[Nfbc-info] problem solving about online job applications

[Lisa Irving]

Hello Federation Family,

 

 

I would like to begin a discussion about problem solving at multiple levels
when it comes to web access barriers and online job applications. I will now
share why I am writing this message. Basically, I encountered a semi
accessible online job application. Now, I'll try to succinctly describe my
efforts to problem solve and some of those results. Finally, I will open a
secondary discussion about what can we do collectively to change things
within the State of California. 

 

To begin with, an acquaintance urged me to apply for a position where he
works. The agency is in essence a satellite office. It's headquarters are
out of state. Uploading my tailored resume wasn't a problem, however, the
organization's online job application is not tagged in various areas and
parts of it could be laid out differently. When I discovered that current
online form wouldn't interface with JAWS I tried another approach. I pressed
my nose to the screen using a magnifier and managed, after six hours, to
complete probably 3/4ths of the form, however, all of that work went into
cyber space. There's more to this story. 

 

Over the past three days I contacted a couple of sighted friends to see if
they could help me; they can't, at least not now. I sent a short email to
the person who encouraged me to apply for the position. This person had good
intentions when he sent my message to headquarters. Someone from
headquarters sent me an email. She forwarded my resume to the Hiring
Manager; a free pass to the head of the line that I would prefer not to
have. I asked Sweetman Systems to go online with me to look at the form;
they did. They agree that there's room for improvement. I contacted  Mike
Hingson and followed through with his suggestions to contact local agencies
providing services to blind persons; I did. Here's where I'm at. 

 

I'm working with my DOR counselor. There's additional lag time, in part,
because her office isn't in the area. I left a message for the Director of
Client Services at the local Center for the Blind and I contacted the local
Braille Institute Volunteer Coordinator. The volunteer coordinator brought
up some points I had not thought about. Her volunteers cannot help blind
clients with paperwork which requires disclosure of personal information.
This is to protect both individuals. Additionally, she worried  that her
volunteers would be liable if they made an error on the application. She
made some suggestions that weren't particular useful for me. I was invited
to use screen magnification equipment and she suggested that I work with
their technology instructor. The last suggestion would have been great had I
not already worked with highly qualified adaptive technology trainers. For
now, I'm stuck at pretty near square one. This brings me to the last part of
my message. 

 

I think it's safe to say that most of us want to drastically reduce the rate
of unemployment for blind individuals. I think it's also safe to say that
some of us would agree that even with the Department of Rehabilitation's
addition of team case management and designated job developers the system is
substantially flawed. I ask the question that some of you may be asking.
Collectively, what can the NFBC do to evoke change; preferably, to
completely separate DOR services for the blind and visually impaired from
other DOR services. Also, what can we collectively do to create employer
incentives to make online environments universally inclusive? It goes
without saying, none of this happens overnight. But, things need to change
and I would like to see the affiliate act on Brian Bashan's resolution which
was adopted two years ago. Your thoughts and suggestions? 

 

Warmly,

 

Lisa Irving