[Missouri-l] A Question about Getting A Job

[KCAgape at aol.com]

I did not read Tracey's post regarding submitting a letter of  resignation. 
 By the words of a follow-up, it appears as though Tracey  submitted it 
prior to be hired.  If I missed something, sorry.
 
As I told one recruiter before the passage of the Americans with  
Disabilities Act it does not matter how well I see, but how effectively I use my  
brain.  Actually, that recruiter had no business inquiring about my visual  
impairment in the first place.  Regardless, I was hired, but this  response has 
also backfired in the past when potential employers ask me about my  
eyesight (or lack thereof).  
 
Thankfully, with the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, once  
you receive a job offer, ask for so-called "reasonable accommodations."   
For example, in my current job, I asked I be provided with transportation  
alternatives since I cannot drive.  Since the cat was out of the cellophane  
bag, I was asked about other things that could be accomplished, and I 
suggested  getting a large screen computer monitor (since I do not use Jaws or other 
screen  reading assistive technology at home or work), and I now have a 
large, plasma  screen monitor at work.  
 
Keep in mind, employers do not necessarily have to provide reasonable  
accommodations, but they must prove "undue hardship."  Work with your new  
employer and explore ways you can best work for them in spite of your  eyesight.  
I am a firm believer in coordination and honesty of what you can  or cannot 
do because of one's visual impairment.  In other words, know your  
limitations.  
 
Granted, not all employers are going to be sympathetic, regardless of the  
American with Disabilities Act on your side, and that is why you need to 
really  learn the law (particularly Title I that deals with employment issues). 
  One way is to visit _http://www.ada.gov_ (http://www.ada.gov)  as that  
web site is extremely helpful.  
 
Fight the good fight!
 
Scott
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