[Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination

Tue Oct 27 02:16:52 UTC 2009

Well John, you can tell  then how long ago it has been since I have feeled 
out an application. I do believe that these special requirements should only 
apply on applications for jobs that need them, not on all apps. Your friend 
in the cause, Kirk
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "John Ramsey" <joramsey at cox.net>
To: "'NFB of Florida Listserv'" <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 10:28 PM
Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination


> Hello Kirk,
> These are very standard conditions in nearly all Florida job applications.
> Being blind myself, I have encountered these exact requirements on job
> applications here in Florida. In fact, the job I have now requires all of
> the mentioned requirements and I have been there for over two years. You
> simply ask for an accommodation under State and Federal law.
> Take care,
> John
>
> John A. Ramsey Jr., Esq.
>
> Gainesville, FL 32609
>
> (352) 505-6642
>
>
>
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> -----Original Message-----
> From: nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbf-l-bounces at nfbnet.org] On 
> Behalf
> Of Kirk
> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 8:20 PM
> To: NFB of Florida Listserv
> Subject: Re: [Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination
>
>
>        Bill, I can understand your frustration without a doubt, however, I
> would assume that these requirements you have described such as must have 
> a
> valid drivers License, or must be able to lift over 25 pds or more, should
> be associated to jobs that would require you to either drive or be able to
> pick up items of considerable weight. I know it can be very upsetting to
> you, but when I could see and hired people for my small businesses, I had
> these items mentioned in my applications. I placed them on my applications
> not to discriminate, but to help me  identify with applicants that could 
> do
> the specific jobs they were applying for. Now, after saying that, If you 
> are
>
> a computer programmer, then like you said, the only requirements for you 
> are
>
> to close down your lap top at the end of the day and remove it from your
> work space! I hope that  you don't think that I am slighting your 
> situation
> by any means Bill, but just trying to let you understand why it's legal 
> and
> why employers do, at times, do what they do!  I don't understand at all 
> why
> these employer's  you have described would ask these type questions 
> however
> if they are looking specifically for computer programmers or computer or
> electronic technicians, ETC. I would assume that  if you were to research
> more thoroughly about this as to why these requirements are legal  on
> applications for clerical or computer jobs,and why employer's are asking 
> for
>
> these answers on jobs without the need for them. Perhaps they could modify
> the law so that only jobs that  require certain needs would have these
> restrictions on their applications.   If employer's are not using these
> properly for there applications for specific job requirements than perhaps
> they could be forced to pay a fine and/or change their applications
> accordingly!  Your friend in  the cause, Kirk
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Bill Dennis" <billiam904 at yahoo.com>
> To: <nfbf-l at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Friday, October 23, 2009 3:37 PM
> Subject: [Nfbf-l] Job Discrimination
>
>
>>I haven't posted to this list in well over a year but lately, I've had
>>something that really bugs me and I'm just upset enough to spill my guts
>>about it.
>>
>> I am a legally blind computer programmer who happens to also be an
>> amputee.
>>
>> I have worked all of my life except for a few years when I was on
>> dialysis
>> before my kidney transplant.
>>
>> I've been in the computer industry for almost 25 years.
>>
>> The company I work for laid me off for 5 weeks and during that time, I
>> sought another job.
>>
>> I've been disabled since 1995 but physically disabled since 2004.  In
>> all
>> of this time, I've only had a few employers openly discriminate against 
>> me
>
>> and most of those were out of ignorance but apparently, it is now legal 
>> in
>
>> Florida for an employer to list "working conditions" in the job posting
>> and eliminate people from even applying for the job based on these
>> so-called working conditions.
>>
>> One employer listed "must have eyesight" as a working condition.
>>
>> Two other that I've seen in the past two weeks places a minimum
>> lifting
>> weight of 25 pounds.  Excuse me but computer programmers do not lift
>> anything but our laptops when it is time to go home.  That is what I.T.
>> people or laborers are for.  The lifting clause eliminates me due to eye
>> hemmoraging and of course, the fact that I walk with a prostetic.  For a
>> total, it would eliminate them because while you can probably do the
>> lifting, how will you be guided to where the items you are lifting need 
>> to
>
>> be moved?  I'm sure they won't hire a sighted guide for you and you 
>> cannot
>
>> use a guide dog or a cane if both of your hands are full.
>>
>> One other clause I've seen is "must have valid driver's license".  I
>> used
>> to be able to arrange my own travel at my expense but I now no longer 
>> have
>
>> that option.
>>
>> I've been told that all of these "requirements" are perfectly legal
>> and
>> that there is no one to validate these conditions to make sure that these
>> are actual working condition but simply the employer's way to eliminate
>> "uneanted" candidates.
>>
>> I would like to hear your thoughts on this.
>>
>> Bill Dennis
>> Orlando
>>
>>
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>
>
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