[Nfbc-info] My job/ my vision

[Jonathan Lyens]

Hi Caroline,

I have worked in labor relations in the public sector, and handled many outcomes resulting from bad process during these types of situations. First of all, I would definitely involve your union rep in all activities and/or communications. Your requests to your employer need to be clear and well defined - your rep should be able to help you with this. Also, document everything. If you made a formal request for a reasonable accommodation after you disclosed your disability, and have not received a response, I would follow up in writing. In that letter, remind them that you initially made your request on date X, subsequent to disclosing your disability. I would assume that your union contract also clearly defines the reasonable accommodation practice. You must consult this document. If you don't have a copy, ask your rep for one. Failure to follow your contract process could impeed your ability to have an internal resolution. So, basically, listen to your rep and write everything down. 

Hope this is helpful.

Jonathan


-----Original Message-----
From: Nfbc-info [mailto:nfbc-info-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of C Buckley
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 9:29 AM
To: nfbc-info at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Nfbc-info] My job/ my vision

Hello Tim

Thanks for your reply.  Your suggestions are very helpful. I told my administrator a  week ago and they have not said anything since.  I asked for an aid twice a week (two hours a week) in the lab - you know where the students are working with chemicals.  I don't really have any problems as a result of my vision in either the classroom or the lab but I don't want a student to blame my vision on any accidents that might occur.  Accidents do sometimes occur in the lab whether the teacher has vision or not.  Knowing this I am a real stickler on safety procedures.

Would an aid be considered a "reasonable accommodation" for a teacher?

I am very nervous about what might happen.  I doubt that I could convince an eye doctor that I am capable of teaching chemistry.  Even educated people make assumption about what blind people are capable of doing.  The funny thing is that I really do not have any problems teaching high school.  I am competent and well respected by my students and staff members.  I am currently a tenured teacher in my school district.

I know that students who are in the special education system have "mediators" that attend meeting with them and their parents to ensure that negotiations go well.  I wish I had a mediator!  Do you think that it would be a good idea to contact my teachers' union?

Respectfully,
Caroline
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