Job Hunting Legally Blind - Employment Discrimination
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- This video is about how I applied for jobs while vision impaired and legally blind. During my working life I applied for jobs as a Radio Announcer never once mentioning my vision impairment. This video also talks about recent developments due to Covid 19 and the increase in people working from home and how it may change the face of employment in the future for the Blind and Vision Impaired.
Job Hunting Legally Blind - Employment Discrimination. Steve Fox and York The Guide Dog.
Contact:
Mail: PO Box 226 Gerringong NSW 2534 AUSTRALIA
Email: steveandyork@gmail.com
Facebook: Steve Fox and York The Guide Dog
I’m legally blind myself. Everyday I wake up and feel blessed to have food, clothing, shelter and be employed. At least 70% to around 83% of us blind and visually impaired folks are unemployed and experiencing homelessness and other disparities because we can't get a job or find housing, due to being unemployed. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 was a little helpful but up to a certain degree. I was homeless for six months back in the late 1990's when I was in my 20's, due to deep-rooted employment and housing discrimination. The disparities and statistics are probably a lot higher now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I can't even imagine. You could have all the education, volunteer experience and skill sets in the world and still can't get a job. When rents or mortgages are a thousand dollars a month and up, Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not going to cover everything. Absolutely disgusting. We are not criminals or X-felons. We have bills to pay and have to live. We should not have to live like this. And Section 14C of the Fair Labor Standards Acts needs to be abolished. This law gives employers every legal right to pay workers with disabilities sub-minimum wages. That's downright slavery. I refused to work for 50 cents an hour, for example. That doesn't even cover my bus fare going to and from work. These oppressive laws that keep people with disabilities impoverished and poor all need to be abolished. We face more disparities than most other groups but society doesn't want to talk about that. The bottom line is educating employers about hiring people with disabilities, regardless of education level, skill sets and volunteer experience. Some employers are willing to change their negative attitudes and serotypes about hiring people with disabilities and other employers just don't want to because they consider us a liability. You get tired of everybody considering you as a liability. Something needs to change. People of color fought for their civil rights and are still fighting for them. We disabled folks are still fighting for our basic civil rights. I don't think that's too much to ask.
Well said. Unfortunately discrimination is still very real. And I totally agree with you that education is the answer. There is no reason why people are are blind and vision impaired cannot contribute to almost any organisation through meaningful employment. It is disgusting but discrimination is far too common. Thanks for watching. I’m glad you’re doing well. And I wish that your story was the norm but unfortunately it’s not. Speaking out and educating employers is the answer. But it’s not easy. Thanks again for watching.
Hi it’s Pete. I puppy raised York. Love your videos.
PericDeric hey Pete. Thanks. York says hi. Have a great day!
No wonder you have always sounded very pleasing to listen to! You have been blessed with a wonderful tone to teach, inspire and give hope to many. Your back story is the encouragement for somebody who truly needed to hear it. Keep going.
As a Puppy Raiser, please give Yorkie belly rubs. He is so hard for me not to stop staring at while you speak. He melts one's heart. Thank you for your work!👏😁
Thanks heaps. I think York has melted a few hearts. Keep up the good work with the puppy raising. Have a great day!
Steve, I'm glad I found this video. I worked in commercial radio and was discriminated against as I couldn't drive the OB van around. I still do community radio, have done most of my paid and voluntary working life.
I live in Ballarat in Victoria and are legally blind too. I would like to talk to you somehow. Your story is so similar to me in similar ways.
Hi Nick, thanks for watching the video. Happy to have a chat. Cheers!
I am Lucky. I work in the retail car business for the same general manager I worked for when I was cited. He knows my work, and knows I’ll bring more to the table without vision then he loses with my vision being gone. I spend most of my time on the telephone doing customer follow up calls, and I often joke that my eyes may not work well, but there’s nothing wrong with my mouth.
Wonderful video, thank you!! I am legally blind since birth due to albinism. Now that I am older and have a good work history and references I don't get this as often, but it was very frequent when I was younger. It was very hard to know when to bring it up in the interview process, it often being "invisible" to others. Almost everyone told me not to, that they couldn't discriminate against me, but we all know how that goes. I just wanted to avoid starting a job, especially leaving a current job, if it was going to be a difficult environment for me. The judgement and assumptions are frustrating, to say the least! Thanks so much for doing this. It is not common that I get to talk to other visually impaired people who really get it! Love the pup!
Laura Pfeifer And I’m glad that you have been able to build a work history. That’s great to hear. We all know that discrimination is against the law but it still happens. Thanks for watching and I’m glad you like the video. All the best. Have a great day!
Hi Steve, great topic and great points. . Early on when my visual disability was invisible as well, I was exposed to numerous incidents in which people openly discussed persons with disabilities, most often in a negative way. I had a university professor tell me that “people like you should not be in college“. She was the director of an entire speech and communication discipline. I went on to get a masters degree and work with the blind and visually impaired as a rehabilitation counselor. The most profound difficulty I had in employment laws, transportation. My commute was 40 minutes each way with no public transportation.. All the other essential skills were accommodated by CCTV’s and Dictaphone and a personal assistant and a personal secretary. With all these accommodations however, if you can’t get to your office you don’t have a job. So, if we have learned one thing from this pandemic, and I think we have learned more than one, it is like you said, many jobs can be effectively and efficiently performed from a home base. Great video and keep up the excellent content and give York a scratch behind the ear from me and my girl, Gretchen, my seeing eye Shepherd.
Bama Blind thanks. Yes it’s amazing what people will say to you when you have an invisible disability. People keep telling me I don’t look blind. Even when I am out with York. It would be great if something positive came out of this pandemic. It’s amazing what it takes for the world to realise that people can work remotely. Thanks for watching. Have a great day!
Steve, I think that blatant discrimination has gone under the table now. People are learning that it's not OK, doesn't stop them though! They are just smarter about it.
I've taken a different approach, I usually ask for jobs rather than apply for them and I'm totally up front about my vision, because it's kinda obvious that I'm VI.
Great video.
Hey Steve
You've read my mind with this video.
I've been looking for work for 3 years I actually given up looking for work.
When I wad younger I worked at oportos then I was super lucky I worked for transport for NSW for 3 years then was made redundant.
Living With Low Vision sorry to hear that. The unemployment rate is crazy. And with the way things are at the moment it probably won’t get any easier soon. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
I hear ya! I've been looking for work for about the same length of time - I still throw out the occasional application with no real hope
I love all your videos & absolutely ❤ York. I am waiting waiting waiting patiently for my own guide dog. Cathryn from Canada. 🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦🇨🇦
Would love to visit Australia one day. 😃
Thank you. York is pretty special. Hopefully they will find a match for you soon. And you can start your own adventures. Really glad you liked the videos. Have a great day!
Wonderful video! Many people don’t understand Disabilities if they themselves have not had a disability or have never encountered someone with one. You made a great point that others don’t list their medical history on the resume so why should you? Happy to hear that you went ahead and followed your dreams and passions and didn’t let negative employers discourage you.
Nicole Kada thanks for the great feedback. I’m glad you liked the video. Cheers!
As someone who was lucky enough to work with Steve I can say that although we knew he had vision issues it didn't impact on his work.
Thanks Tony. We did have some fun and achieved a few goals there for awhile. I definitely enjoyed my career in radio. Cheers!
I work in IT, so quite a few AT options for me. My vision only hit the legal blindness mark a couple years ago (I have RP), so I was already in my company before I told my manager. I started as a contractor and and had a large font to help me see. my manager at the time made a "joking" comment that she was going to have to make me take an eye test before she hired me, she laughed...I made a mental note of who else was around in case I had to take it to HR. They ended up hiring me, and I only told her about my vision about a year later, during a re-org where I got a much more supportive and understanding manager. :)
I do worry about looking for a new job now that my vision is so bad (if I were to lose my current job).
503blind it’s great that you’ve got a more understanding boss at the moment. And it sounds like you’ve got a good career as well. All the best. Thanks for watching and have a great day!
That would worry me some too. But heck, even "looking around" to see who is around as a possilbe witness is near impossible for many of us.
great video ... 32 years of being legally blind ... didnt have the opportunity for college.. I learned the trades , now that i have almost no vision . Those skills i learned are mostly useless. People with good vision will get the jobs first in this sight dominated world
BlindNeil employment discrimination against people that are blind and vision impaired is far too real. I’d like to think that it will improve. But I’m not sure that it will.
Good on ya Steve! Some great points there. I too made a video about this topic but nowhere near as eloquently as you.
Thanks for watching. I will go and track down your video. Have a great Day !
I have albinism so my disability isn’t necessarily invisible. But I am legally blind without glasses. It is good enough to drive at least in my state and I do feel comfortable so I can’t even begin to think how it is. That’s absolutely disgusting that someone would say that especially publicly so you know they mean it. I almost cried. Recently I have noticed my near sighted vision dropping off little by little and it’s kind of scary. Also my eyes feel more sensitive to light and I get headaches easier. It’s not common with albinism for the vision to get worse. It’s kind of scary and I’m really concerned about my future because of this. I’m 25 and have always found it hard to work and explain my disability to my employer and make sure I receive the proper reasonable accommodation. I’m convinced my boss offered me only a .50¢ raise because I wasn’t able to hit my numbers because of my disability and never offered compensation for many things. My co workers were amazing and gave a helping hand but the management couldn’t get on page. I ended up leaving and think back to that time 5 years ago. Makes me feel like that was his plan all along.
I enjoyed this video, just wanting to know if I could use this video on my channel so my audience can become aware and give you credit by putting your link in the description
3rd eye visions thanks. I’m glad you like that video. I’d be happy for you to use it. Anything to spread the message. Thanks for your support. Cheers!
Hi Steve. I think you did a sterling job with this video, on a very difficult and sensitive subject. we like to think that discrimination isn't as bad as it was, but there are pockets for sure that really are terrible.
I used to be of the mind that I would mention my visual impairment. I have only been registered blind for 2 years, and at the moment, am not looking for employment, - however, should I in the future, I would not list my impairment, for exactly the reasons you point out
Hope all is good with you and your family Steve
take care
Terry
Low-Vision UK - Terry's View sadly discrimination is very real. But I always like to look on the positive side. And maybe one good thing could come out of this pandemic. I’m not sure that it will. But I would like to think so. More opportunities for people that are blind and vision impaired being able to work using assistive technology should become a reality. Thanks for watching. Have a great day!
This is great advice. My husband is looking for work. His RP is still not so far along now
Thanks. Wishing your husband all the best on his job search. Thanks again for watching. Cheers!
thank you for sharing this
les flower thanks for watching. Have a great day!
I got diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 17, i struggle with it alot but imma keep trying until i absolutely cannot do anything. Ive had no luck yet tho.
i was diagnosed with rp in 2010 i always knew i had poor vision i was able to drive but i always had a hard time at night i was able to become a technician at a subaru dealership for almost 20 years before i stopped driving now i hang out at home tinker in the garage and enjoy life i do get disability here in the states i get a decent amount because i payed in for 25 years plus my old lady makes good money working for a cable company
joe burkett i’m glad that you can still tinker around in the garage. It sounds like you had a good career. Thanks for watching. Have a great day!
ps. I don't like the way youtube moved all the comments to the bottom. :/
Hi Steve,
I was declared legally blind in 1998. One month after I was declared legally blind by then employer directed me to resign because their GP said I was unsafe for a workplace. Nine months later and quite a number of negotiation meetings, I received a very large total permanent disablement benefit. And then spent three years unemployed but during that time I volunteered at the commercial radio station partnership here in Canberra. I did some on Airwork but mostly behind-the-scenes promotional work. In 2001 I started work in the Commonwealth public service where I have now been employed for 20 years. Are used the cane for eight years and I’ve had my guide dog Dudley for the past two and a bit years. I have never and never will put my vision impairment on my resume or an application. It allows the employer to preselect. I will however answer the question as to whether or not I need reason adjustments but not explain why. I found out quite some years ago you only need to review your disability if it is a threat to yours or others safety in the workplace.
Scott Grimley I never disclosed my retinitis pigmentosa on an application. And I was lucky enough to have some great bosses over the years. I did have an amazing radio career. It was a lot of fun. But the unemployment rate for people blind and vision impaired is ridiculously high. I would like to think that something positive could come out of this pandemic. But I’m not sure that it will. People can work remotely and it’s been proven you don’t need a drivers license to have a job. Let’s hope that lasts.
Great video Steve just thinking if you would like to join us in the UK on a zoom meeting to have a chat with our visually impaired service users to chat about your activities and employment
James Coulton Outdoors hey James thanks for watching. If you think I could add something to the discussion I would be happy to help out. You can send me an email. The email address is in the description of this video. All the best. Cheers!
I have to get eye injections for AMD and can't work for 2 days after, my employer held my absences as an "attendants strike" To many strikes and they fire you. I had a Doctors note and they did not accept it. How it that for discrimination.
2:30 why would he say that publicly. Isn't that againt the law to no hire someone because of a disability?
Jon Drinks Water just because it’s against the law it doesn’t mean that people don’t do it. Thanks for watching. Cheers!
@@stevefoxyorktheguidedog4350 Seems weird for him to say it publicly
Jon Drinks Water there will always be people that say stupid things. And it was quite a few years ago. I think attitudes are definitely improved. But there are still people out there that have the same feelings but maybe they don’t express them.
Great video Steve.. let’s connect on Zoom some day soon. Would love to chat 😊
Sounds great. Thanks for watching I’m glad you liked the video. Cheers!
York the scene stealer!
And that great radio announcer mic!
He doesn’t mind the camera either. Wherever we go he is a scene stealer. Thanks for watching. Cheers!Christopher Millhouse
👍👍
Amin Afzal 😅😊😆
I can't imgine why you would put your legally blind status on a resume. Your resume is you selling yourself, job history, ablities, skills etc. This isn't something you should run from either though, if you did work with testing products for the blind, AND it those skills would be useful for the job you are appling for, go do it.
Edit: I DO feel the need to address the elephent in the room however when you get to the in person, or video interview, in some fashion. To include your blindness in one of the "Tell me a time that" questions. Don't make it all about that. They are looking for somebody who can do the job they are hiring for, not for a blind token person. Be confident in yourself and your ablities, no different then anybody else who is likely of getting the job you are applying for.
Jason Thrower well said. I totally agree. Thanks for watching. Cheers!