[nabop] Disclosing blindness

[Brown, Debbie]

The consensus I seem to hear is to disclose blindness as late as possible, but before the interview.  

Debbie Brown


-----Original Message-----
From: nabop-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nabop-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Ashley Bramlett
Sent: Thursday, July 12, 2012 1:18 AM
To: National Association of Blind Office Professionals
Subject: Re: [nabop] Hi, I'm new to the list

Hi,
also, I forgot to add this. It is up to you when to disclose blindness. your job placement person should not decide for you. I'd disclose before the interview. I suggest that since you may have some visual tasks during or after the interview; things such as personality tests or computer assessment tasks. Some employers ask you to write for them, although with a reception job, I suspect this will not happen.
Telling them you're blind and may need accomodations such as a reader is  a good idea, in my opinion.
But it should not be up to the job placement specialists. The first thing they need to find out is about the company, its culture, salary, and benefits.
These determine if its  a good fit for you. If it’s a job you feel you could do, then go to the next step. Then proceed with the application process which usually just means sending in a cover letter and resume.
Some large firms have you apply online.

As to software, I suspect some will work, others will be semi accessible and some not at all. It depends on the software. Perhaps this specialist can find out what software you will be expected to use and then you can research specific software. Having names of software to ask about would be better than a generic question about software access as there are so many.

Good luck finding a job.
-----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




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