[stylist] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #149- Framing Blindness

[Judith Bron]

Very good, Robert.  The blind aren't going to sell themselves as blind 
people, but the deal will be sealed when they sell themselves as competant 
people.  Judith
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Robert Newman" <newmanrl at cox.net>
To: "'Writer's Division Mailing List'" <stylist at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Monday, September 14, 2009 11:07 PM
Subject: [stylist] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #149- Framing Blindness


> Fellow Writers
> RE:  Framing Blindness
>
> Here is my latest THOUGHT PROVOKER. It is all about a principle of
> communication that we as writers do have an awareness of --- "Framing" and
> getting across the correct message, is all in the words you use. The main
> character in this TP149 gets 2 chances to re-frame his delivery. If you 
> have
> not read the PROVOKER, it follows.  Recall that I collect responses and 
> post
> them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that URL
> is- Http://thoughtprovoker.info <http://thoughtprovoker.info/>   If you 
> wish
> to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and ask,
> at-  newmanrl at cox.net
>
>
> THOUGHT PROVOKER 149
> Framing Blindness
>
> "sir, I'm looking for a job. I heard you have several openings. As you can
> see," the young blind man held up his white cane in emphasis as he 
> addressed
> the business owner, "I am blind and because of it, I'm having a very tough
> time getting employment. Did you know that nearly 80% of the blind are
> unemployed? For centuries, blindness has been viewed as the worst handicap 
> a
> human can have, but it is all a lie, a great misunderstanding. With the
> right tools," raising his cane again, "a cane or dog guide, and with 
> Braille
> or for some, large print and other blindness skills, we can do most jobs,
> just as good as a sighted person. But we don't usually get a chance to 
> prove
> it." lifting the cane for a third time. "Usually people can't see past 
> this
> and we get pity, doubting thoughts and seldom an equal chance. Would you
> give me a try in one of your job openings?"
>
> "No, I won't. And I'm going to tell you why." The business owner, Ernest
> tone in his voice, palms flat on the counter top, leaned forward. "I
> listened to you, heard every word, processed the difficulties you laid out
> concerning the non-acceptance and unemployment of the blind. But think 
> about
> how you framed your story and what you set me up to think. You walked in,
> gave me the woes about being blind, hit me with 5 negatives, to one 
> positive
> and you want me to think you've got what I'm looking for in an employee?"
> Slapping a palm on the counter top in emphasis. "But this is what I'll
> consider --- I want you to go back outside, take a minute to think about 
> how
> you need to present yourself to me, then come back in and try your spiel
> again. But concentrate on telling what you can do for me."
>
> Surprised at the businessman's response, the blind guy knotted, accepting
> the challenge, turned and using the best cane technique he had, exited the
> building. Minutes later he came back in.
>
> "sir, you are looking to hire a customer service representative. I believe 
> I
> have the skills to fill the position." Indicating the cane in his hand, 
> "As
> you can see, I am blind and if you would hear me out, I would like to
> explain how I feel I can make this a success." Getting a go-ahead sound, 
> he
> continued. "Your job add listed a requirement of competency with a PC. I 
> use
> a PC every day.  And how it works for me, I use what is called screen
> reading software, it's voice output. This software will usually work with
> most computer applications. And if we find that it doesn't work right out 
> of
> the box with your companies system, we could call my state rehab counselor
> and she can have her IT specialist come in and evaluate your system and
> tweak my special software to work with yours. Second, you require customer
> service experience and though I haven't been paid to perform that duty, 
> I've
> had a couple of volunteer positions in which customer service was part of 
> my
> responsibilities."
>
> "The answer is still no. Better, but still not good enough. I now know 
> that
> you have abilities, special tools and some backup to aid you if you need
> technical assistance. However, though I'm feeling there is employment
> potential, but it appears to come with an equal weight of potential 
> problems
> that I would have to overcome. So no again. Go back out, rethink and come
> back in and convince me that you are the best person for the job."
>
> Not fully surprised, though somewhat dismayed, yet encouraged, the blind 
> guy
> knotted, turned and exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.
>
> "Sir," reaching out his right hand to give a shake in greeting, "my name 
> is
> John. You have an opening for a customer service rep, it is one of my best
> skills and I want to talk to you about hiring me for the job. I'm a very
> competent PC user. I have references I will present that will vouch for my
> ability and reliability to be at work every day, on time and that I always
> give 110% to the job. May I talk to you about your position?"
>
> "Yes, let's talk," responded the business owner.
>
>
>
> Robert Leslie Newman
> Email- newmanrl at cox.net
> THOUGHT PROVOKER Website-
> Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
>
> _______________________________________________
> Writers Division web site:
> http://www.nfb-writers-division.org <http://www.nfb-writers-division.org/>
>
> stylist mailing list
> stylist at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/stylist_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> stylist:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/stylist_nfbnet.org/jbron%40optonline.net