[nabs-l] temp jobs

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi all,

As we know the economy is not conducive to finding much full time employment. I’m out of  college and trying to figure out where I may fit; I can be a clerical assistant but I also feel I’d fit in a communications field because I love writing true stories; I’m not into writing fiction.

I came across a temp agency that employs qualified people to do writing tasks, editing, and desktop publishing, and administrative jobs.
Has anyone done or heard of a blind person working a temp job?
I certainly do not know of anyone getting a temp job who is blind or with any disability.
I do not know if temp agencies are covered by the ADA.

It seems like worth trying because if I did find a job through them and liked it, it would give me good experience and cash.
I also feel working a temp job may help me get a feel for what sort of work I want to do.

I’m concerned about the screening tests with the computer. I’m hopeful that if I explain my screen reader and how I need it as an accomodation, they will be accomodating and download a demo of jaws for me.
Interested to hear your thoughts.
Also, do you all feel that performing the following little jobs are doable?
I say little as they are not full time work, but rather used to give you experience and money until you find a full time job. This is why there is a turnover of personnel.
The jobs are:

1. selling movie tickets
2. working at a box office which involves answering customer questions, selling tickets via phone and in person, and database entry
3. working at a museum gallery or information desk; this mainly involves  interacting with visitors to answer questions and some job descriptions say care of the galleries/exhibitions.
4. caring for animals and walking them at animal shelter.

I am not interested in animals as a job btw  but know of friends who might be.
I have not heard of blind people doing these jobs. The only  visual job is the museum one. But even then some textures or making labels may help one navigate a gallery. I also have some central vision which may help me handle money, although most of it is done via credit cards now.

I look forward to your thoughts. 

Ashley