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Talking About Your Visual Disability in an Interview: A Question and Answer Guide*
Is there a benefit to bringing up the subject of my visual disability in an interview?
There is a benefit if you bring it up correctly and are qualified for the job but may need a “reasonable accommodation” to do the essential functions of the job. Bringing up your visual disability to employers informs them of your need for the accommodation and obligates them to consider it.
What is a reasonable accommodation?
Basically it is some change in the job or the interview/evaluation process that takes into consideration the job-related limitations of your visual disability and enables you to do the job or be properly and fairly evaluated.
When does the issue of my visual disability come up in an interview?
While employers do not have the right to make general medical inquiries of applicants, they do have the right to ask an applicant if they can perform the functions of the job they are applying for. If you can perform a function but need an accommodation to do so, the need for the accommodation raises the issue of your visual disability.
When the visual impairment is obvious to the employer and causes reasonable concern about your ability to perform the essential functions of the job, the employer may question you about your abilities. Thus it is your responsibility to convince potential employers of your ability to perform the essential functions of a job, as well as how accommodation will result in strong job performance.
How do I bring it up?
It is important to keep discussion of your visual disability within the context of the interview and the job. The main focus of any interview is who you are, what you can do and why the employer should hire you. First, present your qualifications for the job. Focus on your ability to do the essential functions of the position. Next, bring up the functions that will require you to have a reasonable accommodation. Do not focus only on the need for the accommodation- stress how the accommodation will result in your productivity and effectiveness.
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