[Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

[ajharmon26]

Choosing to not disclose your disability is very, very different from actually lying about it. Honestly the only reason I can think of why it should ever be mentioned on a resume or an application is because you are applying under Section A or a similar special category that requires the disclosure to prove you qualify. 

 

That being said, I often have mixed results with interviews: I often mention it during the interview as my cane is kind of obvious when I walk into the room, but I wait for an opportune moment, usually when you get to the “Do you have any questions?” portion of the interview. I will ask if they have any questions for myself about the ability to do the job, then answer honestly any questions. If they don’t have any questions, I proceed with any questions I haven’t already asked. Most times, however, I’ve managed to bring up my technology and demonstrate it by that time, or have tried to find another way to positively link adaptations to the tasks mentioned during the interview. 

 

All this being said, I have had very few successful interviews, and indeed even had one person say to my face “I’d love to hire you, but how would you do the job?” 

 

It’s down to personal choice, I think, so good luck and if you can, find someone to mock interview with who will give you honest yet constructive criticism about the interviewing process.

 

Sincerely

 

Andrew Harmon

 

From: Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Justin Williams via Job-Discussions
Sent: Thursday, May 20, 2021 1:13 AM
To: nmpbrat at aol.com; 'Job Discussions internet Mailing List'
Cc: Justin Williams
Subject: Re: [Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

 

Like Karen, it is the same as race or religion.

 

Just a traite.

 

I don't disclose any of them either on a job application.

 

Justin

 

 

From: Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Nicole Poston via Job-Discussions
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 10:32 PM
To: job-discussions at nfbnet.org
Cc: nmpbrat at aol.com
Subject: Re: [Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

 

Jess, 

I really think it is a personal choice and know of people doing it both ways.  I have always chosen to disclose at the interview for the very reason you described in your message... that the employer would feel as though I was not honest with them.  I felt that even though I'd have the job, it could put a damper on the new relationship between myself and the employer.  I also felt that if an employer really didn't want me because of my visual impairment and couldn't see past it to see all that I could offer them, then I didn't want to work for them anyway. I want to work for people who can at least respect me for the person that I am and can see past the disability.  When I disclosed, I always tried to put a spin on it that would hopefully put them at ease and encouraged them to ask questions so that I could deal with any misconceptions they might have.  I also understand why many people are hesitant to disclose, as I am also keenly aware of the fact that there is still rampant discrimination in the area of employment and it can be very discouraging to be repeatedly rejected simply because of your disability without being given the opportunity to prove you can in fact do the job.  So I do see both sides of the coin.  Ultimately, each individual has to decide what they can live with.  Just my 2 cents.  

Nicole

-----Original Message-----
From: Jess Shek via Job-Discussions <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
To: job-discussions at nfbnet.org
Cc: Jess Shek <jessshek at gmail.com>
Sent: Wed, May 19, 2021 11:12 am
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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