for the most part, he was able to do his work just as well as a sighted person, meeting the demands of the job.
>
> Again, not all jobs will have an efficient enough solution, but I think we should investigate and attempt dialoguing with employers and creating solutions before assuming it can't be done or that employers will not work with us. This is not a blame game or an attempt to tear one another down. I know the frustration of trying to move a brick wall, most of us do. Sometimes we get tired of being the diplomat, creating solutions when sighted people don't have too. So we all need encouragement, a boost. This is meant to provide encouragement so maybe a fresh perspective can be found.
>
> Bridgit
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Community-service [mailto:community-service-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Arielle Silverman via Community-service
> Sent: Monday, June 22, 2015 4:17 PM
> To: Community Service Discussion List
> Cc: Arielle Silverman
> Subject: Re: [Community-service] red cross volunteering and barriersexperienced
>
> Hi Minh. So do you use the scanner to input all the hard copy data?
> Have you had to enter hand-written data before and if so, how did you do that part?
> Perhaps the KNFB Reader app would be useful for this task, if the data is typed. But I'm not sure any scanning solution works for handwritten data at this time.
> How have blind folks handled filing, since that requires reading the labels on folders? Or can you scan the first page of a folder to categorize the contents?
> Arielle
>
>> On 6/22/15, minh ha via Community-service <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Ashley,
>>
>> I in turn would have to say that you are wrong in making the blanket
>> statement that all data entry jobs are inherently inaccessible. I am
>> working at my school's corporate and foundation relations office, and
>> my main duties involve data entry of some kind. I work a lot with
>> excel, inputting data and then putting that data into the various
>> databases. I also use a scanner along with kurzweil to access the data
>> on the paperwork. So far, I've been able to be extremely productive
>> and my supervisor is impressed at how well I have been able to adapt
>> and make my own accommodations. I personally don't have any experience
>> working with the Red Cross, but I feel like if you want to volunteer
>> enough, you should be able to put your mind to work to figure out
>> solutions instead of walking away because something seems inaccessible
>> at first glance.
>>
>> Minh
>>
>> On 6/22/15, Ashley Bramlett via Community-service
>> <community-service at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>> Hi,
>>>
>>> I beg to differ on that.
>>> There are definitely entry level office tasks we cannot do, and
>>> believe me, I've asked other people as this has arisen before in
>>> internships.
>>> One internship asked me to input data in an excell spreadsheet. Yeah,
>>> excell is accessible but not the data for it.
>>>
>>> In general, we can handle papers, yes, by identifying them and
>>> labeling them, but some tasks are not doable. If they were, I think
>>> many more blind people would have jobs.
>>>
>>> Sorry but you really cannot do data entry or filing if you cannot
>>> read the papers to do it. To handle the data, you have to have an accessible copy.
>>> I've asked other blind people about this.
>>>
>>> This red cross opportunity I was denied involved data entry at the
>>> front desk during down times. While the primary tasks involved
>>> handling inquiries and routing calls, they informed me there was lots
>>> of down time. During this down time, volunteers were expected to
>>> perform data entry.
>>> I told the coordinator that that was a problem because I could not
>>> see the data. And even if I could have that accessible, I'm sure
>>> their database is only semi accessible.
>>>
>>> I have a potential opportunity now though that would use my
>>> communication skills without the problem of data entry.
>>> Its not my first choice, but its at least something to get involved
>>> and contribute to the community. I am looking forward to trying it.
>>> Blood donations are a great service and necessary to public health
>>> and I think I would be good at welcoming the donors and making them
>>> feel comfortable.
>>>
>>> I just hope Red Cross gives me a chance because I really believe this
>>> task is doable and don't want to face any more barriers than I already face.
>>> It did say something about helping them with intake. But if there are
>>> forms for that, my plan is to get an electronic copy and have it with
>>> me so I can answer questions they have.
>>>
>>> The problem I'm facing now is I cannot complete the online
>>> orientation training.
>>> It uses flash videos and I tabbed around and used the arrow keys.
>>> There is no way to navigate the screens once the video starts.
>>> The process is you do the orientation and then submit the background
>>> check and other forms.
>>> Once complete, they contact you for the next step which is an
>>> interview I think.
>>>
>>> I will need a sighted person to help me.
>>> I'll get someone in my family to assist this week when schedules permit.
>>>
>>> Hopefully all will go well with a sighted reader and I can proceed.
>>>
>>> I am hopeful this has a happy ending.
>>>
>>> Ashley
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Danielle Ledet via Community-service
>>> Sent: Sunday, June 21, 2015 11:05 PM
>>> To: Community Service Discussion List
>>> Cc: Danielle Ledet
>>> Subject: Re: [Community-service] red cross volunteering and
>>> barriersexperienced
>>>
>>> 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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>>
>>
>> --
>> Minh Ha
>> Boston College | Lynch School of Education '16
>> minh.ha927 at gmail.com
>>
>> "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty
>> recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity:
>> but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on
>> their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." T. E. Lawrence
>>
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>
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