[nabs-l] Question about visual job requirements

[Elizabeth Mohnke]

Hello Cindy,

I think you raise a rather interesting question. Although, I think part of 
the answer would depend on the size of the shelter. If it is a smaller 
shelter, then I do not see how this would be a problem.

However, even if it is a larger shelter, I am not quite sure how simply 
walking through the shelter and engaging with people would not give you 
enough information as to what is going on. I think simply saying hello and 
asking someone how they are doing would be a good way to engage someone in 
conversation without being too overbearing in this type of situation. The 
person may say nothing at all, or they may try to give you their life story. 
I have noticed that it really depends on the person.

I also think engaging people with the notion that they are another human 
being who deserves to be respected can go a long way in gaining respect from 
others. Sometimes people think that those who reside in homeless shelters 
are somehow less than the average person. I am not saying that you hold this 
belief, but if others at the shelter perceive the notion that you do, then 
it may be more difficult for them to trust you and respect you in return.

As far as your concern about the drug dealing, I am honestly not quite sure 
how you would be at more of a disadvantage than someone who is sighted. If 
someone is going to engage in this behavior, then I think they would most 
likely find a way to engage in this behavior regardless of who is 
supervising them.

I have not spent a lot of time at a homeless shelter, but the bus station in 
my town is not exactly in the best bard of town, and there are definitely 
some shady people who ride the bus. I feel as though in general that I am 
able to gain a good sense of people based largely on non-visual cues. I 
would think you would be able to identify these people based on the way they 
behave with you, the way they behave with others, and what they say to other 
people.

Perhaps I am being too naïve here, but it seems to me like there would be 
some sort of verbal exchange regarding the drug deal. And if for some reason 
there was not some kind of verbal exchange going on, perhaps you might be 
able to identify other sounds like the ruffling of a bag of some kind. But 
since the average age of a homeless person is six, I really wonder if this 
is such a big deal.

Anyway, I hope I have given you some ideas for working in the homeless 
shelter as well as for your interview. I feel as though I am not necessarily 
qualified to answer your question, but thought I would give it a try by 
sharing my thoughts and ideas with you.

I really hope it all works out for you.

Elizabeth


--------------------------------------------------
From: "Cindy Bennett" <clb5590 at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, October 15, 2013 6:35 PM
To: "National Asociation of Blind Students" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: "Jobs for the Blind" <jobs at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [nabs-l] Question about visual job requirements

> Hi all,
>
> I have an interview for a job that requires surveying an area and
> doing walkthroughs. This job is in a homeless shelter, so they are
> naturally very interested in maintaining a safe environment for its
> patrons.
>
> I really believe that I can do this and develop a rapport with patrons
> that is positive and builds trust. But this is a drop-in shelter where
> people do not live long-term so I will be meeting new patrons every
> day. But how do you combat this in an interview? I can make friends
> with anyone I want, but I may not be able to detect things like drug
> deals or other unacceptable behaviors that can occur without many
> auditory cues. I am aware of the immense stereotypes that plague
> homeless women and I certainly understand that many patrons do not
> engage in unacceptable behaviors. But I am trying to think like the
> interviewer who is hiring someone to cover a liability. Furthermore,
> if you do work in this type of environment, how do you phrase
> questions as not to invade someone's privacy? From years of working
> with children, I know that staying attentive and maintaining a
> conversation can tell you almost all you need to know about
> mischievous behavior, but advice on being aware of your surroundings
> and establishing immediate respect and confidence in others that you
> have the ability to do this and that you aren't one to be taken
> advantage of is always helpful.
>
> I would love to hear advice and personal experiences that people have
> had working in an environment that can become hostile or unsafe.
>
> Thank you.
>
> -- 
> Cindy Bennett
> Secretary: National Association of Blind Students
>
> B.A. Psychology, UNC Wilmington
> clb5590 at gmail.com
>
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