I am a musician. I do not go into interviews feeling that I need to talk about this. However, when conversations naturally lead to that as being relevant, I share that background.

I do the same thing with my visual impairment. you need to contextualize how and when you address it. After a few interviews under your belt, you will begin to identify the appropriate spot to get it out of the way and make your interviewer comfortable.

I have been in interview situations where my visual impairment was frankly irrelevant. It never came up as an issue because I was referencing my accomplishments in previous positions while responding to questions.








Rod Alcidonis, Esq.
-----Original Message----- From: Michael Walker
Sent: Tuesday, June 29, 2021 4:21 AM
To: main@jfw.groups.io
Subject: Re: Question about JAWS at job interviews

Hi Rod,

I do focus on my qualifications. I am also just trying to be as prepared as possible. It is helpful to hear others’ perspectives on this, for that reason. At my last company, I was a programmer analyst. They did a phone interview, and I was hired. Therefore, other formats will be new to me. For others who asked, I will likely apply for jobs like programming and database positions.

Best regards,
Mike

On Jun 28, 2021, at 9:49 PM, Rod <rodalcidonis@...> wrote:

Mike:

I understand your concerns but I would advise you to focus on your qualifications for the job irrespective of your blindness. You cannot control how anyone will act once they find out that you are blind. Go in there with the attitude that you are the best candidate for the role. if that is in fact the case, your blindness will not matter. this may be difficult for you to pull off at the beginning but this will help you with your career down the road.

It is self-defeating to spend precious time anticipating what others reaction will be about you while you could have been preparing to impress them at the interview with your knowledge, skills, and abilities.





Rod Alcidonis, Esq.
-----Original Message----- From: Michael Walker
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 8:51 PM
To: main@jfw.groups.io
Subject: Re: Question about JAWS at job interviews

Hi Pam,

This is very helpful. How did your employer for the database administrator position react, when you told them you were blind? How do you know when you should disclose your blindness? What other jobs did you have before that position?

Thank you,
Mike

On Jun 28, 2021, at 7:15 PM, Ekstrand, Pamela A. -ND <pamela.a.ekstrand.-nd@...> wrote:

Mike,

It was for a database administrator job, so they asked a lot of technical questions.  They had already done a preliminary interview by phone, and flew me out to where they were located, so I had told them I was blind. We had a good discussion about how I was able to do my work, but I did not take a laptop with me.  I actually am not sure what I would have shown them, since I would not have had access to their systems at that point. They also contacted a few references which I provided that were previous employers.

Let me know if there is anything else I can help with.

-----Original Message-----
From: main@jfw.groups.io <main@jfw.groups.io> On Behalf Of Michael Walker via groups.io
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 7:52 PM
To: main@jfw.groups.io
Subject: Re: Question about JAWS at job interviews

Hi Rod,

Technical interviews may require coding exercises. I am not sure how people who can see do those. At my prior programming job, it was just a phone interview.

Pam, what did they do at your in-person interview?

Thank you,
Mike

On Jun 28, 2021, at 6:33 PM, Rod <rodalcidonis@...> wrote:

Why would you need to bring a laptop to the interview?

Employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations at all stages in the employment process.

Do you have specific concerns?

Rod,



Rod Alcidonis, Esq.
-----Original Message----- From: Michael Walker
Sent: Monday, June 28, 2021 6:28 PM
To: jfw@groups.io
Subject: Question about JAWS at job interviews

Hi,


When you went to job interviews, did you bring your own laptop with
JAWS, or did the employer provide JAWS as an interview accommodation? I
currently only have a desktop, but am willing to obtain a laptop. I am
assuming that I cannot expect any interview accommodations, and that I
should be prepared. Any thoughts?


Thank you,

Mike