[Ct-nfb] response to comments about job listing

[Salisbury, Justin Mark]

Hi Barb,

Having a reader or a driver or someone to run errands is not where I read the custodial nature with low expectations.

Readers and drivers for the reasons you named do not compromise the dignity of the blind employee.  Having a gopher to run errands is a simple economic concept based on the opportunity cost of the skilled employee's time.

You have changed my interpretation of the job description for the better, and I appreciate that.  I think a key thing to recognize when reading the job description is that running errands isn't needed because the employee is blind; it's because the blind employee can be more productive in other areas than running errands.

I am still a bit bothered by one piece of the job description.  Perhaps you'll be able to settle my stomach with it.

One of the duties is "maintains safety of blind individuals."  I get the impression that someone thinks blind people can't manage their own safety.

What is the reasoning behind that duty?

Take care,

Justin

Justin M. Salisbury
Undergraduate Student
The Honors College
East Carolina University
salisburyj08 at students.ecu.edu

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”    —MARGARET MEAD

________________________________________
From: ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org [ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org] on behalf of Barbara Blejewski [barbara.blejewski at sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 4:50 PM
To: NFB of Connecticut Mailing List
Subject: [Ct-nfb] response to comments about job listing

I am writing to clarifysome remarks pertaining to the job description for the Assistant for the Blind position.  This is the same job description which was in place when I worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor at the former BESB, now referred  to as the Program.  Insteadof hearing "custodial, low expectations," I heard, "let's get the facts straight."  First, this assistant is employed by The Program for the Blind, not by the person who is blind.  Second, the files which are read to the Rehabilitation Teacher or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor contain handwritten materials written by doctors  other personnel and screen readers cannot readthis information.  Since staff mainly work with consumers outside of the location of the Program for the Blind,     and there is a plethora of material to be read, it is more efficient to have the information read directly to the staff.  Second, it is necessary to meet with consumers in other areas of the state,due to lack of public transportation.


What about those tasks such as running erreands or going to the bank? You probably have heard the statement, "other job duties as assigned,"the errands and going to the bank are required for the business office, the stock room, or the Director, not the person who is blind. This should shed some more light on the purpose of the Special Assistant.


Barb