[nabop] Hi, I'm new to the list

[Ashley Bramlett]

Leslie,
I'm a recent graduate with a BA degree and I am also feeling out the 
workforce; kind of hard with the economy and I'd say receptionist jobs are 
not as common as they used to be. I'm looking for general office work as an 
administrative or communication assistant.
I don't mean to sound negative but I don't think you will know what line is 
showing up on a phone. Its quiet; you need to see the light.
I don't think it emits enough heat for you to feel the light.
Yes, even phones are more visual now. Every internship I had in college had, 
you know what? A screen! It was a caller ID; so you can look at it to tell 
who is calling. I also think it displayed something about if you had a 
message. I could check messages another way so that wasn't  a problem. I 
could not read the screen, so all phone calls were a surprise to me.
I might do reception work if I'm offered a job, but I don't see openings for 
that work now a days.
I think you would be better off with a small organization without a multi 
line phone system so this situation doesn't arise.
I'm actually going to begin volunteering covering the front desk so I'm 
performing receptionist role.
I have some vision, so I see the colored buttons, but I cannot read the 
names.
Colors indicate functions like hold.
You transfer calls and each button in a certain section of the phone 
depending on what the caller wants. Its one button means a different office.
I'm planning to memorize  as much as possible.

One issue you may run into is how to check IDS. I'd ask a blind person about 
that. I heard there is a device now that can scan all IDs. So if so, this 
may help you tackle that barrier.
As for a typical day, you could ask any receptionist that; they don't have 
to be blind. From what I've heard, days really vary; some are busy; some are 
boring.
This list is quiet so I don't know if you'll find a receptionist. If not, 
check AFB career connect for a career mentor.

Good luck,
Ashley


-----Original Message----- 
From: Leslie Hamric
Sent: Wednesday, July 11, 2012 10:32 PM
To: nabop at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabop] Hi, I'm new to the list

Hi Listers. This is Leslie and I'm new to the list. I am looking for work as
a receptionist and was wondering if if you could connect  me with someone
doing this work. I would like to ask some questions like
What software is accessible with jaws? How do you know what line is flashing
on a big switchboard? What do you like most and least about your job? What
kind of training is required? Describe a typical day. What are your biggest
challenges? How is your blindness an asset?

I am working with a job placement agency here in IL and the woman working
with me told me that when she calls companies where I may be a potential
candidate, the first thing she mentions is the fact that I'm blind.
Something tells me that's not exactly appropriate but I wanted to get some
input.  It's this woman's first time working with a blind client so she has
a lot to learn.


That is all I have for now. I look forward to hearing from anyone who can
help.  Thanks.

Leslie




_______________________________________________
nabop mailing list
nabop at nfbnet.org
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabop_nfbnet.org
To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for nabop:
http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabop_nfbnet.org/bookwormahb%40earthlink.net