[nfbcs] University Engineering Career Fair: How to discuss my vision

[Tracy Carcione]

Would you consider carrying a cane?  Independent Living Aids has what they 
call an ID cane.  It's only about 4 feet tall, and folds up small enough to 
fit easily in a pocket or purse.  It will identify you as blind/low vision, 
and let people know why you look at things differently.
My husband found he had a lot less explaining to do, once he started using a 
cane.  And he didn't trip over things anymore, either.
Tracy

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Suzanne Germano via nfbcs" <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
To: "National Association of Blind Students mailing list" 
<nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; <nfbcs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 11:04 PM
Subject: [nfbcs] University Engineering Career Fair: How to discuss my 
vision


> Hi
>
> I will be attending the ASU Engineering Career Fair and the Grace Hopper
> Celebrating Women in Computing Career Fair. I am looking for some insight
> on whether or not to mention my visual disability.
>
> I am not ashamed or want to hide it but need to find the correct segue to
> bring it up.
>
> I do not use a cane so the fact that I am legally blind is not obvious. I
> do squint, as I am severely light sensitive, and wear red contacts. Also,
> if I am looking at anything I am holding it very close to my face. I know
> that people are aware and notice these things but tend to make incorrect
> assumptions. Some of the things people have thought about me or others who
> are low vision that I know include being sleepy or up all night or on
> drugs. I feel it is better to acknowledge my disability vs having them 
> make
> assumptions.
>
> I was hoping to casually find a way to include it in my introduction (30
> second speech).
>
> I consulted with someone at ASU who was reviewing my resume and she asked
> two HR recruiters and they said absolutely do not mention it in
> conversation or indicate it on my resume.
>
> I believe my resume and 4.0 GPA should show the person at the career fair
> that my disability does not have a negative affect on my ability in
> computer science.
>
> What are your thoughts?
>
> Thank You
> Suzanne
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