[Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

Fri May 21 18:31:24 UTC 2021

Here is something interesting:

One young woman I know had a phone interview, but was screened out by Human
Resources, despite her excellent qualifications.  A friend suggested she
write back to them, say she thought it was just a bad interview, tell them
why they should have accepted her, and ask for a second one.  They bought
it, and after the interview was done, screened her in.  She then got the
job.  How many of our people would do that, do you think?  It shows
persistence.

Dick Davis

*From:* Job-Discussions <job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On
Behalf Of *ajharmon26
via Job-Discussions
*Sent:* Thursday, May 20, 2021 8:27 AM
*To:* 'Job Discussions internet Mailing List' <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
*Cc:* ajharmon26 <ajharmon26 at gmail.com>
*Subject:* Re: [Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

Exactly. Unfortunately it didn’t help… they were utterly convinced I
couldn’t upload any programs onto the computer as it was somehow “locked”.

Sincerely

Andrew Harmon

*From:* Job-Discussions [mailto:job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org
<job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org>] *On Behalf Of *Karen Rose via
Job-Discussions
*Sent:* Thursday, May 20, 2021 2:35 AM
*To:* Job Discussions internet Mailing List
*Cc:* Karen Rose
*Subject:* Re: [Job-Discussions] Disclosing about your visual impairment

And I hope you told that person Dash exactly how you would do that job :-)

Karen Rose MFT/LPCC www.career-therapy.net

On May 19, 2021, at 11:30 PM, ajharmon26 via Job-Discussions <
job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:

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
<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
<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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