This is a very personal one for me. Rather than hijack a prior thread wherein it was debated that interviews should be conducted blindly, I wish to elaborate why I agree with said opinion from the perspective of ableism.

It is no secret that discrimination on the basis of disability is prevalent in many job settings, hence why the 70% unemployment rate amongst the blind population. I, fortunately have been able to work, yet I have not disclosed my blindness to my employer. I am good at what I do, and I pay out of pocket to be able to ask for additional assistance pertaining to photos when required. Say for instance, had I walked into an office impeccably groomed and well dressed, the first point of focus will be my white cane. This will bring on questions as to how I do my job, how I perform daily tasks and many more irrelevant topics digressing from the interview process. I’ve done this several times, and regardless of my qualifications I’ve been turned down due to a “hiring frees” or other reasons that clearly legal workarounds from displays of blatant discrimination. Other times, I am interviewed, told that everything is great only to never hear from them again. I know several blind people who’ve had similar experiences.

Reasonable accommodations such as working with technology compatible with software does not mean I am a liability to the company. Me falling off of a flight of stairs does not mean I am a liability, anyone and everyone is not immune to an accident. Also I personally have very good spatial awareness. Burning myself in the kitchen or while operating a coffee machine does not mean I am a liability as chefs, cooks and baristas burn themselves and make mistakes too. My blindness does not mean I am a liability when it comes to childcare. Many blind parents have successfully raised children on their own. Sited people forget their babies in car seats in the summer, and sited nannies and parents have abused and killed kids in daycare. It is ridiculous that blindness in all these instances is immediate disqualification for jobs that many sited people have done so incompetently. There are people with more degrees than me, who’ve taken up to a decade to find a job in their field. Others are not so lucky, having to work for blindness organizations. Why is it that people with invisible disabilities have an easier time finding employment whereas blind people do not? I am tired of the ignorance. I am so sick of having to prove myself three or more times than your average joe. You would think that this would not be an issue in the 21st century, but here we are.

I am willing to hear the perspective of hiring managers and their views. Maybe there is something I am missing?