[nagdu] job seeking and your guide dog

[Albert J Rizzi]

Jeanine ,

While I have never been asked to leave my dog behind in any instance, well
mot just yet, I have been plagued with concerns about people in the work
place who have asthma. I have been asked to avoid this or that area, and
though it was only a part time position, the individual  who took issue with
my guide filed a complaint  with HR despite the fact that her condition was
not debilitating or in fact a diagnosed disability. I also run into issues
in the school system, which is why I feel I am not being considered for a
teaching position or administrative position as well. I know the economics
nationally make looking for any job difficult, but when as a volunteer I am
not granted access to this classroom or that classroom due to either fear or
allergies, I would have to assume that while I have not experienced the
discriminatory practice out right, there is a way to skirt the issue which
in my mind complicates my ability to fully participate  and assimilate in
the work force.

Albert J. Rizzi, M.Ed.
Founder
My Blind Spot, Inc.
90 Broad Street - 18th Fl.
New York, New York  10004
www.myblindspot.org
PH: 917-553-0347
Fax: 212-858-5759
"The person who says it cannot be done, shouldn't interrupt the one who is
doing it."


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-----Original Message-----
From: nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nagdu-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Jenine Stanley
Sent: Thursday, July 21, 2011 8:53 AM
To: 'NAGDU Mailing List,the National Association of Guide Dog Users'
Subject: [nagdu] job seeking and your guide dog


After hearing about several people who have been asked about whether they
actually need their dogs on job sites, I'd like to ask the question and hear
from people. 

Have you ever been asked by an employer or rehabilitation professional if
you need your dog in the workplace? 

Has any employer or rehabilitation professional ever suggested that you
leave your dog at home for certain jobs or asked if you would take a job
requiring that your dog be left at home? 

This question from a rehabilitation professional is, imho, unconscionable,
but apparently it's being asked more and more often of late. At least people
are coming forward and reporting it more often. 

I do realize with an apology to all the rehabilitation professionals, that
it's about closure and finding jobs but isn't part of that process
advocating for the blind person and his or her job needs, including the
right and sometimes need to use a guide dog? This comes into play
particularly for those whose dogs do additional tasks such as balance or
alerting tasks.

Jenine Stanley
jeninems at wowway.com




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