[Jobs] disclosing your blindness to a perspective employer

[Marianne Haas]

Hello,
Here is my experience for what it is worth.

First of all, I decide before applying.  I do not put my blindness on my
resume.  I, on the other hand, have an email address:
braillewoman at earthlink.net.  I am a Teacher of the Visually impaired and
always say that I can teach Braille.

Lately, I have applied to many case management type jobs.  Many ads state
that they want a driver's license.  In my cover letter I state that I am
legally blind and that I do not drive.  I also state that I can reach any
location in a timely fashion.

I have been interviewed by some of those employers.  Some employers will let
me know that part of the job is driving people and therefore they need
someone with a license.

I have applied for a county job, where it was beneficial to disclose my
blindness.  I was very well accommodated during my exams.

I sometimes let an employer know just before the interview that I am legally
blind.  I can put people at ease, which may interviewers have told me.

By the way, could you please cross your fingers.  I had an interview to be
an Employer Counselor for the county.  I really would love to have this job
and I am enthusiastic. I was already told that I did an excellent job on the
exam.

In the meantime, I am very willing to talk to anyone personally by phone.  I
can be reached at:

(510) 525-7965

I have a good ear, big shoulders to cry on, a good sense of humor.  I can
even take collect phone calls.  I also can correspond by email.  I had may
jobs and made many mistakes, which I hope I can help other people not to
make.

Sincerely,

Marianne 

-----Original Message-----
From: jobs-bounces+braillewoman=earthlink.net at nfbnet.org
[mailto:jobs-bounces+braillewoman=earthlink.net at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of
Leslie Hamric
Sent: Friday, May 09, 2008 1:43 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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