by Coral J. Evans
Individuals with disabilities often find themselves having to overcome preset ideas and misconceptions regarding their abilities to do the job. It is important to remember that even in this day and age many individuals have never had the opportunity to work with someone that they know has a disability. The fact is that many people have disabilities that are not readily noticeable and their employer and co-workers are unaware that they have one.
What to do?
Don’t play the “victim” or use your disability in any way that may construe “you have to hire me per the ADA.” Instead, show off your skills and talents. It is important that your resume reflect your experience and knowledge in the area that the employer is seeking. Once in the interview, show that you’ve done your homework and researched the company, match your talents with those that they’ve requested in the position’s ad and in the position’s job description. Then, go the extra step in describing additional skills that you will bring to the organization, outside of the basic ones required for the position. If an accommodation will be required, bring a solution/alternative to the table when asked. Having the solution to a perceived problem just goes a step further in showing the employer that you know how to problem-solve and can think ahead.
Basically, it goes back to how you handle yourself and how that comes across in your resume, in the interview and lastly on the job, in the position. Carry yourself with confidence and know how. And as for employers, remember you are trying to hire the best possible person for the position that you have open, don’t let a misconception disable you in your search.