eSight NetWork News

2008-05-07
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How Do We Show We Are Capable?

eSight member Pam MacNeill writes:

  "As a blind woman in a third-tier management role
  looking to take the next step into tier two and on
  to a Chief Executive role within the next five
  years, I think the issue is one of belief (or rather
  the lack of belief in our capabilities demonstrated
  by employers -- time after time).

  "I always find a way to mention that I read braille
  and use a guide dog in my resume, so those 'short
  listing' for the role are not surprised to meet me,
  if I am interviewed.

  "I tend to get job interviews around seven times out
  of 10, and often it's pretty obvious I'm being
  interviewed to satisfy EEO principles or because of
  down-right curiosity to meet this blind woman who
  manages staff and a multi-million dollar budget.

  "But, if that's what gets me the interview,
  that's fine because I then have the opportunity to
  demonstrate my communication and lateral-thinking
  skills etc.

  "I attend these interviews and give presentations
  and answer the standard interview questions posed to
  me. Then I usually advise the panel that I am happy
  to discuss my blindness, thus putting them at their
  ease regarding their curiosity about this.

  "It is generally obvious to me, at this point, that
  my blindness is on top for these people because
  their questions usually come in rapid bursts.

  "(That) then leads me to wonder whether they have
  heard any of my presentation and/or answers to the
  standard interview questions.

  "I am about to apply for two high-level roles and
  have decided to find a way to incorporate how I
  manage my disability into the interview answers as
  early on as possible. I feel it's important that I
  bring home to the panel the fact that I am a very
  able person, who uses adaptive technology and a
  guide dog. I'm different and I often do things
  differently, but that doesn't mean I'm unable to
  perform a high-level, strategic management role.

  "But going back to lack of belief in our
  capabilities on the part of employers, I have a
  question of my own:

  How do we show employees that we are real, capable
  people who can contribute much of value to their
  businesses?

Post your reply on the eSight Networking Forum at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1403

Check all the replies to this question at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1402

Jim Hasse
Senior Content Developer
eSight Careers Network

eSight Resources:

  eSight members, most with working experience, admit
  that overcoming fear, ignorance and prejudice to
  gain employment in the mainstream job market is no
  small task. But it can be done.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1957

  The job interview can feel like "make or break" time,
  especially when you have a disability. But it's
  actually just another networking opportunity. Here
  are some tips for making the best of an interview
  situation.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1885

  eSight members take the opportunity to provide
  employers with their perspectives about what is most
  harmful in hindering their efforts to gain
  meaningful employment.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1805

Community News

  VISIONS Employment and Technology Institutes,
  Summer 2008 - College Students Register NOW
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1415

DVS Home Video® Sales Effort Comes to a Close
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1404

Employment Opportunities With the IRS
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1405

Statler Center Announces Career and Technology Expo
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1406

  Aging and Vision Policy and Practice in New York
  City and New York State: A Panel Presentation
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1407

National Telecommuting Institute (NTI)
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1408

  Career Exploration and Job Search: 5/8/08 to 5/29/08
  at the Computer Center for Visually Impaired People
  (NYC) http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1409

  DePaul University Study of Costs and Benefits of
  Employing People With Disabilities Finds Few Risks
  to Employers
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1410

Access Programs at the Guggenheim
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1411

  VSA arts Invites Entries From Young Artists With
  Disabilities for Green Light Awards
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1412

  The 1st Annual NY Disabilities Film Festival
  Sept 21-23, 2008
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1413

  Family Connect Brings Together Parents
  of Visually Impaired Children
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1414

  Tapping Into Your Greatest Leadership Potential:
  Promise and Possibilities (Richfield, MN)
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1416

  National Disability Statistics for Disability
  Advocacy Webinar: 3-4:30 ET on May 22
  http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=1417

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Job Postings

New this week:

  Woodlawn, MD
  Job Title: Senior 508 Tester.
  Company: Lockheed Martin.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=686

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Amplas Machine Operator.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=724

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: T-Shirt Bag Folder/Picker.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=721

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Roll Bag Machine Operator.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=720

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Seal Closure Boxer/Stacker.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=705

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Amplas Bag
  Folder/Picker/Quality Associate.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=694

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Zip Lock Bag Machine
  Operator/Quality Associate.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=693

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Roll Bag Picker.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=692

  Fairchild AFB, WA
  Job Title: Cashier/Stocker -
  Fairchild, WA. Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=691

  Fort Riley, KS
  Job Title: Cashier/Stocker.
  Company: Envison.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=690

  Wichita, KS
  Job Title: Bindery/Packaging/Assembly
  Associate.
  Company: Envision.
  http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=688

and more...
Go to http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=64

Resource Sharing

In addition to articles sent in by eSight members,
this week's eSight resources include job leads;
information about online computer classes;
and more...
Go to http://www.esight.org/view.cfm?x=1982

Networking Forum
http://www.tabinc.org/net

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http://www.tabinc.org/jsn/

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Share Your 'Aha! Moment.' It's another form
of virtual mentoring for our eSight community.
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=849

Resource Exchange

Tell us about disability employment sites, blogs,
tips, job leads or events at
http://www.esight.org/link.cfm?n=182

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