[Jobs] disclosing your blindness to a perspective employer

[craig.borne at dot.gov]

Leslie,
In my opinion, it really depends on where you are applying.  For
example, if you are applying for a job with the NFB or the Lighthouse
for the Blind, then disclosing your blindness up front is no big deal.
However, if you are applying to "mainstream" employment opportunities,
then I would not disclose my blindness in my cover letter or resume.  I
would typically wait until the interview, or if an exam is necessary,
when I call the HR department to set up the testing date.
Importantly, if you are applying to a federal agency, disclosing your
blindness up front may be beneficial. The feds have something called a
Schedule A Hiring Authority, which means that a person with a targeted
disability (such as blindness) can be hired without going through the
competitive hiring process.  There are some more caveats, which you can
explore at www.opm.gov.
I hope this helps.
Craig

Craig Borne
NHTSA/DOT
(202) 493-0627 Voice
(202) 493-2990 Fax
craig.borne at dot.gov Email
 

-----Original Message-----
From: jobs-bounces+craig.borne=dot.gov at nfbnet.org
[mailto:jobs-bounces+craig.borne=dot.gov at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Leslie
Hamric
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 4:43 PM
To: Jobs for the Blind
Subject: [Jobs] disclosing your blindness to a perspective employer

Hi all.  I'm curious to know about experiences you've had regarding if
and when to disclose your bliindness to a perspective employer.  I've
heard all kinds of things like just showing up at the interview, putting
that your blind on your resume, etc.  I know it's a matter of personal
preference so I'm looking forward to getting some responses. Thanks.
Leslie and GEB dog Lava
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