[NABS-L] Job Interview: Seeking Advice on Disclosing my Disability

[Sandra Gayer]

Hello Everyone,
I am following this thread and tried to keep silent. However, I feel I
must say something at this point. It is a shame that people feel they
have to withhold such a vital piece of information about how they work
and conduct themselves on a day-to-day basis. By leaving disclosure
until the very last second, we run the risk of the person receiving
the news in a negative way. Personally, if there is no space to
disclose on a CV or application, I send an accompanying cover letter
which gives me a chance to describe my disability, what it means to me
and what sets me apart from other candidates for the job. In my
opinion, saying nothing or just turning up to an interview with a cane
or dog, surprising your interviewer is not only discourteous, it's an
opportunity lost to describe the positive aspects of your disability.
This frame of mind depends on a positive view of being blind/visually
impaired. If you view it negatively, it is natural to wish to hide it.
My disability is part of what has shaped me as a person and the
thought of hiding it, even if it were possible, feels unpleasant.
Still, we're all different and disability can mean different things to
different people.

Very best wishes,
Sandra.

On 7/26/19, Jorge Paez via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> I’m totally blind so, there’s kinda an automatic disclosure the moment I
> walk in the room.
> That said, for phone interviews, I never ever disclose my blindness.
> The only time I ever mentioned it was once when I was applying to work with
> a missing child non profit because I was afraid that my job might’ve
> included looking at pictures which it did.
> Other then that though I don’t disclose on the phone, and like I said for
> face to face interviews my presence is an automatic disclosure.
>
> Jorge
>
>
>
>> On Jul 26, 2019, at 3:18 PM, Emmanuelle Lo via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
>> wrote:
>>
>> CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Broward College. DO NOT
>> click links or open attachments unless are expecting the information and
>> you recognize the sender.
>> ________________________________
>>
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Hope you all are having a great summer.
>>
>> I applied for a part time job at my college's library and just found out
>> today that they want to do a phone interview. The application just
>> consisted of a resume, so other than the fact that my work experience
>> includes working at a camp for blind and visually impaired youth, I
>> haven't yet disclosed my disability. Since it's not an in-person
>> interview, my blindness won't be obvious unless it comes up during the
>> interview. Do you have any suggestions for how/when I should handle
>> disclosure? Any general job interview tips would also be appreciated,
>> since this is really my first official job interview.
>>
>> Thank you, and happy weekend!
>> Emmie
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-- 
Sandra Gayer DipABRSM, LRSM.

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