Networking Forum

Hello Jessica,

This is one of the unfortunate and serious problems with the assistive technology industry. IMHO, whenever a critical piece of technology of this nature needs to be shipped off for repair, a loaner or exchange program should be offered with reasonable terms. Back in the 1980's, Blazie Engineering offered an exchange program for their Braille 'n Speak to cover situations like these. I've never heard of any other similar programs anywhere else in the industry. Alas, this is just one of the many let downs of such a vital industry on which we depend in order to make a living.

Increasingly, rather than devices such as the BrailleNote, BrailleSense, Icon or PAC Mate, I am recommend use of off-the-shelf PDAs or Smartphones with screen readers like Mobile Speak Pocket along with accessories like the Braille displays from Optelec. If the PDA breaks, just work it out and replace the mainstream technology. MobileSpeak Pocket offers user-centered licensing now, so replacing that is no big deal. The Braille display would be the only issue, but, at least, you could possibly limp along without that; it is better than nothing at all.

In many cases, when I go on job interviews, I don't take a lot of equipment with me. I guess it depends on the situation. If you typically take both your laptop and BrailleNote, you should be just fine taking only the laptop. After all, notes can still be taken on the laptop, so you're really not losing anything.

Jessica,

Depending on the interview level, it is best not to take along that which may appear to be unnecessary to the interviewer. If, it is a "screening" interview by a Recruiter or the HR Representative, they provide you limited time as the interview is a screening process (Gate Keeper) before you get to the actual Hiring Manager.

In the case of the HR Representative, it is sufficient to accurately describe how you can do the position requirements with your "Assistive Technology" (AT). This person generally has individuals lined-up on a 30/45/60 minute basis. You must make initial contact count.

If, you choose to take technology keep mental notes. Don't make notes during the interview rather, make them afterwards. Anything that takes away from the focus of the interview detracts from your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA).

Finally, if you believe appropriate, offer the HR Representative to come back at his/her convenience to make a presentation on the technology and AT you use. Additionally, offer to have his/her colleagues attend as well. In this way, you're expanding your exposure in the organization, demonstrating your KSA's and placing the image of yourself as a highly qualified candidate in the mindseye of other HR Representatives within the organization.

Best of Luck in Your Pursuits,

-Jim

James J. Elekes, M.Ed, MPA/CPM Presidential Appointee/Public Member and Chairman, Telecommunications, Electronic/Information Technologies Committee United States Access Board Washington, D.C.

Unlike Jim I disagree that you shouldn't take assistive technology with you on an interview (even if it is only a screening!). I feel it's important that if you have technology available to you that demonstrates your ability to handle a specific job that you should definitely have it with you.

I find it mind-boggling that there is not a service for job-seekers that will allow for a loaner in that type of an instance.

I think I would be upfront and simply state that you'd like the ability to demonstrate how you use the technology at a later date and be honest about the reason that you don't have it with you, focusing in on the fact that if you were working a loaner would be available to you (thereby demonstrating that in the event of necessary repairs that it won't interfere with your employment).

Hi Jessica, I can think of several ways to get around not having your BrailleNote at your interview. First, if you take your laptop, I think a brief demonstration of its benefit to the company is enough, especially since you can easily say that your screen reading software can translate documents into many languages so you can LISTEN and translate. State that there are other portable devices which allow you to do the essentials functions of the job such as PDA's, tape recorders, as stated in your resume. It's your fluency in language that's important so you don't have to spend much time demonstrating equipment. I suggest brief demonstrations that lead the hiring manager back to talking about your language skills. Put a brief statement on your Jist card or attach a photograph of a helpful device to your resume with the website address. Not knowing just how you want to use your language skills makes it a little more difficult to offer suggestions. Just don't overkill these amazing techie tools we have or the interviewer might not stay focused on the skills and qualifications you bring to the position you seek.

Jessica,

You rely on assistive technology as do most sighted people. When a computer breaks down no one automatically assumes that a person is incompetent. May I suggest that your skills as a translator while they may depend on assistive technology are inherently part of who you are. Your education has created you as an asset.

If you have an interview explain your situation and ask them if they would be kind enough to grant you the time to take an assignment and show them what you are capable of accomplishing. They are hiring you as an asset. You have the skills and abilities. A key ability at this point is to communicate clearly what you can do, ask for the opportunity to demonstrate it and then go for it. The issue with AT suggests there is a market for those who can provide technology within 24 hours to meet the emergency needs of those who use the technology. Also, look at schedule A employment with the Federal Government as an option. Good luck.

barney

Thanks to everyone who has commented on my situation so far. I just want to point out that although I can switch the synthesizer language to French or German, the French and German that JAWS speaks is extremely hard to understand. When I have JAWS read something in French, I usually need to go through the document word by word or letter by letter to decipher what it says. Although a trenslation job probably could be done, it would be very difficult, tedious, and time-consuming. Keep the suggestions coming!