Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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hiding blindness (self.Blind)
submitted by faerylin
First off I will say that after 2 years of fighting for disability. Due to being legally blind (IIH & Stargardts), and a nerve disorder; I couldn't wait any longer and found a job. I selected unsure/do not wish to disclose for am I disabled. I am holding the job good. I am excelling and due to my management experience they are putting me on the fast track for promotion. So far I have been able to dismiss/laugh off if I drop something, dont see someone, or cant read something on the wall. I think I can keep this up and be promoted. But a part of me hates that Ihave to hide those parts of me. But I know damn sure that if I told them I would be looked at differently, I wouldnt be training to be a manager, and down the road could see my hours being cut. I would be moved to out front, instead of cooking (you know because a blind person shouldnt be cooking) It doesnt matter if my vision is decent up close, far away is where I have the most issues. The blind spot in the center of my vision isnt too big and I have learned how to turn my head and do things so that it doesnt affect things too much. I dont know how long I will be able to pull this off, but after taking so many years off of working, my body is tired and hurting yes, but it feels damn good to be working again.
Please dont mention well if you tell them they cant fire you. I have been a manager before, I have seen & heard other people be fired when they disclosed a disability. It wont be right away but they will lose hours, slowly of course, within a few months will have a write up and within 6 months will be fired or have quit. Just wanted to vent to people that understand it alittle better than others.
Please dont mention well if you tell them they cant fire you. I have been a manager before, I have seen & heard other people be fired when they disclosed a disability. It wont be right away but they will lose hours, slowly of course, within a few months will have a write up and within 6 months will be fired or have quit. Just wanted to vent to people that understand it alittle better than others.
Mel_AndCholy 13 points 2y ago
I hide my disability, too. I've been told to leave in job interviews because I naively disclosed my disability. I'm happy for you. Keep it up for as long as you can.
15795After 2 points 6m ago
How do you hide your disability? I was with my friend who is visually impaired and apparently the ride we were going on wouldn't let someone who is visually impaired go on. My friend is noticeably blind to others (eyes seem to be staring blankly). Would you recommend training your eyes to simulate being sighted?
KillerLag 11 points 2y ago
It is a tricky position. While most places have policies in place to prevent you from being fired for a disability, it is very easy to fire someone for something else. They can pile on too much work for you to do, and then fire you like that. Or any number of things.
But at the same time, some places are better at providing support. Some places provide only minimal support, while others provide more.
Job safety is also an issue, though. I had a client who did not disclose to his company he was having trouble seeing in the dark, although he could see well enough in the daytime (that's what he told me, anyways). He had to drive some kind of machinery to haul things around, and during one late shift, he almost killed someone because he didn't see them. They ended up changing his position to do the same job in an area with much more lighting.
But at the same time, some places are better at providing support. Some places provide only minimal support, while others provide more.
Job safety is also an issue, though. I had a client who did not disclose to his company he was having trouble seeing in the dark, although he could see well enough in the daytime (that's what he told me, anyways). He had to drive some kind of machinery to haul things around, and during one late shift, he almost killed someone because he didn't see them. They ended up changing his position to do the same job in an area with much more lighting.
15795After 1 points 6m ago
Any tips on how a very low vision person can read faster?
KillerLag 1 points 6m ago
That would probably be dependent on how low your vision is, and what you use. Some people prefer to use a magnifying device, but if it uses a strong enough magnification, that limits how much you can see at any one time.
For some of my clients, who can still read but slowly, they may switch to Text-To-Voice and have a screen reader read them longer documents, such as books or long articles.
For some of my clients, who can still read but slowly, they may switch to Text-To-Voice and have a screen reader read them longer documents, such as books or long articles.
[deleted] 1 points 6m ago
[deleted]
KillerLag 1 points 6m ago
There isn't much that can be done because the subtitles have a specific time they are on. Pausing may be the best option, but not so good for watching with friends.
If he doesn't want to use the existing devices he has, it seems less likely he would use newer things that require more training. Some people use their phone's camera to zoom in on things, but it would essentially work like a digital monocular.
If he doesn't want to use the existing devices he has, it seems less likely he would use newer things that require more training. Some people use their phone's camera to zoom in on things, but it would essentially work like a digital monocular.
not_court_ 8 points 2y ago
I’ve always hid my disability and actually advocate that if you can hide it, you 100% should. We are at a disadvantage and will always be unless we work on the culture around everything. The best way I can do this is to excell through work and only answer the direct question, they need to ask if i’m legally blind. Until they do I just have a lazy eye and am clumsy
15795After 1 points 6m ago
How do you hide your disability? I was with my friend who is visually impaired and apparently the ride we were going on wouldn't let someone who is visually impaired go on. My friend is noticeably blind to others (eyes seem to be staring blankly). Would you recommend training your eyes to simulate being sighted?
DrillInstructorJan 7 points 2y ago
I would draw the line at dishonesty or safety issues.
Personally I don't have much chance of hiding it as I am basically completely blind, but if I can sit at a bar with sunglasses on and have a chat with someone without them noticing, I will, just because it's nice to have some topic of conversation other than the disability. So I do get it.
Personally I don't have much chance of hiding it as I am basically completely blind, but if I can sit at a bar with sunglasses on and have a chat with someone without them noticing, I will, just because it's nice to have some topic of conversation other than the disability. So I do get it.
CosmicBunny97 5 points 2y ago
It’s so sad that you have to hide just to not get discriminated.
I can’t hide my blindness. I’m terrified of looking for a job because of discrimination.
I can’t hide my blindness. I’m terrified of looking for a job because of discrimination.
nicolerosierose 4 points 2y ago
I have no advise. But I’ve been in your shoes. I truly hope it goes well for you.
ukifrit 3 points 2y ago
I have no opinion on that. Like, I can't hide my blindness so that's not the way for me, but if it's working for you, keep going. I don't think I would do it though.
siriuslylupin6 2 points 2y ago
Definitely interesting and can empathize but not sure what else to say. No hiding here. I am totally blind. And must disclose at the interview at latest. But interesting.
I have a friend who’s a partial who has worked at this place for 30 years and still no promotion. Because yes. Blindness he does the best job at this place no one can do what he is doing. He’s due for a promotion for a long time if he was sighted he would have gotten it long ago. But the issue. Yes he’s visually impaired. Oh wait... no promotion sorry. He’s near the time he can retire and get benefits. He also doesn’t want to push them for promotion because oh yeah. Right he may be fired and at that point he loses all benefits. And health care so he just doesn’t.
I have a friend who’s a partial who has worked at this place for 30 years and still no promotion. Because yes. Blindness he does the best job at this place no one can do what he is doing. He’s due for a promotion for a long time if he was sighted he would have gotten it long ago. But the issue. Yes he’s visually impaired. Oh wait... no promotion sorry. He’s near the time he can retire and get benefits. He also doesn’t want to push them for promotion because oh yeah. Right he may be fired and at that point he loses all benefits. And health care so he just doesn’t.
faerylin [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Damn that sucks! But yeah people are dickheads about it. I tried a few different jobs and just couldn't get one to work. Regrouping and may try something else.
siriuslylupin6 2 points 2y ago
Yeah, my friend thinks so too and is very frustrating he’s always looking for his promotion not getting it though.
And sorry to hear that that’s not good.
I am afraid of that I feel like people wouldn’t take me seriously even if I am very capable. That’s just because I am blind.
And sorry to hear that that’s not good.
I am afraid of that I feel like people wouldn’t take me seriously even if I am very capable. That’s just because I am blind.
faerylin [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Yes exactly and the littlest thing turning into not being able to do your job when they find out. When others sighted do it and its laughed off as clumsy.
siriuslylupin6 2 points 2y ago
Yes or not letting you do things or treating you weird for sure or just telling you that your’e not good. Yeah. Or when I show up and look for work and treating me like a misbehaved out of line child waisting their time.
Zeebaaraa 1 points 2y ago
I feel like you are the best person to decide what you can and cannot do so go with your gut. People can be terrible, not all but enough that requires it requires us to be cautious with what we share. I have had many jobs that I would not have if I disclosed my disability.
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