[humanser] Driver's license requirement for employment

[Anjelina Cruz]

Merry,
Thank you for the support of the division and for your personal
interst in this matter. I will do my best to attend todays conference
call.
It's frustrating to finally find a profession I'm passionate about and
encounter barriers went trying to put into practice what I've learned
in school. Even from family and friends they seem to think I should
have "thought about the driver issue before going into Social work."
If we as people who happen to be blind can do almost anything a
sighted person can do, then why should we have to base our
professional goals on the barriers set up by misinformed sighted
people?
Are other professions, outside of the human service field  running
into the issue of needing a license?

On 10/13/13, Merry Schoch <merrys at verizon.net> wrote:
> Hello Angelina,
>
> I can relate to your feeling of discouragement when job searching.  This
> challenge was in the forefront of my job seeking as well and unfortunately
> I
> did not overcome the obstacle.  This led me to open up my own business
> which
> at this time is still new and am working on its growth.  My option is not
> everyone's option and I would love to have a steady income, benefits, etc.,
> but I must admit I am enjoying this new adventure.
>
> To the problem at hand, driver's license requirements!!  This is one of
> many
> reasons I wanted to serve as president of this fine Division.  This problem
> will be discussed this afternoon at our Policy and Law committee meeting
> and
> you are welcomed to join.  The call in information will be posted to the
> list after this email is sent.  I have done research on this topic and plan
> on doing more.  What I have found so far is that as everyone is saying
> regarding the driver's license for driving is only to be required if it
> falls under the category of "an essential function" of the job.  In
> addition
> too, I have read if the person seeking employment lives in an area where
> there is poor public transportation, causing a significant delay in travel
> to required duties this may be a reason for denial; my thoughts is this is
> subjective since most individuals who drive believe that public
> transportation is not a reliable and viable mode of transit - with the
> exclusion of the great places that have marvelous transit systems.  My
> experience has demonstrated that the Division of Blind Services in Florida
> does provide drivers for the employees as a reasonable accommodations ;
> however, Vocational Rehab does not - I find this interesting to say the
> least.
>
> I have been screened out before being allowed to fill out applications.
> When I confronted the organization then other barriers were given such as
> if
> I used my own driver, a cab, or a Para transit service that this would
> violate client confidentiality.  I challenged this as well, and then
> another
> barrier was presented.
>
> This issue will not fall by the wayside of this Division!  The Policy and
> Law committee will move forward on the issue.  As you continue to search
> for
> employment, run up against this barrier, please and if you find yourself
> needing the assistance of this Division and the organization as a whole,
> please feel free to contact me.
>
> For your benefit and the benefit of our members I am posting my home and
> cell phone numbers.  If you receive my voicemail please leave me your name,
> phone number, and time zone and I will return your call ASAP.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Merry C. Schoch
> President of the Human Services Division of the
> National Federation of the Blind
> (813) 626 2789 home
> (813) 625 1850.
>
>
>
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-- 
Anjelina