[nabs-l] Disclosing That I am Blind on job/internship application process?

[justin williams]

If it gets discussed in an interview, I would be quick to tie it back to the
job.  From what I have observed, most of us on these lists seem to have an
easier time expressing ourselves, so discussing blindness on a job interview
would be okay as long as you tie your visual disability back to your ability
to do the job.  However, be careful with your consumers, because some of
them won't be comfortable enough to go back and forth.  I seen some
consumers tell the employers everthing in sundry about their disability
which was more than the employer bargained for, and the employer was
uncomfortable.  I can go back and forth myself on a job interview, or in
normal conversation, and so can many of you.  You have to be able to stim
the flood gates so the interview or application process does not become
centered on your disability.
Justin


-----Original Message-----
From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Derek Manners
via nabs-l
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 1:42 PM
To: National Association of Blind Students mailing list <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Derek Manners <dmanners at jd16.law.harvard.edu>
Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Disclosing That I am Blind on job/internship
application process?

I think there are good arguments on both sides. My thoughts on the subject
are that my resume is impressive enough and my experiences are good enough
that folks should know it isn't an issue. Besides all that, I spend a heck
of a lot time doing the work of the federation so I might as well get some
credit and put it down under experiences. 

I also let the interviewer know right away once I get there that I may not
be making perfect eye contact due to my blindness. Y'a know, just in case
treasurer of National Association of  Blind Students and carrying a cane
isn't enough to alert them.  

That allows them to have a free pass to ask any questions they may want to
ask since you've broached the subject. 

I just think that not discussing it isn't an option because so few people
understand blindness. 

Also, I don't want to work at a place that feels like it has to walk on egg
shales with me or that isn't looking to make sure I'm a good fit. 

All of that said, 80-90% of the interview and pre interview communication
should be about the job and why you are qualified and what each of you is
looking for in the other. 

Blindness isn't the characteristic that  defines me but it is the
characteristic that employers notice first about me. The sooner I can
control that narrative, the better off the interview will be. 

Again, these are my opinions and everyone has their own approach. 

Best regards
Derek Manners 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 24, 2015, at 3:11 AM, Miso Kwak via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
wrote:
> 
> Hello everyone,
> What are your thoughts about disclosing our blindness when applying to
internships and/or jobs?
> I currently have a job (which is my first official job) so I have done it
once, but I had an easy way.
> My blindness was a major factor in being hired because I work for making
an accessible campus map for my university. I got recruited because I was a
blind student who was active on campus, so I did not have to think about
when and how to disclose my blindness.
> I am currently applying to different internships with hope of getting one
to complete one of my minor requirements.
> So I am a bit confused and concerned on how I should handle disclosing
that I am blind.
> Would you do it on case by case basis?
> For instance, if you were applying to an organization that mainly serves
blind client, would you disclose that you are blind, whereas, if you were
applying for a corporate internship or a baby sitting job, you would not?
> I'd just like to hear your thoughts on this matter.
> Thank you in advance.
> Miso Kwak
> 
> 
> 
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