This issue occurs frequently with job seekers who are blind or have low vision. It is called the “disclosure question” and there are several ways in which individuals can approach the situation. Vision conditions vary from person to person. The following are generally accepted strategies to use when dealing with employers:
- If you use a cane or a dog for assistance, you should let the employer know about your visual condition after you have been granted an interview. By doing so, you might help prepare an interviewer rather than surprise him or her.
- Some people will advise that the job seeker should not have to tell an employer about their eye or vision conditions if they don’t interfere with the applicant’s ability to perform the job. However, you may run the risk of creating a situation where the employer is unprepared, distracted, and concentrating on something other than your ability to do the job. Do whatever you feel comfortable doing. The choice is yours to make.
- If an employer asks about your vision, always answer directly and follow up with a question about the job. The use of this technique makes the employer refocus on your qualifications for employment. As a general rule, don’t allow the interview to dominated by a lengthy discussion about your eye condition or vision loss.
- Avoid being defensive when disclosing information about your vision, and anticipate potentially intrusive or inappropriate questions. Take the opportunity to educate the employer, but do it briefly and courteously.
