[nabs-l] Question about visual job requirements

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi Cindy,

I don't have detailed answers to most of your questions, but I would
suggest that you mention your experiences supervising children during
the interview if it comes up or if you are asked questions about how
you would supervise the shelter residents. While there are definite
differences between children and homeless adults, the fact that you
have successfully worked with kids using nonvisual techniques is, I
think, compelling evidence that you can monitor other people's
activities effectively.

Best of luck,
Arielle

On 10/15/13, Elizabeth Mohnke <lizmohnke at hotmail.com> wrote:
> 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
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabs-l mailing list
>> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
>> nabs-l:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/lizmohnke%40hotmail.com
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> nabs-l mailing list
> nabs-l at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/nabs-l_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> nabs-l:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/nabs-l_nfbnet.org/arielle71%40gmail.com
>