National Disability Employment Awareness: Job Search Realities for People with Disabilities

I inform the receptionist that I’m here for an interview, and do not flinch at the familiar pause as she regards me in surprise. I know there have been other applicant interviews today, but I’m no different. I’m a college graduate interviewing for an entry-level position and hoping to break into the industry, yet I am different in her eyes. I’m dressed in my business best, I’m carrying my portfolio, and my note taker. I’m also holding my guide dog’sharness in my left hand, and my blindness is readily apparent, hence the awkward pause. The receptionist recovers quickly, and places a call while directing me to take a seat. My dog indicates an empty chair despite the “Over there” directions by the receptionist. As I’m waiting, I silently recite my elevator pitch and other typical responses while simultaneously taking stock of my surroundings.

Despite my blindness, I can deduce much about the workplace environment and whether it may be the right fit for me. I pay attention to the noise level, the amount of conversation and the interactions of the workers. I also hear the reactions when people notice me. I listen to their faltering steps as they do a double take at seeing a Labrador at my feet. I can hear their amused murmurs as they inform each other of the person interviewing.

During my job search interviews, I can deduce whether I have a real shot at the position, or if there is underlying concern or outright doubt. I can even tell if an interviewer is looking at their watch, or worse-texting while I talk. I can guess these things because I’ve experienced all of them throughout my job search.

I’ve also experienced straight discrimination since I’m “sightless”-yes that was his exact phrase. At the same time, I’ve experienced the opposite: welcoming environments, successful interviews with those who are interested in my qualifications and skills , companywide emails detailing guide dog etiquette (e.g., don’t distract the cute dog), and discussions of reasonable accommodations so that I can perform my job successfully.

Like many recent graduates, I’m struggling to find full-time employment in my job search. I’m also blind, which makes it a bit more difficult. I’m not blaming my disability. There have been many positions I simply was not qualified enough for and times I did not interview well, despite my best effort. I am, however, sharing the reality that I am living.

• • The unemployment rate for people living with disabilities is 12.5 percent, compared to 5.9 percent for those living without a disability.
    The unemployment rate of those living with blindness or vision loss in the United States is estimated to be around 70 percent.

I knew these stats were a “double whammy” for me. I had friends who were struggling to find employment in their job search despite their education and qualifications, but I was determined to be different as I prepared to graduate with my bachelor’s degree in 2014. Thanks to the support of my family and friends, my well-rounded education at a Jesuit university, and my internships and jobs during college , I felt prepared, and was hoping that my resume and personality would help me to kick start my career.

Soon after beginning my job search, I discovered the “real world” and wished I was back in college as most graduates do. Despite numerous applications, networking opportunities, rounds of interviews and background checks, I became accustomed to rejection emails and notifications. I believe that often times I’m judged on my blindness and the perceived things I cannot possibly do instead of my qualifications, knowledge, and unique perspective. I am not alone in this regard; as other people living with disabilities are sometimes judged due to looking or sounding “different”, and there is a level of misinterpretation for those with invisible disabilities.

Employers are sometimes reluctant to purchase assistive technology or other adaptive equipment that an individual may need to accomplish daily tasks due to expenses. They also might not be sure how to skirt issues of physical and virtual accessibility barriers such as places that are not wheelchair accessible and inaccessible websites or documents. Those living with invisible disabilities such as depression, ADHD, etc. face challenges when their co-workers do not understand their daily experiences and the reasonable accommodations and support they may need. If employers have not dealt with “disabled” people before, they may not understand our true potential. Despite laws such as the ADA and other initiatives such as government quotas, nonprofits and programs designed to change these circumstances, unemployment barriers still exist.

Hope is not lost, however; hope is never lost. There are countless resources that can be discovered with a simple Google search. There are positive conversations occurring daily thanks to role models and the presence of the internet and social media. National Disability Employment Awareness Month is a great example. The message of equal employment and the overwhelming potential of those living with disabilities is helping to curve the unemployment rate one person at a time. There are also companies such as WeCo who focuses on a person’s qualifications and skills when considering hiring employees.

WeCo never doubted my abilities, and has allowed me to grow in my current Public Relations Specialist position. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity. I have learned so much, and am now considering alternatives to my desired career path (web accessibility). On the days when I am down, I do not have to look far for encouragement whether that is from my co-workers at WeCo, my family and friends who have always taught me that no dream is impossible, past professors and supervisors who continue to be supportive, and to the thousands of individuals living with disabilities that work as a valued employee and live their lives as they want to.

I know the type of environment I want to work in thanks to my internships and jobs during my college career where I was given the opportunity to play an integral role whether as a tutor, writer, or intern. These people helped me to navigate the new positions and discover alternatives when obstacles popped up. In short, they valued me as a person, and understood that my blindness is a small part of who I am. I want to work in this type of environment, as I do with WeCo, and I’ll continue to pursue such opportunities in my job search.

It is difficult to write this sort of blog post, but if it helps to shed light on the reality of job searching as a person living with a disability, it is worth writing. I’ll continue to learn, to study, to network, and to apply and interview. I know my opportunity is just around the corner, and I look forward to the day when I collapse after an exhausting work week. I hope to give back as my mentors have by being a resource for others navigating the employment search. And I thank those who have been there for this roller coaster ride and those who provide opportunities for all people, no matter their ability. Here’s to the endless possibilities to come!

Read the final two posts in this month’s series National Disability Employment Awareness Month found in WeCo’s IT Accessibility Information Blog.

Come visit our community on LinkedIn: Disability Employment Connection (DEC)!