March 21, 2006
Successfully Using a Reader While at Work
Those of you who have not yet tapped into the eSight Networking Forum are missing some interesting stories about the various career paths individuals with visual impairments and other disabilities have followed over the years -- sometimes purposefully and sometimes by chance (but most through effective networking).
During those discussions on the eSight Networking Forum, Ameenah Lippold’s comment about using a reader at work caught my eye. Here it is:
“...I am very comfortable in being blind. I have been blind since I was six, and I am now 28. I have worked in the technology arena from doing assistive technology to just your generic system administration and programming.
”For personal reasons, I decided that I would try working in the government, and so I landed a position doing Enterprise Architecture. This field is very complex and relies heavily on graphics to convey very complex and detailed information.
“...I am finding that Enterprise Architecture taps into my natural strengths, and, if I can master the field, it would be most advantageous for me in the long run. I considered doing the reader route, but I am concerned that might be viewed in a negative light, and there is no guarantee I would get someone who is (able to accurately) explain some of these graphics.
“The final option is that I transfer into a different group within the agency, but I am determined to not do that. It goes against everything that I believe in about myself and about one's choice in pursuing a career. I would like to hear anyone's input on the matter.”
Consider Ameenah’s situation. Then please submit your replies to this question:
What tips do you have for successfully using a reader while at work?
Posted by Jim at 12:24 PM | Comments (8)
February 14, 2006
What Have You Learned From Rodney?
Today, Rodney Haynie, a former programmer/software developer, discusses a couple of disability employment issues he has encountered during his career change into information systems -- a shift he deemed necessary due to the onset of Retinitis Pigmentosa.
I'll let Rodney speak for himself, and I'd like to thank him for sharing his story with us. You'll find a new article, "Rodney Haynie Profile: 'I Decided to Talk Myself Out of the Job,'" about Rodney in eSight's Career Management Resources section.
As Rodney tells his story, he mentions several incidents which made his career transition just a little easier for him.
Note, for instance, that Rodney:
- Had students volunteering to help him with assignments which were not accessible.
- Discovered his telephone screening interviewer knew about JAWS for Windows.
- Had two people from previous client work put in a good word for him during the interviewing process.
- Found the HR person at InfoMC had previous experience with recruiting accommodations at a larger company.
- Received an invitation from InfoMC to come back to complete the interview with the company's CIO.
- Went from unpaid volunteer to full-time employment within two months.
- Is working two days a week from his home -- with the prospect of increasing that to four days at home.
Your answer to this question could help us all:
What have you learned from Rodney's story that you can apply to your own situation?
Posted by Jim at 03:33 PM | Comments (2)