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

Mon Jul 27 22:16:27 UTC 2015

Also, keep in mind that people unfamiliar with blindness might think
that "National Federation of the Blind" is an organization serving
blind people, not an organization made up of blind people. So, some
people might not automatically understand that being active in the NFB
means you are blind.
Arielle

On 7/26/15, Greg Aikens via nabs-l <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> This has been a very interesting thread. Before reading the opinions of
> others, I would not have described including blindness related activities on
> my resume as “disclosing” my blindness.
>
> I agree with others who say that one resume is the way to go. I include all
> of my activities, blindness related or not, because they describe my
> accomplishments, skill sets, etc. To leave these things off would feel
> dishonest and like I was going out of my way to hide something. Yet, in my
> mind, I have not directly disclosed to them that I am blind. Sure, the savvy
> reader will make inferences, but that’s ok. I’m not trying to hide my
> blindness but neither am I making a big deal about it.
>
> In my opinion, the cover letter is where you have to make more of a decision
> as to whether or not you want to include your blindness, particularly since
> it is a description of your experiences. You have far more flexibility in
> how you present yourself. My guidance would be to mention blindness if and
> when it is relevant and hopefully as something that has prepared you to do
> this job well. Your cover letter is not the place to talk about how you
> might need accommodations etc.
>
> Just another guy’s take on it.
>
> Best of luck Miso and all.
>
> -Greg
>
>> On Jul 26, 2015, at 8:57 PM, Ashley Bramlett via nabs-l
>> <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Justin,
>> I agree and you said what I do.
>> I tell before the interview for the same reasons.
>> I might need accomodations to fill out paperwork at the interview via a
>> reader or might need more specific directions to the room to do the
>> interview. So I think it works in our favor to disclose before face to
>> face meetings. But, yeah,  you do not have to legally do it but blindness
>> will be an obvious disability when they see you. And, I think it will go
>> smoother if they know your needs and disability ahead of time. but it
>> could also be a way to discriminate. But I think the pros  outweight the
>> cons.
>>
>> Ashley
>>
>> -----Original Message----- From: justin williams via nabs-l
>> Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 7:25 AM
>> To: 'National Association of Blind Students mailing list'
>> Cc: justin williams
>> Subject: Re: [nabs-l] Disclosing That I am Blind on
>> job/internshipapplication process?
>>
>> What you just said is exactly how I would do it.  In most cases, it does
>> not
>> serve you to reveal the fact that you have a visual disability, or a
>> disability of any sort.  However, some situations do benefit you to
>> disclose
>> such.  Usually, I wouldn't disclose until you have the interview for sure,
>> and I wouldn't do that unless my disability was obvious upon sight.  So,
>> if
>> you have a cane, dog, or something to indicate you have a disability, in
>> other words, your disability is not hidden, telling the interviewer before
>> you arrive lessens the shock value, and at least gives you a better chance
>> of having an honest interview.  It also gives you the ability to better
>> access whether or not the place in question is a good fit for you; you are
>> interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. Of course, you can
>> just go to the interview not having told them anything if you think that
>> is
>> best, you are not required to disclose at all.  If you are in need of an
>> accommodation during the interview application or interview process, then
>> you have to disclose in order to receive the appropriate accommodation.  I
>> hope this helps.
>>
>> Justin.
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: nabs-l [mailto:nabs-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Miso Kwak via
>> nabs-l
>> Sent: Friday, July 24, 2015 3:11 AM
>> To: nabs-l at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: Miso Kwak <kwakmiso at aol.com>
>> Subject: [nabs-l] Disclosing That I am Blind on job/internship application
>> process?
>>
>> 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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