[humanser] Hi all, Fwd: To disclose or not disclose on internship apps

[Michael Abell]

Hello,
	An internship should be treated the same as any job that you apply
for. An individual would not disclose their blindness on a job application
as this would create the opportunity for discrimination. If you are seeking
a position as a music therapist, then you would only include highlights that
inform the agency about your qualifications.
	There is no "scarlet B" that needs to be put forth as a disclaimer
for applicants. The only time that you would want to disclose information
about a disability is when an accommodation is necessary. The important
element for your application is your abilities and talents.
	It should be mentioned to screen the job requirements for the
position. If the job requires you need a valid driver's license, it would
not be a position that you should consider. If the job asks you to visit
multiple sites and provide your own transportation, that would be one that
you could consider.
	If blindness does not define us, then it should not be any more of a
consideration than race, sexual orientation, or religion. Good luck in your
future placement. I am sure that you will be great!

Regards,

Michael "Big Dog" Abell

Helping individuals to find their eyes in the dark.
(480) 369-0805



-----Original Message-----
From: humanser [mailto:humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Kaiti
Shelton via humanser
Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2015 9:50 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Cc: Kaiti Shelton
Subject: [humanser] Hi all, Fwd: To disclose or not disclose on internship
apps

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Kaiti Shelton <crazy4clarinet104 at gmail.com>
Date: Tue, 17 Nov 2015 01:21:24 -0500
Subject: To disclose or not disclose on internship apps
To: musictherapistswithvisualimpairments
<musictherapistswithvisualimpairments at yahoogroups.com>

Hello all,

I can start applying for national roster internship sites in January.
I've already combed through the entire list and picked out the 18 that
sounded the most appealing to me.  I even categorized them into tiers.
I know I can have four applications out at a time, so they're in batches of
four according to the level of preference I have for the sites.

My big question concerns whether or not I should disclose my blindness on
internship applications.  I know the standard practice is to not disclose
information before the interview, but I'm wondering how solid that advice is
given the field we are in and the nature of interviews now.  A lot of my
older classmates participated in skype interviews/auditions rather than ones
on-site, which could give me a disadvantage.  Sure, I could explain over
skype how I do things and show the internship director some of my adaptive
equipment if that issue arises, but it would not be as effective as doing it
in person.
They won't have an opportunity to observe me using a cane competently, or
see me taking notes and referencing them from my notetaker.  I'm sure my
professors might have some input here, but I am also sure that they would
encourage me to seek out other sources for this information as I am their
first blind student.  I don't want to be discounted before I have a shot at
an interview, but could being upfront avoid possible pitfalls in the
interview process if the internship director knows a little of what to
expect?  Also, if the internship directly relates to my experiences should I
disclose it then to show I have a possible edge in making empathetic
connections with clients over a student music therapist who does not have
prior experience with blindness, assistive technology, etc?  Thanks,

--
Kaiti Shelton
University of Dayton-Music Therapy
President, Ohio Association of Blind Students 2013-Present Secretary, The
National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts Division 2015-2016



-- 
Kaiti Shelton
University of Dayton-Music Therapy
President, Ohio Association of Blind Students 2013-Present
Secretary, The National Federation of the Blind Performing Arts
Division 2015-2016

"You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back!"

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