[Job-Discussions] introduction and two questions.

Thu Jan 13 17:12:40 UTC 2022

Dear Ericka,

I have been chair of the NFB Employment Committee for ten years. In that
period of time, we have gone from having one job seeker seminar at the
convention to a website, career fairs, listservs, employer recruitment, and
a whole lot of other things. We now have National Center staff dedicated to
helping blind adults and youth prepare themselves for employment.  We have
Zoom seminars.

Do you think all that would have happened if I had just sat around and
complained about how lousy employers were and how blind people made the
perfect victims?  No, I did it through many hours of hard work. You didn't
work before you came to BLIND, Inc. After you left, you did, and from what
I understand, did a good job.  I am sorry you had health problems that made
it necessary for you to leave, but that kind of thing happens to sighted
people too.

If you had attended our career fairs, you would know that they are not all
tech employers. In fact, the one coming up will likely have a lot of work
at home jobs. I am sorry that nobody worked with you on advocating for
reasonable accommodations when you attended BLIND, Inc. But if that is a
problem, you know exactly how to contact me, and you know I would have
helped.

Remember that this is a public list. Other job seekers, job developers, and
employers are on it.  Some of them could help you, but if they see you as a
complainer, they will not. It is definitely not group therapy, because it
is not at all private.  I am not saying you cannot voice complaints on it,
but you also need to use it as a place to brainstorm with others to seek
solutions for the problems you are having and the impediments you
encounter.

Lots of employers still need to be educated. Let's all find personal ways
to do that, and not bemoan the fact that others have not done what we want.
As an organization of blind people, there is no "they", ther is only "us".
If you or anyone else on this list wants to complain or make suggestions to
president Riccobono about something the NFB is doing or not doing, you can
reach him at officeofthepresident at nfb.org.

And we are definitely still friends!

Best wishes,
Dick Davis, Chair
NFB Employment Committee

On Thu, Jan 13, 2022 at 8:19 AM Ericka via Job-Discussions <
job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Exactly what I was trying to say. This is what I want to have happen. If
> they can put that much energy into automatic cars which I don’t trust they
> can put this much energy into educating employers. Problem with the career
> fair is that most of the people out there are tech companies which doesn’t
> go well with my social work skills. Plus at my age I don’t want to move out
> of the area just for a minimum wage job because I haven’t had a lot of
> direct experience. What you’re doing will help the 18 and 19-year-olds, but
> not us who have probably another good 20 years to work. I didn’t get any
> training in how to advocate for reasonable accommodations when I was at
> BLIND Inc.. I asked but nobody would talk to me. I have experience in the
> political arena but not good experiences with employers. They don’t take
> blind people seriously one on one . That’s my experience. The amount of
> education needed I can’t provide the entire city of Janesville for example.
> And not all of us my age are text savvy enough.
>
> Ericka Nelson
>
> On Jan 12, 2022, at 9:00 PM, Karen Rose via Job-Discussions <
> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> Are there people with the NFB marketing team who could flush out this
> type of plan? I am not trained in marketing but rather in career coaching
> and in psychotherapy, and I know we have others much better qualified to
> manage and to budget for any type of marketing campaign. It is difficult to
> target specific individual employers locally, as most small businesses at
> least are struggling just to stay open. I know that there are many blind
> people with excellent education and training, who would love to be working
> now and filling some of their needs. Many have already gone through
>  training in interview skills and in how to request reasonable
> accommodations. I am thrilled to see that and if P is working on projects
> to match blind people with specific employers. I would love to be helpful
> in this if I can. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to be
> helpful. :-)
>
> Karen Rose MFT/LPCC www.career-therapy.net
>
> On Jan 12, 2022, at 2:51 PM, Richard Davis via Job-Discussions <
> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
> 
> Hi Karen and Ericka,
>
> Employers are experiencing labor shortages and are working with us in the
> NFB to hire blind people. They realize that blind people can fill their
> needs. We are currently working with lots of them, and with the expansion
> of our website coming in the next year, we will have many tools to offer
> them.  Right now, we are running into these problems:
>
> Lack of accessibility to employer systems, which often requires system
> redesign.
> Lack of understanding about reasonable accommodations, which in the case
> of Amazon, is not a trivial matter, as some of their job functions are not
> and probably cannot be made accessible, in which case we are looking at
> selective job placement and work-arounds.
> Lack of decent education, rehabilitation, career planning, and career
> training for blind people, who sometimes lack the most basic interview
> skills.
>
> Having a national ad campaign is expensive and probably doesn't go deep
> enough to address the above problems.  I am not averse to sharing your idea
> with the Employment Committee, but in order tor me to do so, it needs to
> arrive in the form of a fully fleshed out plan with a budget, media to be
> targeted, and planned employer penetration rate.  Also a fundraising plan.
>
> Let me suggest some alternatives:
>
> Got local employers? Go talk to them, and see if they are interested in
> working with us.
> Hold training sessions for local chapter members on job seeking skills.
> Work with your state rehab agency to make sure blind people are getting
> good training for real jobs.
> Go to the NFB website, access the Self-Advocacy Employment Toolkit and
> teach people how to use it:
> https://nfb.org/programs-services/advocacy/advocacy-resources/self-advocacy-employment-toolkit
> The NFB legal program has other resources for job seekers and employers.
> Please explore and use these valuable tools.
>
> I don't mean to discourage any of you, but we are far beyond the point
> where PSA's are going to work. We need face to face contacts.
>
> I think talking to local colleges with business programs is an excellent
> idea. Why don't you all come up with a plan to do that and carry it out?
> Everything helps.
>
> Best,
> Dick Davis
>
>
>
>
>
> On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 4:13 PM Karen Rose via Job-Discussions <
> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Is this something that the employment committee might be interested in?
>> If so I would love to work with them :-)
>>
>> Karen Rose MFT/LPCC www.career-therapy.net
>>
>> On Jan 12, 2022, at 12:29 PM, Ericka via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> I agree with you Karen. Dick why don’t you take notes and let’s get a
>> video PSA on TV and a radio campaign. You can’t tell me that there aren’t
>> talented people at headquarters or in the NFB that can’t make this happen.
>> These videos can be put on LinkedIn as well.
>>
>> Ericka Nelson
>>
>> On Jan 12, 2022, at 11:55 AM, Karen Rose via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> But wouldn’t this be an excellent time for us to run a marketing
>> campaign to employers and recruiters letting them know how available we
>> are, how willing we are to work and to show up, and that we are here, ready
>> and able to fill their open positions, thus allowing their businesses to
>> remain open? Many businesses are closing for periods of time due to lack of
>> staffing. We could be the people who allow them to remain open. Right now
>> there are more jobs open than there are people wanting to work.
>>
>> Karen Rose MFT/LPCC www.career-therapy.net
>>
>> On Jan 12, 2022, at 9:21 AM, Robert Sollars via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Having on that side of the business for most of my career, half at least,
>> it’s very simple;
>>
>> The less they hire disabled, of any kind, individuals the less paperwork
>> they have to do and the less they have to worry about with properly
>> implementing all of the laws, rules, regulations, and pitfalls of hiring
>> someone like that.
>>
>> I’m in the process of developing a evacuation, generalized of course, for
>> employers to follow with disabled employees so that they can better relate
>> to and plan for us.
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Job-Discussions <job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On Behalf
>> Of *Brian Hatgelakas via Job-Discussions
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 12, 2022 9:24 AM
>> *To:* Job Discussions internet Mailing List <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
>> *Cc:* Brian Hatgelakas <bhatgelakas at gmail.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Job-Discussions] introduction and two questions.
>>
>>
>>
>> why do people in HR act like that?
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 11:21 AM Robert Sollars via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> iT is unfortunately, but someones first impression is what gives the
>> leeway for dismissing or not offering the job…because they do’t understand
>> or wish to limit their liability because of a disabled person in the
>> organization…trust me, I seen it many times when I was sighted
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Job-Discussions <job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On Behalf
>> Of *Brian Hatgelakas via Job-Discussions
>> *Sent:* Wednesday, January 12, 2022 9:09 AM
>> *To:* Job Discussions internet Mailing List <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
>> *Cc:* Brian Hatgelakas <bhatgelakas at gmail.com>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Job-Discussions] introduction and two questions.
>>
>>
>>
>> Yes they can be?   because why would I waste time going to an interview
>> to be turned away   doing this is this in my opinion is the same as turning
>> away a regular bodied african american bassed soley on their skin color.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Wed, Jan 12, 2022 at 10:53 AM Ericka via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Yeah that’s true. But then when they shorten up an interview you know
>> some thing is “not right“ with them. You can hear it in their voice
>> especially when you walk in and they see the cane. It’s either too quiet or
>> some other thing. My husbands had the experience where you went to the
>> interview, the receptionist saw him with his cane being totally blind and
>> reported that to the person they were supposed to speak to. Then the
>> receptionist came back and said that the person was busy and couldn’t meet
>> with him. That’s the signal for we’re freaking out here and if we don’t
>> interview you and pass you up then we can’t be held responsible for being
>> discriminatory.
>>
>> Ericka Nelson
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 11, 2022, at 4:03 PM, Melissa R Green via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Oh my goodness. That is so true. You have to go through many rejections.
>> And, you do know who is interested in hiring you and who is just going
>> through the motions.
>>
>> Those people are usually freaking out. But you don’t know it because they
>> can still go through the interview.
>>
>>
>>
>> Best!Melissa R Green and PJ
>>
>> Scentsy consultant readerlissa.scentsy.us
>>
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 10, 2022, at 2:43 PM, Ericka Nelson via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Oh Robert you bomb! You have to have 50% optimism and 50% realism to
>> look for a job. The trick is to figure out who is most sincere about hiring
>> you had a job interview and who is just going through the motions.
>>
>> Ericka J. Nelson
>>
>> 1927 Green Valley Dr.
>>
>> Janesville WI 53546
>>
>> H: 608-754-8671
>>
>> C: 262-434-0817
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 10, 2022, at 12:06 PM, Robert Sollars via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> 
>>
>> Good idea, but the biased that most employers will have against hiring a
>> disabled person, blind or just in a wheelchair is something that must be
>> over come first. Most employers won’t see us as a fit or being able to do
>> the job, just an annoyance that has to be dealt with because of federal law.
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>
>>
>> *From:* Job-Discussions <job-discussions-bounces at nfbnet.org> *On Behalf
>> Of *Karen Rose via Job-Discussions
>> *Sent:* Monday, January 10, 2022 10:54 AM
>> *To:* Job Discussions internet Mailing List <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
>> *Cc:* Karen Rose <rosekm at earthlink.net>
>> *Subject:* Re: [Job-Discussions] introduction and two questions.
>>
>>
>>
>> Hi. Given the extreme shortage of workers and the fact that businesses
>> are closing for periods of time because of lack of staffing, is there
>> something we can do, possibly nationally, to advertise to employers and
>> recruiters that blind people are here, available to work, and excited for
>> the opportunity? It seems like this could be a fantastic time to market
>> blind people to desperate employers. Any thoughts?
>>
>> Karen Rose MFT/LPCC www.career-therapy.net
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 10, 2022, at 9:14 AM, Ericka via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> I’m at a crossroads myself. Can’t go back to being on my feet working
>> with seniors because of foot issues and leg problems. Waiting for
>> vocational rehab assessment to be done and trying to discern myself where
>> are my next move out to be. Thought you were working with kids before.
>>
>> Ericka Nelson
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 10, 2022, at 10:45 AM, Melissa R. Green via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hi.
>> Thank you so much Ericka.
>> It is very helpful. Wibbb pat Pj for you.
>>
>>
>>
>> Have a good day.
>> Best!
>> Melissa R. Green and Pj
>> Scentsy consultant www.readerlissa.scentsy.com
>> Contact me at: graduateenff%juno_com for more  information and host and
>> book a party and or explanation of products.
>> Facebook: Melissa R. Green Goodreads: Melissa R. Green
>> A home is nothing without the people you love inside of it.
>>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: Ericka via Job-Discussions  <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
>> To: Job Discussions internet Mailing List  <job-discussions at nfbnet.org>
>> Date: 01/10/2022 9:09 am
>> Subject: Re: [Job-Discussions] introduction and two questions.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> I am aware that there are jobs with spectrum/charter that are call center
>> related. The process is kind of interesting. The skills inventory or
>> whatever it is you take to help you determine which jobs to apply for is
>> accessible. My husband did it on his iPhone with very little frustration
>> which is very unusual.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Melissa I totally get it about not wanting to do cold calls or beg for
>> charities. I wouldn't want to do that either. Sometimes communities have an
>> app helping connect employers and perspective clients/workers. Janesville
>> Wisconsin has such. A lot of times it's things like what you're looking for
>> and then sometimes it's all factory work or house cleaning jobs.. Give PJ a
>> pat for me!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Hope I've been a little bit a help. You just have to kind of go to
>> company websites and check the career listing sometimes.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Ericka Nelson
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On Jan 7, 2022, at 7:59 PM, Melissa R. Green via Job-Discussions <
>> job-discussions at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> "Hi abbl.
>>
>> My is melissa. I am in colorado.
>>
>> I am still looking for work. To us I have been doing research on jobs
>> that I would be interested in and may be someone this list can assist me.
>>
>> How does someone become a reader advisor for the library for the blind?
>>
>> I received a job offer from TTEC. But they could not get their client to
>> approve my acomodations, has anyone else gotten hired by TTEC? I am
>> wondering if I should appy again with them?
>>
>> Lastly, where can I find crisis hotline jobs, tutoring and hditing paper
>> jobs, or out bound or no sales jobs?
>>
>> Don't want to call for any kind of sales, or requesting money.
>>
>>
>>
>> Have a good day.
>>
>> Best!
>>
>> Melissa R. Green and Pj
>>
>> Scentsy consultant www.readerlissa.scentsy.com
>>
>> Contact me at: graduateenff%juno_com for more  information and host and
>> book a party and or explanation of products.
>>
>> Facebook: Melissa R. Green Goodreads: Melissa R. Green
>>
>> A home is nothing without the people you love inside of it.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
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>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> *Brian P. Hatgelakas | *
>>
>> 318 Washington Road, #212, Pittsburg, PA 15216
>>
>> C: 412.862.8644  *I* E: bhatgelakas at gmail.com
>>
>>
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>>
>> --
>>
>> *Brian P. Hatgelakas | *
>>
>> 318 Washington Road, #212, Pittsburg, PA 15216
>>
>> C: 412.862.8644  *I* E: bhatgelakas at gmail.com
>>
>>
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