Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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[USA] Had my first job interview today (self.Blind)
submitted by blazblu82
Had my first job interview today since getting let go back in Feb. I was interviewed for a dispatcher job at Easy (sp?) Ice. Seemed like something I could do. The folks who interviewed me seemed nice enough and the job duties didn't feel out of reach. I did inform them of my visual impairments and they didn't harp it. I basically told them I could do the work, but possibly not quite as well as someone with better vision.
Not sure how to feel about it. I'll find out by the end of next week. I hope I get it, beats sitting around not doing anything but waiting for SSDI.
Was it appropriate to let them know up front or did I shoot myself in the foot?
Not sure how to feel about it. I'll find out by the end of next week. I hope I get it, beats sitting around not doing anything but waiting for SSDI.
Was it appropriate to let them know up front or did I shoot myself in the foot?
A-dark-dragon 14 points 1y ago
Personally I’d say it’s better to let them know upfront.
blazblu82 [OP] 7 points 1y ago
That was my thinking, too. Although, I am concerned it'll keep me from getting work. But, we'll see.
synthpopolis 2 points 1y ago
Yeah, I’ve experimented with that timing over the years. Usually they will start out by doing a brief phone interview and I often don’t disclose my disability at this time. If I pass the phone interview that means they are interested in me, so then I feel a little more comfortable mentioning the disability, particularly if I will need accommodations for any part of the interview process from that point forward
blazblu82 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
This interview was in person. I only brought it up because they asked why I wasseparated from previous job. Told them I had a handicap my previous employer couldn't handle. I wasn't going to tell them I was separated because I could get reliable transportation to work.
I did ask them if they had any q's about my condition and was promptly told they couldn't legally ask anything.
We'll see what the outcome will be next week.
I did ask them if they had any q's about my condition and was promptly told they couldn't legally ask anything.
We'll see what the outcome will be next week.
synthpopolis 3 points 1y ago
Yeah they definitely can’t ask questions about your disability but I guarantee you they have questions. One technique I use for that is to say something like, “I know you might have some questions about how I might do the job as a blind/visually impaired person and I’m happy to explain a bit more about that,” or something to that effect. Odds are they’ve never encountered a blind person before And just honestly don’t know how you might perform the work. Not only does this fill in some blanks for them but it shows that you are self-aware and conscientious of others, which are excellent traits to have
SqornshellousZ 11 points 1y ago
When to discuss limitations and request accomodation?
This is a commonly debated and nuanced subject and you'll find poeples opinions correspond to their individual experiences.
Limiting my(M42 Legally Blind since birth) suggestion as it aplies to call centers in North America, I have never disclosed my visual imparement in an interview because they have no obvious outward indication I am not fully sighted and accomodating me poses more admin workload on the hiring manager. Never ascribe to malace what is just selfish avoidance. I've always waited until the first day of training to request large print or zoom software because, if I and others are truely being treated fairly, the company's internal software and workplace should be accessable to both staff and clients as an ongoing prioroty of conducting business. This might seem cruel or forcefull to some, but allows me to set standards going forward. Every interaction in life is a negotiation. If you allow then, people will do whatever suits them first.
This is a commonly debated and nuanced subject and you'll find poeples opinions correspond to their individual experiences.
Limiting my(M42 Legally Blind since birth) suggestion as it aplies to call centers in North America, I have never disclosed my visual imparement in an interview because they have no obvious outward indication I am not fully sighted and accomodating me poses more admin workload on the hiring manager. Never ascribe to malace what is just selfish avoidance. I've always waited until the first day of training to request large print or zoom software because, if I and others are truely being treated fairly, the company's internal software and workplace should be accessable to both staff and clients as an ongoing prioroty of conducting business. This might seem cruel or forcefull to some, but allows me to set standards going forward. Every interaction in life is a negotiation. If you allow then, people will do whatever suits them first.
achromatic_03 9 points 1y ago
I would not disclose until the conditional offer, and I work in HR... the stigma around disabilities in the workplace is alive and well, and I've heard managers express some not appropriate things about them.
Edit: I will say that if they do hire you, though, after you have done that, they are worth your loyalty!
Edit: I will say that if they do hire you, though, after you have done that, they are worth your loyalty!
synthpopolis 7 points 1y ago
It can’t hurt to wait until after the offer but it’s not always feasible. For example, I work as a software engineer and technical interviews often involve solving some coding problems. I had to let them know pretty early on in the process so that we could adapt that part of the interview process to be accessible. Fortunately for me, they were more than happy to oblige and obviously things went well because I’m still working there nearly a year later :)
Like I said in another reply though, there’s really no wrong or right answer here. I think it depends on multiple factors including the nature of the work, the preference of the candidate, whether or not accommodations would be needed sometime during the screening or interview process, etc. I will say, any company who has a problem with it, that’s no place I’d want to work anyway. That likely signifies larger issues with their corporate culture
Like I said in another reply though, there’s really no wrong or right answer here. I think it depends on multiple factors including the nature of the work, the preference of the candidate, whether or not accommodations would be needed sometime during the screening or interview process, etc. I will say, any company who has a problem with it, that’s no place I’d want to work anyway. That likely signifies larger issues with their corporate culture
achromatic_03 6 points 1y ago
Right, not everyone has the choice, but there is also an element of almost emotional investment once you get to the offer stage on the employer part. Not to say it's right cuz it's not, and not to say this is exactly the same, but it's kind of like waiting to get a few dates in before showing your not as perfect side or revealing information that might not be great news to that person-- you hedge on them being emotionally invested enough in what they like about you to say yes to another date.
I used to think the same thing about not wanting to work for a company that wouldn't accept you straight away, but a lot of times, it's just not that simple... sadly, there are implicit biases at play and a fear on their part (again, not right). You also need to understand how FRUSTRATING it is being a disabled person in HR, doing my best to show how capable and relatable and easy going we can be, and then having an employee come to me and their manager with 'reasonable accommodation' requests that are absolute garbage, taking advantage of the ADA and they are EXACTLY why there is a stigma-- INFURIATING!!!! It's like the fake service dog people, aaarrrggh! I'm telling you, they ruin it for the rest of us, and that's why I have to act like my disability is baggage and wait for that emotional investment to hedge my bets for the job... and I don't use a cane, so I'm not even going to be a good token for their diversity posters, either!
I used to think the same thing about not wanting to work for a company that wouldn't accept you straight away, but a lot of times, it's just not that simple... sadly, there are implicit biases at play and a fear on their part (again, not right). You also need to understand how FRUSTRATING it is being a disabled person in HR, doing my best to show how capable and relatable and easy going we can be, and then having an employee come to me and their manager with 'reasonable accommodation' requests that are absolute garbage, taking advantage of the ADA and they are EXACTLY why there is a stigma-- INFURIATING!!!! It's like the fake service dog people, aaarrrggh! I'm telling you, they ruin it for the rest of us, and that's why I have to act like my disability is baggage and wait for that emotional investment to hedge my bets for the job... and I don't use a cane, so I'm not even going to be a good token for their diversity posters, either!
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I wish I could wait but I my cane make me light right up like a christmas tree. Haha! I walk in and they will know I look blind too I’ve been without vision for a long time, I am quite independent and capable but yeah.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
Some good advice and that’s really unfortunate that managers at your work place say stupid things about it.
synthpopolis 3 points 1y ago
Fingers crossed for you! As for your question, I think it was totally appropriate to mention your disability if that’s when it felt natural for you to bring it up. There’s no wrong or right answer there. It’s whatever makes sense to you. The only thing I probably wouldn’t do is put it in their heads that you might not be able to do the job as well as a fully sighted person because, honestly, that’s probably not true. Provided the work environment can be appropriately adapted, we can do the same work as anyone else. Keep us posted! Hope you get it
TechnicalPragmatist 2 points 1y ago
I came to say the same thing.
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thanks!
I did mention the taboo in your post during the interview, ugh...
I'll find out by the end of next week if I get it or not.
I did mention the taboo in your post during the interview, ugh...
I'll find out by the end of next week if I get it or not.
synthpopolis 2 points 1y ago
Don’t sweat it. What’s done is done, and we all usually do a couple things during an interview we end up wishing we could go back and change. I’m sure they appreciate your honesty
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
They sure didn't make a big deal about it. I was more concerned about the lighting environment than anything. I told them I may need to wear sunglasses while I work. No one seemed bothered by it.
If anything, I'm hoping I get this job and it lasts until I get approved for SSDI or beyond. I like all the extra free time, but having something constructive to do is even better,
If anything, I'm hoping I get this job and it lasts until I get approved for SSDI or beyond. I like all the extra free time, but having something constructive to do is even better,
hobytes 1 points 1y ago
If you get a job and start making money, could it keep you from being approved for SSDI?
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
The only criticism I have here was this I came here to say this as well when I read your post. You’re selling yourself a little short here unnecessarily. There’s no need to be braggadocious or arrogant or showy, or whatever or even cocky sometimes in the interview process this is where you got to sell yourself but if you ever want a chance do not ever say what you said about not doing as well. What message are you really conveying. I understand you’re being modest but honestly. Not in a job interview. I am not telling you to be boastful but at least don’t say that. You’re harming yourself there.
With all kindness and respect, have a little more respect for yourself :D
With all kindness and respect, have a little more respect for yourself :D
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I've only had one job interview where I mentioned anything about my eyes and they ignored it, but never called back either. Since then, I haven't had a chance to say anything because no interviews.
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
I see just don’t say anything in the future hahaha! With all due love and respect have a little more respect for yourself. You’ll be just fine. :D being too arrogant is bad I have a contact I’ve been working with on this and giving him this feedback but being too self-effacing especially in a job interview is also harmful. Maybe outside of that okay. But in a job interview it’s pretty much suicide.
carolineecouture 3 points 1y ago
Good luck!
blazblu82 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thanks!
cuntasauruswithacane 2 points 1y ago
Better to do it upfront!! Best of luck OP!
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you!
blazblu82 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Well, I haven't heard back from them, yet. I did email an appreciation letter last week.
I've been applying for other jobs, but no bites. I'm not even certain how I'm going to work as is. This stupid photophobia is driving me nuts. One day, I'll be fine. Next day, I have to keep myself in a darker environment; otherwise, I'll get headaches and everything looks over saturated, even with sunglasses on. It makes wanting to get out of the house not that desirable.
I need something to do, though. I can't be sitting around the house all day doing nothing. At least more than watching tv or playing video games. I have started the disability process, but it has at least 5 months to go, though. I am trying to get assistance in the meantime.
I've been applying for other jobs, but no bites. I'm not even certain how I'm going to work as is. This stupid photophobia is driving me nuts. One day, I'll be fine. Next day, I have to keep myself in a darker environment; otherwise, I'll get headaches and everything looks over saturated, even with sunglasses on. It makes wanting to get out of the house not that desirable.
I need something to do, though. I can't be sitting around the house all day doing nothing. At least more than watching tv or playing video games. I have started the disability process, but it has at least 5 months to go, though. I am trying to get assistance in the meantime.
DannyMTZ956 1 points 1y ago
It was appropriate for you to inform them that you could do the work, and then you shot yourself on both feet if you did inform them that perhaps you couldn't do as well as someone with better vision.
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