[HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum Requirement for Employment

Mon Nov 2 19:45:55 UTC 2020

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
The interview was over Zoom, but I disclosed my blindness to explain
why I wouldn't be making eye contact and because if we had been
meeting in person, my cane would have explained that to them without
my needing to verbally disclose.
I spoke with my VR counselor, and she said they could potentially help
me find a driver or with that hiring process, but they wouldn't pay a
driver for me. Is that what you folks meant with working with services
for the blind? Are they supposed to pay a driver or is that the blind
person's responsibility?
I appreciate the thoughts and suggestions, especially about sending
kids home in taxis, activity buses, etc. I think having a hired driver
could be an option too.
The HR person responded and said she could look to see if they have
any more office-based positions and she would also be open to
discussing accommodations.

Sarah

On 11/2/20, Doug Lee via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> Curiosity: You said,
>> Job applicants who feel they must prove that they are able by bringing in
>> tech equipment or disclosing prior to the interview, tend to do more
>> poorly
>> in obtaining employment.
>
> I wonder where one might find statistics on that question. It is discussed
> often, and the results may well vary depending on many other factors,
> including the specific type of occupation being sought.
>
> I would assume that an overbearing attitude would reduce the probability of
> success, and I suspect that advanced disclosure of blindness would do so in
> some occupations more than others. I doubt that simply bringing assistive
> technology or even using it appropriately would reduce one's chances.
>
> On Mon, Nov 02, 2020 at 11:23:02AM -0500, JD Townsend via HumanSer wrote:
> Hello Sarah,
>
> Sad that employers continue to use the driver license "requirement" to
> eliminate blind applicants.
>
> I have answered the question by saying that I arrived at the appointment
> independently and would be able to meet any travel requirements.
>
> When the item comes up in an application form I have left the answer
> unanswered as driving was not a part of the job description.
>
> I never "disclosed" that I am blind, however my dog guide or white cane
> usually informs the interviewer.  Most often they don't know what to do
> with
> a blind applicant, but that is their problem.  As long as you have the
> self-confidence and ability to present yourself as able, you will do well.
>
> Job applicants who feel they must prove that they are able by bringing in
> tech equipment or disclosing prior to the interview, tend to do more poorly
> in obtaining employment.  The employer wants an employee who can be
> consistently on time and do a satisfactory job while being a part of a
> team.
>
>
>  Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck on your job search.
>
>
> JD Townsend, LCSW
> Helping the light dependent to see
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: HumanSer <humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Meyer via
> HumanSer
> Sent: Sunday, November 1, 2020 12:49 PM
> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com>
> Subject: [HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum
> Requirement for Employment
>
> Greetings all,
> I hope you are all well and staying healthy. I am writing because I am
> beginning my job search since I am graduating with my Master's in Clinical
> Mental Health Counseling this December and have come across my first
> barrier
> through my first interview.
>
> I interviewed for a position as a school-based therapist through a
> community
> mental health agency the other day. The interview went well but I received
> an email a few hours later from the person in HR with whom I have been in
> contact stating that while the supervisor said the interview was positive
> and productive, I disclosed that I am blind, and she wanted to clarify if I
> would still be able to drive and transport clients and if I had a driver's
> license and auto insurance.
> She said these were minimum requirements for the job. I should note that I
> never filled out an application for this position; the career coach from
> the
> Ball State University Career Center with whom I have been working connected
> me with this person from HR at a community mental health agency so I
> reached
> out with my CV and was soon contacted thereafter with an offer of an
> interview. I responded to the email inquiring about my ability to transport
> clients and verified that I am blind and do not drive but asked if
> transporting clients was an essential function of the job. My understanding
> is that most of the year, I would be meeting with students and families in
> an office at the high school or virtually, except in the summer and other
> breaks when they transition to a community-based approach. Therapists will
> pick up students and bring them to the school, meet with them in the
> community, or go to their homes. Additionally, if students meet with the
> therapist after the schoolday ends, therapists will drive them home. The
> supervisor said that when she was in this position, they sometimes made
> arrangements with parents for transportation, but this was not always
> reliable and she preferred to drive students herself as this allowed her to
> maintain the most control over her schedule.
>
> I am wondering if anyone on this list has done school-based therapy or
> community-based therapy that typically involves transporting clients as a
> part of the job, and if so, how you navigated this situation. I am curious
> if folks still apply for jobs where a driver's license is required. I am
> also curious if people have suggestions on how to proceed with this
> potential employer. I thought about the possible option of hiring a driver,
> but would this be acceptable to an employer if they are concerned about
> confidentiality and other liability concerns?
>
> I look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Sarah
>
>
> --
> Doug Lee                 dgl at dlee.org                http://www.dlee.org
> Level Access             doug.lee at LevelAccess.com
> http://www.LevelAccess.com
> "It's not easy to be crafty and winsome at the same time, and few
> accomplish
> it after the age of six." --John W. Gardner and Francesca Gardner Reese
>
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-- 
Sarah K. Meyer
Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Ball State University
Pronouns: she/her/hers. See
www.mypronouns.org
sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
(317)402-6632

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the
characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life
you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love,
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