[Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination

Sat Oct 24 02:28:52 UTC 2009

Hello Kirk,
These are very standard conditions in nearly all Florida job applications.
Being blind myself, I have encountered these exact requirements on job
applications here in Florida. In fact, the job I have now requires all of
the mentioned requirements and I have been there for over two years. You
simply ask for an accommodation under State and Federal law.
Take care,
John

John A. Ramsey Jr., Esq.

Gainesville, FL 32609

(352) 505-6642

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-----Original Message-----
From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Kirk
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 8:20 PM
To: NFB of Florida Listserv
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination

        Bill, I can understand your frustration without a doubt, however, I 
would assume that these requirements you have described such as must have a 
valid drivers License, or must be able to lift over 25 pds or more, should 
be associated to jobs that would require you to either drive or be able to 
pick up items of considerable weight. I know it can be very upsetting to 
you, but when I could see and hired people for my small businesses, I had 
these items mentioned in my applications. I placed them on my applications 
not to discriminate, but to help me  identify with applicants that could do 
the specific jobs they were applying for. Now, after saying that, If you are

a computer programmer, then like you said, the only requirements for you are

to close down your lap top at the end of the day and remove it from your 
work space! I hope that  you don't think that I am slighting your situation 
by any means Bill, but just trying to let you understand why it's legal and 
why employers do, at times, do what they do!  I don't understand at all why 
these employer's  you have described would ask these type questions however 
if they are looking specifically for computer programmers or computer or 
electronic technicians, ETC. I would assume that  if you were to research 
more thoroughly about this as to why these requirements are legal  on 
applications for clerical or computer jobs,and why employer's are asking for

these answers on jobs without the need for them. Perhaps they could modify 
the law so that only jobs that  require certain needs would have these 
restrictions on their applications.   If employer's are not using these 
properly for there applications for specific job requirements than perhaps 
they could be forced to pay a fine and/or change their applications 
accordingly!  Your friend in  the cause, Kirk

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bill Dennis" <billiam904 at yahoo.com>
To: <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 3:37 PM
Subject: [Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination

>I haven't posted to this list in well over a year but lately, I've had
>something that really bugs me and I'm just upset enough to spill my guts 
>about it.
>
> I am a legally blind computer programmer who happens to also be an
> amputee.
>
> I have worked all of my life except for a few years when I was on 
> dialysis
> before my kidney transplant.
>
> I've been in the computer industry for almost 25 years.
>
> The company I work for laid me off for 5 weeks and during that time, I
> sought another job.
>
> I've been disabled since 1995 but physically disabled since 2004.  In 
> all
> of this time, I've only had a few employers openly discriminate against me

> and most of those were out of ignorance but apparently, it is now legal in

> Florida for an employer to list "working conditions" in the job posting 
> and eliminate people from even applying for the job based on these 
> so-called working conditions.
>
> One employer listed "must have eyesight" as a working condition.
>
> Two other that I've seen in the past two weeks places a minimum 
> lifting
> weight of 25 pounds.  Excuse me but computer programmers do not lift 
> anything but our laptops when it is time to go home.  That is what I.T. 
> people or laborers are for.  The lifting clause eliminates me due to eye 
> hemmoraging and of course, the fact that I walk with a prostetic.  For a 
> total, it would eliminate them because while you can probably do the 
> lifting, how will you be guided to where the items you are lifting need to

> be moved?  I'm sure they won't hire a sighted guide for you and you cannot

> use a guide dog or a cane if both of your hands are full.
>
> One other clause I've seen is "must have valid driver's license".  I 
> used
> to be able to arrange my own travel at my expense but I now no longer have

> that option.
>
> I've been told that all of these "requirements" are perfectly legal 
> and
> that there is no one to validate these conditions to make sure that these 
> are actual working condition but simply the employer's way to eliminate 
> "uneanted" candidates.
>
> I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
>
> Bill Dennis
> Orlando
>
>
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