[Jobs] disclosing your blindness to a perspective employer

[Leslie Hamric]

Hi Craig.  Yes, this helps a lot.  I'm looking forward to other suggestions 
as well.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <craig.borne at dot.gov>
To: <jobs at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 3:51 PM
Subject: Re: [Jobs] disclosing your blindness to a perspective employer


> 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
> _______________________________________________
> Jobs mailing list
> Jobs at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/jobs
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Jobs:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/jobs/craig.borne%40dot.gov
> _______________________________________________
> Jobs mailing list
> Jobs at nfbnet.org
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/jobs
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> Jobs:
> http://www.nfbnet.org/mailman/options/jobs/lhamric%40sbcglobal.net