[nabs-l] University Engineering Career Fair: How to discuss my vision

[justin williams]

Carry a cane for the fair so it is obvious.    Even if you decide not to
carry a cane, I still would not mention it in conversation, or on your
resume.  Do you where glasses?  I'm not telling you to do any of this, but
if you don't indicate it in some way, then the recruiter and employers will
not know why you are doing some of the things you do; they will make the
same assumptions.  As long as you are okay with this, then continue  as you
have been.   Your skills and abilities should speak for themselves, but
people always find the part that is different and make all their decisions
around that.  
Good luck, take care of business, you got it.

-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Suzanne Germano
via nabs-l
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 11:04 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list; nfbcs at nfbnet.org
Subject: [nabs-l] University Engineering Career Fair: How to discuss my
vision

Hi

I will be attending the ASU Engineering Career Fair and the Grace Hopper
Celebrating Women in Computing Career Fair. I am looking for some insight on
whether or not to mention my visual disability.

I am not ashamed or want to hide it but need to find the correct segue to
bring it up.

I do not use a cane so the fact that I am legally blind is not obvious. I do
squint, as I am severely light sensitive, and wear red contacts. Also, if I
am looking at anything I am holding it very close to my face. I know that
people are aware and notice these things but tend to make incorrect
assumptions. Some of the things people have thought about me or others who
are low vision that I know include being sleepy or up all night or on drugs.
I feel it is better to acknowledge my disability vs having them make
assumptions.

I was hoping to casually find a way to include it in my introduction (30
second speech).

I consulted with someone at ASU who was reviewing my resume and she asked
two HR recruiters and they said absolutely do not mention it in conversation
or indicate it on my resume.

I believe my resume and 4.0 GPA should show the person at the career fair
that my disability does not have a negative affect on my ability in computer
science.

What are your thoughts?

Thank You
Suzanne
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