THOUGHT PROVOKER 149
Framing Blindness
Last Updated October 03, 2009
First Posted- September 13, 2009
To Provoke Thought Is The First Step To Beyond
"Sir, I'm looking for a job. I heard you have several openings. As you
can see," the young blind man held up his white cane in emphasis as he
addressed the business owner, "I am blind and because of it, I'm having a
very tough time getting employment. Did you know that nearly 80% of the
blind are unemployed? For centuries, blindness has been viewed as the worst
handicap a human can have, but it is all a lie, a great misunderstanding.
With the right tools," raising his cane again, "a cane or dog guide, and
with Braille or for some, large print and other blindness skills, we can do
most jobs, just as good as a sighted person. But we don't usually get a
chance to prove it." Lifting the cane for a third time, "Usually people
can't see past this and we get pity, doubting thoughts and seldom an equal
chance. Would you give me a try in one of your job openings?"
"No, I won't. And I'm going to tell you why." The business owner,
ernest tone in his voice, palms flat on the countertop, leaned forward. "I
listened to you, heard every word, processed the difficulties you laid out
concerning the non-acceptance and unemployment of the blind. But think about
how you framed your story and what you set me up to think. You walked in,
gave me the woes about being blind, hit me with 5 negatives, to one positive
and you want me to think you've got what I'm looking for in an employee?"
Slapping a palm on the counter top in emphasis, "But this is what I'll
consider --- I want you to go back outside, take a minute to think about how
you need to present yourself to me, then come back in and try your spiel
again. But concentrate on telling what you can do for me."
Surprised at the businessman's response, the blind guy nodded,
accepting the challenge, turned about and using the best cane technique he
had, exited the building. Minutes later he came back in.
"Sir, you are looking to hire a customer service representative. I
believe I have the skills to fill the position." Indicating the cane in his
hand, "As you can see, I am blind and if you would hear me out, I would like
to explain how I feel I can make this a success." Getting a go-ahead sound,
he continued. "Your job ad listed a requirement for competency with a PC. I
use a PC every day. And the way it works for me, I use what is called screen
reading software with voice output. This software will usually work with
most computer applications. And if we find that it doesn't work right out of
the box with your company system, we could call my state rehab counselor and
she can have her IT specialist come in to evaluate your system and tweak my
special software to work with yours. Second, you require customer service
experience and though I haven't been paid to perform that duty, I've had a
couple of volunteer positions in which customer service was part of my
responsibilities."
"The answer is still no. Better, but still not good enough. I now know
that you have abilities, special tools and some backup to aid you if you
need technical assistance. However, although I'm feeling there is employment
potential, but it appears to come with an equal weight of potential problems
that I would have to overcome. So 'no' again, but I'll give you one more
chance. Go back out, rethink and come back in and convince me that you are
the best person for the job."
Not fully surprised, though somewhat dismayed, yet encouraged, the
blind guy knotted, turned and exited the building. Minutes later he came
back in.
"Sir," reaching out his right hand to give a shake in greeting, "my
name is John. You have an opening for a customer service rep, it is one of
my best skills and I want to talk to you about hiring me for the job. I'm a
very competent PC user. I have references I will present that will vouch for
my ability and reliability to be at work every day, on time and that I
always give 110% to the job. May I talk to you about your position?"
"Yes, let's talk," responded the business owner.
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