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

[Ashley Bramlett]

Miso,

good luck in getting the internship you want!
There are pros and cons to disclosing your disability up front.

I'd say if you are working for a blindness or disability organization, then 
disclose up front. You could talk about your involvement in NFB on your 
cover letter and demonstrate leadership and advocaty skills on your resume 
through your membership in NFB.
You could mention it in the cover letter as a positive thing.

However, if it’s a general job, I'd not disclose till the interview or job 
offer.
In my case with internships, I have always gotten a phone call or email to 
either interview me or accept a position.

At this point before they see me face to face, I
disclose my legal blindness and explain I need accomodations. This is a good 
thing to tell them so they are not shocked to see someone who cannot see 
much upon seeing them in the interview. Also, if I am just starting the job, 
they really need to know my assistive tech accomodations, so I feel I need 
to disclose my disability and my needs.

I'd say do what is right and consider it a case by case basis. You might 
disclose earlier to one agency than others.
I got my current part time job by knowing people and I'm a tutor at the 
writing center so
they knew my disability which was not an issue.

Good luck!

Ashley


-----Original Message----- 
From: Miso Kwak via nabs-l
Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 3:11 AM
To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Cc: Miso Kwak
Subject: [nabs-l] Disclosing That I am Blind on job/internship 
applicationprocess?

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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