[Ohio-talk] OOD Work Tolerance

[via Ohio-talk]

Hello List Viewers:

I have been involved with BSVI in the past and this is the first time I have heard of an eligibility requirement such as the term "work tolerance." I read the BSVI fact sheet on the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities Website and nothing was mentioned about blind and visually impaired applicants getting restless and frustrated when applying for jobs or when completing applications forms.  Does the counselor think that all blind and visually impaired applicants are obstreperous and need to be subdued with psychological counseling?  Everybody gets frustrated sooner or later in their search for jobs and in their completion of applications.  Everybody gets frustrated sooner or later when they have to learn new devices.  Why are we, the blind or visually impaired, being treated differently?

Here is an excerpt of the fact sheet as it relates to "work tolerance:"

• "Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired (BSVI) assists with vocational rehabilitation and other services for Ohioans who are blind or have a visual impairment. 
OOD partners with a statewide network of community rehabilitation providers. These professionals may assist you in: 
• 
Acquiring personal habits, attitudes and skills (including social skills) to function effectively on the job 
• 
Increasing your work tolerance 
• 
Developing work habits and better understanding the work world 
• 
Learning ways to adjust for loss of a bodily or sensory function such as mobility or sight 
• 
Job placement, resume development and practice interviews 
Vocational Rehabilitation." 

I wonder:  Is everyone required to participate in this "work tolerance" program as part of their job readiness?  Does OOD think that all blind people are antisocial and devoid of interactive diplomacy?  It sounds like the blind are being treated as psychological models.  I can't understand why BSVI is having experienced job seekers who have worked in the world for many years to go through such elementary dos and don'ts.

Milena