Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Disclosing my visual Impairment at work. (self.Blind)
submitted by Regular-Ad2709
So i started losing my eye sight mid-pandemic. I’ve been able to work remotely just fine with a large monitor, inverting screen, etc. However, I am a paraprofessional and schools in my area are opening up in 2 weeks... I haven’t told anyone because I’ve been able to play it off, but now I feel the need to disclose my visual impairment in preparation to go back and for things to go as smoothly as possible. It doesn’t change the fact that this is still nerve wracking and my anxiety is through the roof. I’m not even sure how to go about it. Preparing an email for HR and supervisors, and a separate one for the coworkers I work closely with ( Hey, just in case, I’m not ignoring you when I pass you in the hall way, I just didn’t see you there 🙃 JK I’m not writing that) Anyway, just wondering how your work ordeal went through vision loss? How’d you go about asking for accommodations and making people aware of your disability, if you wanted people to be aware? Were accommodations met? How were you treated? Any blind/ Visually impaired educators here? My low vision specialist says I picked a good career as educators with central vision loss do well, so that’s encouraging 🤷🏻♀️.
carolineecouture 5 points 2y ago
Are you a union member? I would definitely contact your rep and make sure the union has your back. Your school should have policies around disability and ADA procedures.
You may also want to consult your doctor and see if they have any recommendations or suggestions for how best to cope.
I disclose to co-workers right off the bat. Especially in areas that might impact them or the work that we do together.
Good luck!
You may also want to consult your doctor and see if they have any recommendations or suggestions for how best to cope.
I disclose to co-workers right off the bat. Especially in areas that might impact them or the work that we do together.
Good luck!
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thank you, I’ve been in touch with some doctors as well.
kissitallgoodbye 5 points 2y ago
What Ive done any time I started a new job since my diagnosis was keep it to myself and prove that I can do the job before telling anyone. This is Reddit and so I assume youre American, and laws to protect the little people there are garbage. I live in Canada though, so I'm pretty safe, but I do it just in case since most jobs have a 3 month probation period. Since you're established in this role, if you don't require any immediate accommodation I'd play it close to my chest, then mention it to HR after a couple weeks making clear that you've been working at your normal level from home and youve translated seamlessly to in-class. If you do require accommodation, check your laws and refer to them when requesting a bigger screen or whathaveyou.
Slagophile 4 points 2y ago
I agree with u/kissitallgoodbye! I was an educator in the US with a stigmatized diagnosis. I have learned to keep it private for similar reasons.
General advice for any employee of a larger firm/organization, and not specifically those who might receive ADA protection:
Don’t disclose any information to HR if you don’t have to. Please research what protections you have in your state and what accommodations they are required to make.
Not trying to scare you! But it never hurts to be discreet and savvy. HR aren’t “bad” people of course, but in practice the department primarily serves to protect the employer from legal consequences, and secondarily to accommodate employees.
Again, no need to feel anxious! Just a helpful consideration I’ve learned from my interactions with corporate and school HR.
General advice for any employee of a larger firm/organization, and not specifically those who might receive ADA protection:
Don’t disclose any information to HR if you don’t have to. Please research what protections you have in your state and what accommodations they are required to make.
Not trying to scare you! But it never hurts to be discreet and savvy. HR aren’t “bad” people of course, but in practice the department primarily serves to protect the employer from legal consequences, and secondarily to accommodate employees.
Again, no need to feel anxious! Just a helpful consideration I’ve learned from my interactions with corporate and school HR.
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
No, definitely not scared 😬 I’m researching thanks for your response
B-dub31 3 points 2y ago
Not sure what to recommend regarding notifying your employer, but definitely get an appointment with a low-vision specialist. They can help you identify what you need help with and suggest accommodations.
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Hey, thank you, I did see a low vision specialist through the light house, she was very helpful. Showed me some devices that make going back to work feel less terrifying. She did refer me to the commission but getting a case started seems like a process to get help with devices.
B-dub31 2 points 2y ago
Good luck. I know it's overwhelming to deal with, but I think it will be for the best to inform your employer. I hope you find lots of ways to keep advancing in your career!
Ok-Ad5515 3 points 2y ago
i also do para professional type stuff in school. just wanna say good luck!!! you got this!! you’ll rock it!!! (not blind, just wear glasses, just being encouraging)
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Lol I sure hope so, thank you.
[deleted] 3 points 2y ago
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Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you, humor definitely helps me cope.
kelpangler 2 points 2y ago
This isn’t directly related to your question but I hope you’ll take advantage of any short or long term disability benefits. I tried to soldier through while losing my vision because I didn’t want to slow the team down. It was probably the biggest mistake of my life. My team was laid off and I lost all my benefits. I didn’t have medical insurance or any disability income. Taking care of your health should be paramount above anything else.
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
I wasn't working when it happened to me, I was at college, but some of the stuff I worked out since may help.
One main thing is to get to know people on the phone first. Talk about whatever they want to talk about, talk about the weather, sports, whatever you're into. Get to know them, then tell them, and it's easier. They know you're a person and they'll react better in my experience. In extremis I can sort of make it work if I wear sunglasses and just sit outside talking to people, but some people don't have normal enough body language to make that work. If you've had sight to adulthood you probably do have normal enough body language to make that work. I'm not saying lie to people, just get to know them as a human being before you drop the bomb.
Most people are fine anyway even if you can't do that, but I find it greases the wheels a bit.
One main thing is to get to know people on the phone first. Talk about whatever they want to talk about, talk about the weather, sports, whatever you're into. Get to know them, then tell them, and it's easier. They know you're a person and they'll react better in my experience. In extremis I can sort of make it work if I wear sunglasses and just sit outside talking to people, but some people don't have normal enough body language to make that work. If you've had sight to adulthood you probably do have normal enough body language to make that work. I'm not saying lie to people, just get to know them as a human being before you drop the bomb.
Most people are fine anyway even if you can't do that, but I find it greases the wheels a bit.
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Hey thanks, I’ve worked here for a about a year prior to vision loss, so my immediate co-workers know me. I think I’ll definitely down play the extent of my visual impairment though 😅
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
Hiding things is not something I can really weigh in on because I really can't hide the situation I'm in even if I want to. I don't know if I'd really want to, though. Last thing you want is for people to end up feeling misled if they figure out you're not being totally straight with them. That's not to say you won't need a public face, I know I do, it's not always a good idea demonstrate your inner demons to people who are just professional colleagues. Of course it's nice to have someone you can demonstrate them to but not at work! But as to the practicality of it I'd hate to think you were going without things you needed and were easily available because you didn't want to admit what your sight is like. I've met people who did that and it's a bad, bad idea. They'll figure it out eventually and you'll end up not getting stuff you need.
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
No, i agree. I honestly don’t think I could do my job well if I hid it, not only because of lacking accommodations but because my anxiety over hiding it would obviously affect my attitude. It’s really disheartening to see how many people feel they need to hide their disability. I don’t want to work somewhere if I have to hide and struggle. I will definitely tell people about my visual impairment but not make a big deal out of it, if that makes sense.
1BlindNinja 2 points 2y ago
Hi, UK based and this is my line of work! Companies are obligated to provide reasonable adjustments. This may include accessibility equipment, a personal emergency evacuation plan, job carving, role alternatives (if necessary). I also taught at a further education college as a mathematics teacher to sighted students (total here). If you need any more info, drop me a DM and I will try my best to assist 😊
Regular-Ad2709 [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thank you!
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
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