[Nebraska-students] Employment discrimination

[Bridgit Pollpeter]

First, we are so proud that you graduated from CCB.  That was a huge
step that took a lot of guts, but you did it and are ready to conquer
the world!

Second, I'm glad to see your enthusiasm about moving forward.  Here are
a couple of things to keep in mind.

Though your email has a lot of positive energy, you don't want to
mention words like "boring" in a communication to a potential employer.
Do not focus on personal info unless it relates directly to the job at
hand.  It is not professional, and it is better to put your best foot
forward.

It was really good to speak about your passion and ability with fashion.
It displays how serious you are, and the level of dedication you bring
to a job.

I assume the email was meant to be a cover letter of sorts so it may be
beneficial to find some info about cover letters.  Always use a specific
persons name when applying for a job.  Find out the manage or
supervisor's name and address the communication to them.  You should
also focus only on what experience qualifies you for a position, and why
an employer should consider you.  Make it positive, but short and
simple.

Just a side note since I tend to notice these things, I'm not sure if
something was lost in translation when you posted this to the NABS list,
so forgive me if I'm sounding like an English teacher, but it would be
better to break this communication up into different paragraphs, and
double check spelling before sending communications especially to
potential employers.  I noticed "question" is spelled incorrectly.

Now, it is entirely up to an individual when they choose to disclose a
disability.  Personally, I don't think it is necessary to disclose a
disability unless some accommodation is necessary for an interview.  As
many of us know, our blindness has no bearing on our ability to
accomplish a job.  With most accommodations, blind people have very few
limitations, unfortunately not everyone in the world shares this view,
so I feel it is better to focus on the positives that direct an employer
to how great you are for a job.  For me, being blind is just a part of
my physical make-up; it does not, for me, play a role in how my
personality developed, or how I view the world, and it certainly does
not determine my ability with employment.

This does not mean it is wrong to mention a disability before an
interview.  It is a personal decision, and one we all must face.  There
is no right or wrong way.  It is what feels comfortable to you.
Disclosing a disability, though, does not have to be a lengthy
dissertation.  Do not go into personal information other than the fact
that you are blind, and how with some accommodations, you are equally
able to handle a job.  Employers do not want a full disclosure of your
background in terms of a disability.

My final words of wisdom- do not go into situations expecting
discrimination.  We all deal with that doubt in the back of our mind
that the world is watching our every move, and they do not believe we
are capable.  In my experience, many people may question how I do
things, but since I do them, they do not question my ability to handle a
task.

We want respect and fair treatment from those with sight, and we do not
want to be judged just because we can not see.  We should show the same
treatment to those with sight.

An employer may initially wonder how you can handle a job, but if you
have confidence and use skills efficiently, you will prove how able you
are.  True, I've had people make a snap judgment thinking I can't handle
something because I can't see, but I just do what I need to do in any
given situation, and most of the time, people come to realize that I can
keep up and handle regular task.

It is certainly something we need to be aware of and even prepared for,
but eventually we have to relax and understand that we don't know the
future.  Don't assume you will experience discrimination every where you
go.  This cultivates a combative attitude in us, which usually will show
through to others.  You don't want this type of demeanor with an
employer.

Do not think about how to handle possible discrimination.  Just focus on
providing a professional and confident demeanor, and work on language
that presents you in the best possible light for a particular job.  If,
after an interview, you feel there was some discrimination, then you can
deal with it, but it is just a waste of energy to bog yourself down with
negative thinking.

And remember, if you are not hired, or even given an interview, it is
not necessarily because you are blind.  We will encounter
disappointments in life, but we can't always blame our blindness.  Don't
give up and always pursue your dreams.  Concentrate on what you need to
do to make those dreams a reality.  If you are not offered a job- now or
in the future- look at what you can work on to be ready for the next
time.  Don't think every disappointment relates to your disability.  And
should your blindness have played a role, check that you did everything
in your power to make sure blindness was not an issue, but ultimately,
chalk it up to experience and move onto the next opportunity.

And don't forget that you have a plethora of resources and assistance
through the Federation, NCBVI and CCB.

Good luck!  *smile*

BP

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 31 May 2011 22:48:29 -0600
From: Rachael Vacanti <revacanti at gmail.com>
To: nebraska-students at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nebraska-students] Employment Discrimination
Message-ID: <BANLkTi=LBZJgC+TA=KCu846eMFkwErdHbw at mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252

Hello,

I recently graduated from CCB and now I'm looking for a summer job, or
part time job that I can work during the school year as well.  I applied
at a place called Charming Charlies.  It's a really cute and cool
looking place. Now, I sent them an email which reads as follolws:

"To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Rachael Vacanti and I am having a rather boring summer.  How
is it boring you may ask?  Well, I am currently unemployed, and
personally, I would adore a job.  I have a huge taste in fashion and can
make things my own just by adding on some accessories.  I am very
organized in how I go about dealing with all my necklaces, earrings,
bracelets, bags, shoes and scarves.  I also enjoy helping people find
things to go with what they currently own, while also looking for their
input and keeping their personal style in mind.  I have had excellent
customer service at other stores, and am looking to give back to people,
what they gave to me.  Excellent customer service.  I focus really well
on work, since I?m doing something, and that helps me not worry about my
life for once and worry about what others think and how I?m doing at
work.  Having looked at your site, I notice that you are organizing it
by color.  This is a very smart move on your part, and one that I can
handle very easily.  I am blind, however that does not stop me from
pursuing my dreams.  I have rather a lot of usual vision and have
recently graduated a school where I spent nine months totally blind and
completed projects in all required courses.  I can get myself to
wherever I need to go, know how to organize and interact with all
different types of people.  In addition to being very well organized, I
am also very outgoing, responsible, and fun to be around.  So, I feel
like I?m a perfect candidate to be a confident charmer.  Please take a
look at the resume I attached and see exactly what I mean.  Thank you so
much for taking the time to read this message and I hope to hear from
you soon.  You my contact me at any time with comments, quesions or
concerns via email: revacanti at gmail.com. or my cell phone
(402)-960-9085.

Sincerely,

Rachael E. Vacanti"

Now, my question is, did I do the right thing by mentioning that I'm
blind in the email?  Yes I backed it up with the fact that I can do this
now that I've had training, but I'm still slightly nervous.  I'm not
sure if all the positions are full yet.  The store manager turned down a
lot of people already, but he hired both my friend and the other girl at
her interview. It says the positions are still open, and according to my
friend, I should get the call tomorrow.  What I'm also wondering is, how
do I determine if I'm being discriminated against or not?  The answers
and/or advice to these questions and feedback on my email to them would
be greatly appreciated. Yes, I attached a copy of my updated resume.
Thanks NABS!

Rachael Vacanti