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

Mon Nov 2 20:01:10 UTC 2020

Also, depending on the size of the agency, you could ask for a driver as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA, but others on this group know much more on the ins and outs of this topic, so I defer to them.

Shannon Cook, MSW, CPM

-----Original Message-----
From: HumanSer <humanser-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Sarah Meyer via HumanSer
Sent: Monday, November 2, 2020 2:46 PM
To: Human Services Division Mailing List <humanser at nfbnet.org>; Doug Lee <dgl at dlee.org>
Cc: Sarah Meyer <sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com>
Subject: [External] Re: [HumanSer] Questions about Driver's License as a Minimum Requirement for Employment

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.
The interview was over Zoom, but I disclosed my blindness to explain why I wouldn't be making eye contact and because if we had been meeting in person, my cane would have explained that to them without my needing to verbally disclose.
I spoke with my VR counselor, and she said they could potentially help me find a driver or with that hiring process, but they wouldn't pay a driver for me. Is that what you folks meant with working with services for the blind? Are they supposed to pay a driver or is that the blind person's responsibility?
I appreciate the thoughts and suggestions, especially about sending kids home in taxis, activity buses, etc. I think having a hired driver could be an option too.
The HR person responded and said she could look to see if they have any more office-based positions and she would also be open to discussing accommodations.

Sarah

On 11/2/20, Doug Lee via HumanSer <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 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                https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dlee.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7Cshannon.cook%40sccb.sc.gov%7C5612cdc37992400b32ed08d87f681c45%7Ce9f8d01480d84f27b0d6c3d6c085fcdd%7C1%7C0%7C637399432416190206%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=HzRnGsorhJB7MmNlfeOqB55kcj5lenUMLtqCXmVrmCo%3D&reserved=0
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--
Sarah K. Meyer
Graduate Student, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Ball State University
Pronouns: she/her/hers. See
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sarah.meyer55 at gmail.com
(317)402-6632

The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back. Together with love, hope, and determination, we transform dreams into reality.

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