[HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum Requirement for Employment

[Doug Lee]

Curiosity: You said,
> Job applicants who feel they must prove that they are able by bringing in
> tech equipment or disclosing prior to the interview, tend to do more poorly
> in obtaining employment.

I wonder where one might find statistics on that question. It is discussed often, and the results may well vary depending on many other factors, including the specific type of occupation being sought.

I would assume that an overbearing attitude would reduce the probability of success, and I suspect that advanced disclosure of blindness would do so in some occupations more than others. I doubt that simply bringing assistive
technology or even using it appropriately would reduce one's chances.

On Mon, Nov 02, 2020 at 11:23:02AM -0500, JD Townsend via HumanSer wrote:
Hello Sarah,

Sad that employers continue to use the driver license "requirement" to
eliminate blind applicants.

I have answered the question by saying that I arrived at the appointment
independently and would be able to meet any travel requirements.

When the item comes up in an application form I have left the answer
unanswered as driving was not a part of the job description.

I never "disclosed" that I am blind, however my dog guide or white cane
usually informs the interviewer.  Most often they don't know what to do with
a blind applicant, but that is their problem.  As long as you have the
self-confidence and ability to present yourself as able, you will do well.

Job applicants who feel they must prove that they are able by bringing in
tech equipment or disclosing prior to the interview, tend to do more poorly
in obtaining employment.  The employer wants an employee who can be
consistently on time and do a satisfactory job while being a part of a team.


 Congratulations on your graduation and best of luck on your job search.


JD Townsend, LCSW
Helping the light dependent to see

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer <humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Meyer via
HumanSer
Sent: Sunday, November 1, 2020 12:49 PM
To: humanser at nfbnet.org
Cc: Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com>
Subject: [HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum
Requirement for Employment

Greetings all,
I hope you are all well and staying healthy. I am writing because I am
beginning my job search since I am graduating with my Master's in Clinical
Mental Health Counseling this December and have come across my first barrier
through my first interview.

I interviewed for a position as a school-based therapist through a community
mental health agency the other day. The interview went well but I received
an email a few hours later from the person in HR with whom I have been in
contact stating that while the supervisor said the interview was positive
and productive, I disclosed that I am blind, and she wanted to clarify if I
would still be able to drive and transport clients and if I had a driver's
license and auto insurance.
She said these were minimum requirements for the job. I should note that I
never filled out an application for this position; the career coach from the
Ball State University Career Center with whom I have been working connected
me with this person from HR at a community mental health agency so I reached
out with my CV and was soon contacted thereafter with an offer of an
interview. I responded to the email inquiring about my ability to transport
clients and verified that I am blind and do not drive but asked if
transporting clients was an essential function of the job. My understanding
is that most of the year, I would be meeting with students and families in
an office at the high school or virtually, except in the summer and other
breaks when they transition to a community-based approach. Therapists will
pick up students and bring them to the school, meet with them in the
community, or go to their homes. Additionally, if students meet with the
therapist after the schoolday ends, therapists will drive them home. The
supervisor said that when she was in this position, they sometimes made
arrangements with parents for transportation, but this was not always
reliable and she preferred to drive students herself as this allowed her to
maintain the most control over her schedule.

I am wondering if anyone on this list has done school-based therapy or
community-based therapy that typically involves transporting clients as a
part of the job, and if so, how you navigated this situation. I am curious
if folks still apply for jobs where a driver's license is required. I am
also curious if people have suggestions on how to proceed with this
potential employer. I thought about the possible option of hiring a driver,
but would this be acceptable to an employer if they are concerned about
confidentiality and other liability concerns?

I look forward to hearing back from you at your earliest convenience.

Best wishes,

Sarah


-- 
Doug Lee                 dgl at dlee.org                http://www.dlee.org
Level Access             doug.lee at LevelAccess.com    http://www.LevelAccess.com
"It's not easy to be crafty and winsome at the same time, and few accomplish
it after the age of six." --John W. Gardner and Francesca Gardner Reese