[nabs-l] Jobs, interviews, resumes...

[Hope Paulos]

I agree with Liz.  When I walk into the interview with my dog is 
when they will find out I'm blind.  I'm always willing to answer 
questions if they have doubts about my ability to perform certain 
tasks.  I think bringing in pieces of technology to demonstrate 
is a really good idea.  I hadn't thought of that.  I don't have 
much experience with interviews, either, but all of Liz' 
suggestions sound good.
Although blindness can certainly be a pain to deal with, it 
certainly shouldn't stop you from persuing your goals in life.  
About 2 years ago, I ran a half marathon (13.1 miles).  I was 
running with a sighted guide, but the run was mine.  The guide 
couldn't run the steps for me.  This year I hope to run another 
half and an entire marathon.  Although running marathons is not 
student related, I speak about it here to show that blindness 
shouldn't stop us from persuing our goals.  The only thing we 
can't do is see.
Hope and Beignet

> ----- Original Message -----
>From: "Liz Bottner" <liz.bottner at gmail.com
>To: "'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:35:45 -0400
>Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Jobs, interviews, resumes...

>Jim and all,

>My view on when to disclose disability is this:
>I would rather not say anything until the interview itself.  When 
I walk in
>with my dog or cane is when the people will know that I am blind.  
Up to that
>point, I will be viewed as equally as any other candidate.  It 
shouldn't
>matter, anyway.  I see no reason to give the potential employer a 
heads up
>because I'm blind.  After all, that doesn't mean anything.  So 
what?

>As far as proving you are a successful candidate, the interview, 
not anytime
>before,  is the time to do just that.  Sell yourself.  Make the 
potential
>employer aware that just because you are blind doesn't mean that 
you are any
>less capable.  If you have to, bring your laptop or electronic 
notetaker or
>any other technology that you use and demonstrate that.  In no 
time, any
>doubts or fears that the employer has will hopefully be put to 
rest.

>Jim, as far as you not seeing blindness in a positive light, that 
really is
>unfortunate.  True, it can be frustrating as anything, anyone 
would tell you
>that, I would think.  However, it doesn't have to be viewed as a 
burden or
>negatively.  There are so many of us out there that have gone 
through similar
>situations, and we can network with and talk to one another to 
get advice or
>just vent about what is a pain in the butt.

>I will admit, I haven't necessarily had a lot of interview 
experience myself
>as of yet, but all of what I said makes sense to me.  Take from 
all of that
>what you want.  I hope it helps, though.

>Take care, and feel free to contact me off list if you have any 
questions
>about anything I've said.

>Liz

>email:
>liz.bottner at gmail.com
>Visit my livejournal:
>http://unsilenceddream.livejournal.com 
>Follow me on Twitter:
>http://twitter.com/lizbot
>Consider helping blind and visually impaired Delaware students in 
the March
>for Independence:
>http://www.marchforindependence.org/site/TR/walk/General?team_id=
2830&pg=tea
>m&fr_id=1050



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