[nabs-l] temp jobs

[Ashley Allen]

I would install a portable copy of NVDA to a flash drive. I still have
residual vision and don't always use a screen reader on my own computers,
but I always have my flash drive with NVDA on it for when I need to drop by
the computer lab at school, or use other public machines. That way you are
bringing your own accommodations to the temp agency, eliminating any extra
work they may feel they need to do.

Ashley Allen
On Oct 7, 2013 10:17 PM, "Ashley Bramlett" <bookwormahb at earthlink.net>
wrote:

> Hi Arielle,
> Thanks for these ideas. Glad to be reminded of the new young professionals
> list.
> I agree the temp agency thing sounds doable.
>
> For the temp agency, I might suggest bringing jaws with me, but I'd still
> need IT's assistance in installing it.
> Since they have the items for you to work with on their pcs, bringing a
> laptop would not be helpful.
> I'd definitely have to discuss how to do those tests. Another idea may be
> to have a reader and I tell them what to input.
>
> To sell items, yes the swiping cards may be a problem.
> I did not think of that.
> The thing I notice is that with these little entry level jobs, they give
> few details what you actually  do.
> It says vague things like "interacts with guests to ensure a smooth
> experience" or "performs general office tasks to assist the vp of sales" or
> assist someone else above you.
>
> I think I'll need to call their hr department and find out more details.
> With many theatres around here, it seems like they're always hiring box
> office assistants and the museums often need visitor service
> representatives; so I figured this may be a small doable job to get started.
>
> I'll do some asking around and see what the essential functions really are.
>
> Ashley
> -----Original Message----- From: Arielle Silverman
> Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 10:41 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list
> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] temp jobs
>
> Hi Ashley and all,
>
> You should try asking these questions on the new Young-Professionals
> list through NFBNet.
> I do not know any blind people who have worked at a temp agency but it
> sounds doable. I would however suggest that you make accommodations as
> easy on them as possible by installing your own copy of JAWS on their
> computer in demo mode if that is required, or asking if you can use
> your own laptop. If you manage the accommodations yourself and it
> requires absolutely no extra work or expense from them then it
> shouldn't be a problem. When I worked summer internships, I was able
> to get I.T. to help me install JAWS, but some companies may not have
> that.
> My sighted husband and his brother have both done temp work and it led
> to longer-term work though it was stuff they were over-qualified for.
>
> The entry-level jobs you mention sound like they would be accessible
> except if you have to swipe credit cards as an essential job function.
> I do not know if the majority of movie theaters and such use
> accessible card machines or ones that can be made accessible. That
> would be a good question to ask a blind vendor.
>
> Best,
> Arielle
>
> On 10/7/13, Ashley Bramlett <bookwormahb at earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> 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
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