[Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

[Sandra Gayer]

PS,
If someone doesn't say anything until interview, the first thing I
would think is, this is pretty big, why didn't he/she say something
earlier? What else have they kept to themselves/lied about?

Very best wishes,
Sandra.

On 5/19/21, Sandra Gayer <sandragayer7 at gmail.com> wrote:
> Hello,
> I feel it is frankly impolite to say nothing and arrive on someone's
> doorstep with a cane or guide dog. It is a shock for the person
> receiving the information, the same way it would surprise you if you
> posted a job add for a driver and someone came to the interview with a
> missing arm.
>
> It's not what you say it's how you say it. I always disclose but I
> make sure I frame it in such a way that the potential employer is
> aware of how much of an asset my visual impairment is and, by
> extension, the asset I could be to them and, most importantly, why I
> am the best person for the job, better than other candidates.
>
> Most people say, "I'm a good listener." How many of them can prove it
> by referring to their day-to-day experiences of needing this skill for
> routine tasks? Just an example to think about.
>
> Very best wishes,
> Sandra.
>
> On 5/19/21, Kelsey Nicolay via Job-Discussions
> <job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Hello,
>> This is an interesting question. I agree about not disclosing your
>> blindness
>> on the resume. Here is how I look at it. If no assessments are needed as
>> part of the application process, I usually wait until the face to face
>> interview, although with COVID and virtual interviews, it can be a bit
>> tricky to know when to disclose your blindness. I think waiting until you
>> have an offer is perfectly appropriate. Of course, if pre-employment
>> testing
>> is needed, that’s a whole different issue. You should always try to
>> complete
>> the assessments on your own first, then if you find that the tests aren’t
>> accessible (most aren’t), then it is prefectly acceptable to request an
>> accommodation.
>>
>> Sent from Kelsey Nicolay’s iPhone
>>
>>> On May 19, 2021, at 12:21 PM, Justin Williams via Job-Discussions
>>> <job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>>
>>> Under the americans with disabilities act, your friend with low vision,
>>> or
>>> anyone else with a disability is not obligated to inform the employer of
>>> this at all unless they want or need accommodations. In order to get
>>> accommodations, they must disclose if they want the employer to allow
>>> and
>>> or
>>> extend any accommodations.  If at anytime during the application process
>>> accommodations are needed, then the applicant myst disclose.  So, your
>>> friend is not obligated to disclose unless she needs accommodations.
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Justin
>>>
>>>
>>> -----Original Message-----
>>> From: Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
>>> Behalf
>>> Of Jess Shek via Job-Discussions
>>> Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 11:12 AM
>>> To: job-discussions at nfbnet.org
>>> Cc: Jess Shek <jessshek at gmail.com>
>>> Subject: [Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment
>>>
>>> Dear All,
>>>
>>> I have come across questions about when to disclose their visual
>>> impairment
>>> when applying for jobs.
>>>
>>> A lot of them (including myself) will not disclose their visual
>>> impairment
>>> in the resume, and also in the initial chat with employers until the
>>> face-to-face interview taking place, as there will be chances that your
>>> application will be totally ignored.
>>>
>>> One of my low-visioned friend only told the employer about her visual
>>> impairment after she got an offer from the employer. She told the
>>> employer
>>> as accommodations are needed. But the employer felt that this was an
>>> integrity issue, that they thought that my friend should have informed
>>> them
>>> about the visual impairment prior to the offer is given.
>>> And my friend felt that since just slight accommodations is needed (e.g.
>>> having a bigger monitor), she doesn't think she should let the employer
>>> know, as from her past experience, employers will not consider her
>>> application when she mentions to them her visual impairment during the
>>> hiring process.
>>>
>>> Could I seek your view on that, i.e. when is the best time to tell
>>> employers
>>> about the applicant's visual impairment? And, if no accommodation is
>>> needed
>>> (e.g. for a low-visioned person), do you think he/she needs not tell the
>>> employer about his/her visual impairment?
>>>
>>> Many thanks in advance!
>>>
>>> Cheers,
>>> Jess
>>>
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>
>
> --
> Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.
>
> Soprano Singer
> www.sandragayer.com
>
> Broadcast Presenter
> www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html
>
> Actor
> www.visablepeople.com
>
> Voiceover Artist
> www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer
>


-- 
Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.

Soprano Singer
www.sandragayer.com

Broadcast Presenter
www.rnibconnectradio.org.uk/music-box.html

Actor
www.visablepeople.com

Voiceover Artist
www.archangelvoices.co.uk/content/sandra-gayer