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<TITLE>New THOUGHT PROVOKER #149- Framing Blindness</TITLE>
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<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">Deafblind</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">RE: Framing Blindness </FONT></B></P>
<P><B><FONT FACE="Arial">The latest THOUGHT PROVOKER is all about the importance of the words we choose. The example is a blind job seeker who meets an employer who gives the young guy a second and third chance to present his talk. If you have not read the PROVOKER, it follows. Recall that I collect responses and post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that URL is- </FONT></B><A HREF="http://thoughtprovoker.info/"><B><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" FACE="Arial">Http://thoughtprovoker.info</FONT></U></B></A><B><FONT FACE="Arial"> If you wish to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and ask, at- newmanrl@cox.net </FONT></B></P>
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<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">THOUGHT PROVOKER 149</FONT></B></P>
<P ALIGN=CENTER><B><FONT FACE="Arial">Framing Blindness</FONT></B></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“sir, I’m looking for a job. I heard you have several openings. As you can see,” the young blind man held up his white cane in emphasis as he addressed the business owner, “I am blind and because of it, I’m having a very tough time getting employment. Did you know that nearly 80% of the blind are unemployed? For centuries, blindness has been viewed as the worst handicap a human can have, but it is all a lie, a great misunderstanding. With the right tools,” raising his cane again, “a cane or dog guide, and with Braille or for some, large print and other blindness skills, we can do most jobs, just as good as a sighted person. But we don’t usually get a chance to prove it.” lifting the cane for a third time. “Usually people can’t see past this and we get pity, doubting thoughts and seldom an equal chance. Would you give me a try in one of your job openings?”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“No, I won’t. And I’m going to tell you why.” The business owner, Ernest tone in his voice, palms flat on the counter top, leaned forward. “I listened to you, heard every word, processed the difficulties you laid out concerning the non-acceptance and unemployment of the blind. But think about how you framed your story and what you set me up to think. You walked in, gave me the woes about being blind, hit me with 5 negatives, to one positive and you want me to think you’ve got what I’m looking for in an employee?” Slapping a palm on the counter top in emphasis. “But this is what I’ll consider --- I want you to go back outside, take a minute to think about how you need to present yourself to me, then come back in and try your spiel again. But concentrate on telling what you can do for me.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">Surprised at the businessman’s response, the blind guy knotted, accepting the challenge, turned and using the best cane technique he had, exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“sir, you are looking to hire a customer service representative. I believe I have the skills to fill the position.” Indicating the cane in his hand, “As you can see, I am blind and if you would hear me out, I would like to explain how I feel I can make this a success.” Getting a go-ahead sound, he continued. “Your job add listed a requirement of competency with a PC. I use a PC every day. And how it works for me, I use what is called screen reading software, it’s voice output. This software will usually work with most computer applications. And if we find that it doesn’t work right out of the box with your companies system, we could call my state rehab counselor and she can have her IT specialist come in and evaluate your system and tweak my special software to work with yours. Second, you require customer service experience and though I haven’t been paid to perform that duty, I’ve had a couple of volunteer positions in which customer service was part of my responsibilities.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“The answer is still no. Better, but still not good enough. I now know that you have abilities, special tools and some backup to aid you if you need technical assistance. However, though I’m feeling there is employment potential, but it appears to come with an equal weight of potential problems that I would have to overcome. So no again. Go back out, rethink and come back in and convince me that you are the best person for the job.”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">Not fully surprised, though somewhat dismayed, yet encouraged, the blind guy knotted, turned and exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Sir,” reaching out his right hand to give a shake in greeting, “my name is John. You have an opening for a customer service rep, it is one of my best skills and I want to talk to you about hiring me for the job. I’m a very competent PC user. I have references I will present that will vouch for my ability and reliability to be at work every day, on time and that I always give 110% to the job. May I talk to you about your position?”</FONT></P>
<P><FONT FACE="Arial">“Yes, let’s talk,” responded the business owner.</FONT>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Robert Leslie Newman </FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Email- newmanrl@cox.net</FONT>
<BR><FONT SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">THOUGHT PROVOKER Website- </FONT>
<BR><A HREF="Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info"><U><FONT COLOR="#0000FF" SIZE=2 FACE="Arial">Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info</FONT></U></A>
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