Networking Forum

I concur with all the statements that have been posted on how to professionally disclose your disability.

However, I must say that I have been on both sides of the fence.

When I graduated from Rutgers University in 1998 I did not have a clue how to find a job, do a resume, or perform well during an interview.

This long process was indeed my stepping stone to an awesome career in Human Resources. I had to learn many things but the best one was how to interview because it is a “work-in-progress.”

I would never disclose my disability until I was offered a job and received an offer letter. In my opinion, a job offer is not valid until a written letter is given.

After you accept the offer you can then disclose hour disability and request a reasonable accommodation that does not pose harm to your employer.

Now that I have been in the field of Human Resources for 8 years, I have a broad perspective on how to handle issues in the areas of diversity, employment law as well as recruiting and interviewing.

Legally a company cannot discriminate against an applicant or perspective employee based on a disability of any kind. However you should learn your rights described in the American’s with Disabilities Act because they are very helpful in many ways.

Knowing yourself can also give an employer a perspective of how you will fit in their organization. Confidence is one of the best innate tools you have that will help you succeed way beyond the workplace. Be proud of who you are and do not let your disability overshadow your career!

It is well that one keeps in mind that Employers do not hire, Blind People, they hire willing and well qualified, Workers.

Any Blind, or Visually Impaired, Person seeking employment, will do themselves a great favor, to work with their State, Rehabilitation Agency, and utilize the broad array, of services, available, free, of charge.

A Rehabilitation Counselor has the tools, skills and connections, which will prepare the Job Seeker, to conduct a job search, systematically and orderly.

Boldly announcing, to a prospective Employer that you are blind is a negative. You don't know the mind set, of the hiring Authority. Remember that the negative history, of Blindness is pervasive and deep. People fear Blindness, almost above all other disease, or condition.

Presenting your credentials in their most positive form is important.

Sending out random Resumes is worse than worthless. First you need a professional evaluation and assessment, of your work skills and abilities. You carefully choose opportunities where you know that, both entry and advancement level, positions exist.

It is most often better that your Counselor, or Job Developer, make inquiries and perhaps present your credentials, as it helps, that Employers know that an Agency is involved and advocating, on your behalf.

You learn all that you can about, both the prospective Employer and when possible, learn something about the Interviewer. It really impresses most people that you make the effort, to prepare in this manner, and a nice little thought regarding the Interviewers', personal achievements, hobbies, etc. goes far.

You present yourself as a well qualified, willing and dependable Employee, and the negatives melt away.

Ask not what the Employer can do, for you, project what you can do, for the Employer.

CFS

San Antonio, Texas

I have reviewed frequently job postings at eSight. It is my opinion the employers take gross advantage of the generosity of this sight by posting jobs that will never benefit blind applicants. Example. Envision posted a job requiring a person to drive as a minimum requirement. Companies fail to also post applicable salary ranges from high to low or even DOE.

This is one of the down sides because blind applicants fight so many obstacles to begin there should be minimum standards set for the employers so that blind applicants have opportunity to know they are truly competing for equal access to potential employment opportunities.

One applicant commented they should never disclose they are blind when applying. I do not agree the fact the job is posted as an equal opportunity states there should be no obstacles and applicants are expected to tell the truth as a matter of ethical standards.

If the employer is made aware the applicant is blind up front, it should have no bearing and definitely should not allow for the applicant to hit the employer with hidden surprises. We as blind citizens have laws to protect against such actions the same as others with disabilities, ethic, age or other discriminatory practices. It is time that employers were stopped being coddled and recognize each applicant based on criteria that is relevant.

Just because the eyes are broken does not mean the mind is. I entered a Bachelor Degree Program through Online accessibility. The Public College 'Texas Tech University" I first applied said it could not be done. I applied to a second Strayer University Online - The cost was considerably higher but the attitude was different because the University recognized my ability to try and complete the courses. It has been difficult but I have completed a 180 credit hour program lacking 13.5 hours in two and one half years.

The secret I refuse to be defeated and stood firm in my belief "if there is a will there is a way". I will graduate in June as a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda National Honor Society with a 3.75 GPA. I cannot see, this is an obstacle it does not stop my or others abilites to learn or to functions.

Disabled workers are tired of being subjected to less than fair wages for jobs performed. We still have to pay the same cost of living as sighted or non - disabled workers. When sight is a BOQ's - Bonified Occupational Qualifications - Such as Driving a car, ambulance, flying air craft, of operation of any motorized vehicle requires visual abilites. This is understandable. Administering medications in medical or hospital envioronments, technicnology such as lab research requiring the use of microscope, to mention a few.

Out side of those mentioned all else should be based on learned skills not what one can see or if one can walk or hear.

Change needs to be addressed and fairness implemented.