Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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How do accommodations for jobs work? (self.Blind)
submitted by anonyounglife
I've been out of work since the start of the pandemic due to being high risk. I'm really hoping to go back to work within the next year, but my lack of vision is a significant hurdle. I still had enough vision to drive when I stopped working.
I'd a a degree, but do have work experience in people oriented fields, ministry, teaching, human resources, that type of thing. I've been like at different positions, particularly social coordinator/community organization type jobs for non profits. The problem is in the description they all either say they require good visual acuity or a valid driver's license. Neither of which I have. I do still have my vision. I'm only legally/functionaly blind, but within about 3-9" from my fax is clear enough to function to wear I can read things. Outside of that it's all just blurs. Should I just not even bother look at these jobs? They're office jobs that all aspects of it can be done without being able to see or drive. If it's worth still applying but asking for an accommodation how do you that? And when? When you send in your application do you mention it, wait until you get an interview? I don't feel like wait until hired is right since it's in the job qualifications?
Im just frustrated at how many doors are shut to me at things I could do because people judge us for being able to see.
I'd a a degree, but do have work experience in people oriented fields, ministry, teaching, human resources, that type of thing. I've been like at different positions, particularly social coordinator/community organization type jobs for non profits. The problem is in the description they all either say they require good visual acuity or a valid driver's license. Neither of which I have. I do still have my vision. I'm only legally/functionaly blind, but within about 3-9" from my fax is clear enough to function to wear I can read things. Outside of that it's all just blurs. Should I just not even bother look at these jobs? They're office jobs that all aspects of it can be done without being able to see or drive. If it's worth still applying but asking for an accommodation how do you that? And when? When you send in your application do you mention it, wait until you get an interview? I don't feel like wait until hired is right since it's in the job qualifications?
Im just frustrated at how many doors are shut to me at things I could do because people judge us for being able to see.
CosmicBunny97 7 points 1y ago
I'm not sure what entirely to do about this situation. I don't understand why they would ask for your visual acuity in the first place. The advice I've gotten is to be positive about it - "I'm legally blind, but I'm still capable to do the job through the use of magnification/screen readers.: or "I'm legally blind and don't have a driver's license. I can show you my ID (if it's needed for verification) or I can use public transport/Uber (if you live in an area where that's reliable)."
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I understand that it's difficult, however, and it can seem disheartening - I've heard of recruitors changing their attitude once someone mentions they're legally blind or see someone with a cane. The driver's license thing is part of the reason why I dropped out of social work (I'm studying human resources now).
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I would also suggest getting involved with a vocational rehab centre and getting job assistance through them if you aren't already :)
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I understand that it's difficult, however, and it can seem disheartening - I've heard of recruitors changing their attitude once someone mentions they're legally blind or see someone with a cane. The driver's license thing is part of the reason why I dropped out of social work (I'm studying human resources now).
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I would also suggest getting involved with a vocational rehab centre and getting job assistance through them if you aren't already :)
anonyounglife [OP] 3 points 1y ago
I agree there's no real reason for the jobs to need high visual acuity or a drivers license, other than occasionally instead of being in an office there would be times I would be needed at a location and they would want me to have reliable transportation to there. However, ubers exist. There's no reason I have to be the one driving myself.
The only other reason for high visual acuity I can find, other than I think some of it is the belief that blind people can't use computers, is some of them a supervising or managing positions where you're leading a volunteer team. I think it may be considered a safety issue. I've lead volunteer teams before though, and at the very least it can definitely be done and done safely with low visual acuity. The idea that blind people are a safety risk in a supervisory position like this is just a bias inaccurate stereotype honestly. Which is annoying because it feels like discrimination. But at the same time it's stated as a job qualification so I don't think it's technically discrimination.
I'd know about vocational rehab centers! I'll look for one near me!
The only other reason for high visual acuity I can find, other than I think some of it is the belief that blind people can't use computers, is some of them a supervising or managing positions where you're leading a volunteer team. I think it may be considered a safety issue. I've lead volunteer teams before though, and at the very least it can definitely be done and done safely with low visual acuity. The idea that blind people are a safety risk in a supervisory position like this is just a bias inaccurate stereotype honestly. Which is annoying because it feels like discrimination. But at the same time it's stated as a job qualification so I don't think it's technically discrimination.
I'd know about vocational rehab centers! I'll look for one near me!
TechnicalPragmatist 1 points 1y ago
But it is discriminatory though!
CloudyBeep 5 points 1y ago
Sometimes people question to what extent the vision/driving requirement is actually part of the job. For instance, a person needs a driver's license to be a bus driver, but a driver's license may not be essential for a journalist who lives in a city with good public transportation.
anonyounglife [OP] 3 points 1y ago
From what I gather it seems the license requirement is because I would sometimes be needed at different locations not just in an office and they want me to have reliable transportation. Which is kind of ridiculous when Uber exists. I don't need to be able to drive myself.
CloudyBeep 3 points 1y ago
Apply and argue about it if it becomes an issue.
AutomaticChair9 3 points 1y ago
The $1 (JAN) also has many great resources.
B-dub31 3 points 1y ago
I feel you. I had to take disability retirement from my public safety career at age 37 when I became legally blind and could no longer drive. I have a graduate degree and years of experience. Yet every time I start thinking about going back to work, I see that a majority of the jobs I'm looking at and would be perfectly qualified for require a driver's license. It's discouraging.
My opinion is that you should apply for any job where driving isn't a central or frequent task, even if it says driver's license required. I mean, I can understand a business wanting an admin who can occasionally run a deposit to the bank or pick up an urgently-needed item from the store, but those are things that can and should be accomodated.
My opinion is that you should apply for any job where driving isn't a central or frequent task, even if it says driver's license required. I mean, I can understand a business wanting an admin who can occasionally run a deposit to the bank or pick up an urgently-needed item from the store, but those are things that can and should be accomodated.
WEugeneSmith 3 points 1y ago
In Ohio, there is an state agency that provides all sorts of aid for the disabled who are currently working or seeking work. Check to see if your state has such an agency.
I had to leave my job (creating a publication for a car club) this year because I was no longer able to do the work,, even with using Fusion. I am now working with the agency (in Ohio, it is called Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities) on job placement.
Some companies and non-profits are more than willing to hire the VI if the individuals have access to accessible software for work at home jobs. OOD provides training and will pay for the software for an individual who is working or seeking work. Many customer service jobs are available to the VI, but the key is knowing where to look. A state agency, or vocational agency is the place to go for that.
Best of luck to you as you continue your search.
I had to leave my job (creating a publication for a car club) this year because I was no longer able to do the work,, even with using Fusion. I am now working with the agency (in Ohio, it is called Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities) on job placement.
Some companies and non-profits are more than willing to hire the VI if the individuals have access to accessible software for work at home jobs. OOD provides training and will pay for the software for an individual who is working or seeking work. Many customer service jobs are available to the VI, but the key is knowing where to look. A state agency, or vocational agency is the place to go for that.
Best of luck to you as you continue your search.
anonyounglife [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Thank you! I'll look into this! It's incredibly frustrating because none of these jobs actually need sight to successfully complete all duties of the job and on the same schedule as my non visually impaired peers. But yet it's being listed as a qualification for the job. Or a drivers license is being listed as a requirement just so I can have reliable transportation to different out of office locations I may need to work at, when there are other options for transportation.
WEugeneSmith 2 points 1y ago
This same agency provides (in certain circumstances) a stipend to pay for transportation for working clients.
I am also feeling very frustrated in my current job search, so I can identify.
I am also feeling very frustrated in my current job search, so I can identify.
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