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

Sat Jul 27 16:33:00 UTC 2019

Hello everyone,
I am not ashamed of my disability, but, I know this…
I’ve tried this both ways.
Every time I have disclosed my blindness before the interview, I have not even gotten to the interview.
Most of the time, when I have not disclosed my blindness before the interview, I have actually gotten to an interview, and, sometimes, even gotten hired.
I think it’s just the facts of life that it is risky to disclose too early.
Take care,
Darrell

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jul 27, 2019, at 9:22 AM, Sandra Gayer via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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> 
> 
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