[Nfbc-info] Junior Blind Summer Jobs -- Blind Need not Apply?

Bruce Sexton Jr. bjsexton at comcast.net
Tue May 19 01:22:09 UTC 2009


Dear Maureen and all,



With all due respect:




Asking for and receiving permission to have less then the minimally required 
number of blind person's to serve on a board of directors for a blind 
agency, seems discriminating to me, or degrading at the very least.  Before 
calling them up to talk about their possible discriminating behaviors, it is 
good for us to discuss it amongst ourselves and do some further research, to 
get the facts straight.



Together our voices could be much louder.  And perhaps,  as you imply , 
comments that are being made are incorrect.



That being said, I have studied extensively both academically and 
empirically the nature of discrimination, and often times discrimination 
hides behind many faces.  There are blind programs across the country that 
hire a good number of blind people to serve as experts and role models. 
They find ways to get to where they need to go, either by public 
transportation or they have a dedicated person or two who drive.  To have a 
blanket requirement of driving, even if it is southern California with bad 
public transportation, sends a clear message of discrimination to the blind. 
Since sometimes discrimination is covert , discerning it from 
kind-heartedness is difficult.  Thus, the meeting of the minds, is 
necessary.



Whatever the case, you are right, communication is essential.



courteously,

Bruce






----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Otmar Staab" <atasteofeurope at yahoo.com>
To: "NFB of California List" <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 4:13 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Junior Blind Summer Jobs -- Blind Need not Apply?


Junior Blind has been a fabulous recreational resource for us - with the 
Junior Blind Olympics and Camp Bloomfield. I am certain they are not 
intentionally trying to discriminate against those they try to serve. The 
camp counselors did, in fact, have to drive participants to many of the 
activities. Please call them and tell them if you feel their job 
requirements are unjust.
Maureen de Long




________________________________
From: Tim Elder <tim at timeldermusic.com>
To: NFB of California List <nfbc-info at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 1:03:32 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Junior Blind Summer Jobs -- Blind Need not Apply?

I find it interesting that a number of the job descriptions don't include
any driving whatsoever. What function of an assistive technology instructor
could possibly require a driver's license in this situation?

If someone actually applies, they should report back to the list and let us
know what Junior Blind of America said about the blanket driving
qualification. It sounds like there is the possibility of illegal
discrimination.

Regards,

Tim

nal Message-----
From: nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Angela fowler
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 11:42 AM
To: 'NFB of California List'
Subject: Re: [Nfbc-info] Junior Blind Summer Jobs -- Blind Need not Apply?

Did anyone catch this illuminating passage?

"Nocturnal Residential Counselor
As a Nocturnal Residential Counselor, duties will include guiding and
assisting students in a household atmosphere and maintaining a safe
environment.
You will be required to remain alert and awake during the shift."

Is this a training center, a hospital or a prison?


-----Original Message-----
From: nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Bryan Bashin
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 10:14 AM
To: NFBC Info at NFBNet
Subject: [Nfbc-info] Junior Blind Summer Jobs -- Blind Need not Apply?

Our friends at the Junior Blind of America have posted a series of great
jobs in their Los Angeles program. Only problem is that they continue to
insist upon a Drivers License for these positions, effectively shutting out
blind people from making a contribution. Small wonder, then, that JBA
continues to be seen as an organization out of touch with what blind people
think, need and do.

If any of the following jobs are ones with which you have ability, I might
suggest applying anyway and having a serious conversation about the blanket
need for a drivers license. The Junior Blind needs to hear from blind
people. The job post appears below..

Bryan



Job Type
Full Time
Employee
Seasonal
Relevant Work Experience
Less than 1 Year
Fun Summer Program Jobs!
About the Job
Jump Start Your Career!
Would you like to be part of a fun and exciting program?
Looking for a summer job that's completely different?
Junior Blind of America is currently seeking staff in a variety of positions
for its Student Transition and Enrichment Program (STEP).
STEP is a summer program for young adults who are 16-22 years old, who are
blind or visually impaired and seeking career-awareness, independent living
skills and developing social skills. The program offers its students career
exploration, internship-work experience, independent living skills, and much
more.
The program is based at Junior Blind's Los Angeles campus, but STEP
frequently leaves campus for off-campus activities such as spending a few
hours at Amoeba Records in Hollywood to a whole day at Knott's Berry Farm.
This is an 8 week summer position that begins June 15, 2009 and ends August
14, 2009.
Specific job requirements vary, but all staff must be responsible, caring,
flexible, resourceful, patient and have excellent interpersonal skills.
Experience working with young adults, special needs and/or the visually
impaired is a plus.
All candidates must be 21 years old, have a valid California Driver License
and must be eligible to drive agency vehicles
. This is an excellent work opportunity for
a student looking for a summer job and/or anyone considering the fields of
education, special education, vision impairment, orientation and mobility,
psychology, ophthalmology, social work, or for anyone who cares about
others!
This is also a great job for a person looking for a new and exciting summer
experience.
This is not your typical summer job!
The following STEP positions are:
Job Coach
As a job coach your focus will be to lead and train students in established
work sites in the community while assisting in the planning and
implementation of strategies for developing student's independent work
skills.
Residential Counselor
As a Residential Counselor, duties will include guiding and assisting
students in a household atmosphere and maintaining a safe environment.
Assisting students in planning and participating in events such as trips to
the mall, the beach, Magic Mountain, internships-work experience, and much
more.
Nocturnal Residential Counselor
As a Nocturnal Residential Counselor, duties will include guiding and
assisting students in a household atmosphere and maintaining a safe
environment.
You will be required to remain alert and awake during the shift.
This is a perfect job if you want to catch up on your homework or if you are
a night owl.
Orientation and Mobility Specialist
As an O& M instructor you will assess each student upon arrival to the
program, setting goals with each student and then implementing exercises to
address those goals.
Complete assessments and written reports for each student.
Student needs will range from simple use of cardinal directions and basic
cane technique, to off-campus training, such as visits to local markets, the
surrounding residential neighborhood, downtown Los Angeles, use of public
transportation, or even trips to amusement parks!
A
A Master's degree in orientation and mobility from an accredited college or
university preferred, or bachelor's degree in orientation and mobility from
an accredited college or university and certification, permanent or
provisional, by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and
Education Professionals (ACVREP) as an orientation and mobility specialist.
Assistive Technology Instructor
The primary purpose of your position is to instruct the students in the use
of Braille for personal communication, preparation for vocational use and
identification needs.
A degree in rehabilitation teaching with a visually handicapped
specialty and experience in
the use of Braille and Braille instruments.
Knowledge of and ability to instruct in Grades 1,
2 and 3 Braille, notation Braille, the Braille writer, the
slate and stylus.
Lead Teacher of the Visually Impaired
The primary purpose of the position is to over see day-to-day operations of
the program and the curriculum.
Develop and implement curriculum and assign and track individualized student
work.
Provide direct instruction in classroom settings.
Provide clear and motivating leadership and instruction.
Create and maintain an atmosphere of support and of self worth.
A Master's degree or equivalent with an emphasis on services to the visually
impaired and experience in an agency or agencies serving the disabled or the
blind or visually impaired.
Interested candidates should submit their resume and letter of interest to
(Please specify which position you are interested in):
Junior Blind of America
Human Resources Department
5300 Angeles Vista Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90043
Fax: (323) 296-0424
E-mail:
hrdept at juniorblind.org
Visit us at:
www.juniorblind.org
and Share Our Vision!



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