An Unsual Job Interview - Page 2

pek1 · 01-20-2008, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shel90

I dont think the job he is applying for requires phone work. It is providing care for developmentally disabled people..just happened that the interview was on the phone.

Precisely! Hey, would you believe that I've even applied to the Relay here in town and they won't even touch me, much less look at me? I don't hear everything on the phone, which is why I have started using the relay more. You know what, guys? Most of the deaf rely on technology to assist. What happens if it doesn't work, say, in the middle of the night and your house or apartment building is on fire and you don't have a hearing animal or anyone else living with you? Before knocking having a hearing animal, remember that not people look out for those who the ADA is supposed to protect and serve.

And, please, don't tell me I should sleep with my hearing aids on instead of having a hearing dog.

JClarke · 01-20-2008, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefMATRIXense

Listen, I am not going to argue with you this pointless statement. First of all, Pek1 is a great person, friendly with us, ok. Second, I have nothing to against him. I only speak what this thread about, period. If this is not a debate and tell me what are we discussing for?

No offensive to ANYONE includes pek1.

Me neither so I am not going to keep going doing like this. Let's move on.

SxyPorkie · 01-20-2008, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pek1

Reba,

Thanks for this response and thanks to all responses! I needed to post this because I know what to do, just didn't want to jump the gun or come off half cocked on this one. As for the letter, I didn't think of this one, but have been thinking about this ever since it occurred and wasn't sure where to start. Better to ask for advice than to jump in and not know the course of the direction it needs to go.

Thanks again! I'll keep everyone posted.

Pek..I agree with everyone else.. but what Reba had stated in order....She is right.... Please take Reba s advise... she knows what she is doing....

steph9700 · 01-21-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefMATRIXense

ADA is for pussies cases only, trust me. Pek1 gets the job did he? tell me? If I run my company, why should I hire him when I can hire a hearing person because he can hear and walk with dogless? I do care about my employees who is allergic to dogs. ADA can sue me anytime they want but I will win in court, period.

apparently you have a phobia of deaf people because you seem to be attacking the people here who are deaf and the organizations that help us.

DefMATRIXense · 01-21-2008, 05:04 AM

You guys can argue with me anytime you want. But one thing is ADA can't protect your asses is a lot of million dollars companies and governments prefer to hire the best quality and the skills of the candidates needed to support them.

Want a crazy stories? Here are examples:

Here's what the court decided:

An airline carrier could refuse to hire two deaf pilots, even though their hear could be corrected to perfect. Since their condition could be fixed, the court said the law didn't protect them. Since the law didn't protect them, the airline company said: No job.

A delivery company fired a deaf mechanic who had high blood pressure. With medication, the blood pressure could be controlled. Since the medical condition was treatable, the court said the law didn't protect the man. Since the man had the condition, the delivery company said: No job.

So what does this mean for deaf people?

We're afraid that this means that, if you live in the U.S., you are trouble.

Quote:

You have a disability. The ADA has been interpreted in the past to protect you. For example, the EEOC regulations specified: "a disability, is an impairment for ADA purposes." A U.S. Court of Appeal (a lower court than the Supreme Court) had ruled that a law graduate was protected by the law, and could ask for extra time to complete the state bar examination.

But the Supreme Court's decision will undermine many of these protections. The next time someone goes to court, they are going to have to prove that a disability is something that can not be corrected

In our mind, the fact that we can provide these strategies shouldn't effect a person's ability to avoid job discrimination, or get reasonable accommodations from their employer. 'Reasonable accommodations' might mean the right to take an employment-related test orally, rather than in writing. Or, it could be a technological solution, such as the right to use a computer dictation system on the job, rather than being expected to type.

But now we're worried. Because what the Supreme Court is telling you as a disability person is: Don't get help. If disability is a permanent, that will forever limit your ability to read, write, hear or whatever it is then maybe you will still be able to get accommodations under the ADA. You can work as a day laborer and never be required to take a written test, because you are disability.

But if you take the initiative to overcome your problems - if you work to become a better employee then you are in trouble. You might have noticed that all the best-paying jobs these days require you to be literate. So, rather than wallow in self-pity, maybe you enrolled in a class in your community, and worked your tail off, and now you can do it. By all your hard work, you have actually developed the skills and ability to do everything your job requires. Sure, you need the help of a spell-checker – but that's standard equipment on all computers these days.

What happens, according to the Supreme Court? Now, your boss can fire you, or refuse to promote you, just because you happen to be 'disability' even if you are doing your job well.

So what can you do? If the Supreme Court's interpretation stands, then there is only one safe course: go back into the closet. Don't tell your boss that you are disability. Lie about it. And count yourself lucky for having an invisible disability. Because, according to the U.S. Supreme Court, the law won't protect you any more.

I am sorry. I wanted pek1 to be able to achieve more, and to take pride in his abilities, to recognize his talents as gifts, and to know that with strength and determination, he can overcome his limitations.

Companies wanted to know that it is worth their while to invest in adaptive technology, such as a computer dictation system, or extend other accommodations to you, to have the benefit of your keen mind on the job. But the Supreme Court has spoken.

Quote:

There are laws that prevent deaf people from being fired or refused a job, but unfortunately, these laws don't protect all people every time. Here's why there's no simple answer: Anti-discrimination laws protect people who are disabled from job discrimination. It is up to courts to decide whether a person qualifies as disabled, and therefore entitled to protection from job discrimination. While courts have often ruled that hearing impaired is a disability, they have not ruled this way in all cases.

Disability anti-discrimination laws do not protect you. Under the ADA, your employer can't discriminate against you so long as you're well enough to go to work regularly and do the basic parts of your job, but the ADA does not protect you when you cannot do your job.

DefMATRIXense · 01-21-2008, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SxyPorkie

Pek..I agree with everyone else.. but what Reba had stated in order....She is right.... Please take Reba s advise... she knows what she is doing....

I have no idea what to make of this. I'm just glad to be included.

DefMATRIXense · 01-21-2008, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steph9700

apparently you have a phobia of deaf people because you seem to be attacking the people here who are deaf and the organizations that help us.

Keep talking.

I only speak in REALITY not fantasy world.

DefMATRIXense · 01-21-2008, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pek1

Precisely! Hey, would you believe that I've even applied to the Relay here in town and they won't even touch me, much less look at me? I don't hear everything on the phone, which is why I have started using the relay more. You know what, guys? Most of the deaf rely on technology to assist. What happens if it doesn't work, say, in the middle of the night and your house or apartment building is on fire and you don't have a hearing animal or anyone else living with you? Before knocking having a hearing animal, remember that not people look out for those who the ADA is supposed to protect and serve.

And, please, don't tell me I should sleep with my hearing aids on instead of having a hearing dog.

No, there is nothing wrong with having a hearing dog.

Reba · 01-21-2008, 10:46 AM

Check this out:

Job Accommodation Network

DefMATRIXense · 01-21-2008, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reba

Check this out:

Job Accommodation Network

This is a wonderful site and as same as what I was posting about. I know some of you feel like I am an anti-deaf people but it's silly. Because I am deaf as well.

pek1 · 01-21-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SxyPorkie

Pek..I agree with everyone else.. but what Reba had stated in order....She is right.... Please take Reba s advise... she knows what she is doing....

I did; before going in to see the personnel director . . . came here and printed off the link and had it with me.

pek1 · 01-21-2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DefMATRIXense

You guys can argue with me anytime you want. But one thing is ADA can't protect your asses is a lot of million dollars companies and governments prefer to hire the best quality and the skills of the candidates needed to support them.

Want a crazy stories? Here are examples:

Here's what the court decided:

An airline carrier could refuse to hire two deaf pilots, even though their hear could be corrected to perfect. Since their condition could be fixed, the court said the law didn't protect them. Since the law didn't protect them, the airline company said: No job.

A delivery company fired a deaf mechanic who had high blood pressure. With medication, the blood pressure could be controlled. Since the medical condition was treatable, the court said the law didn't protect the man. Since the man had the condition, the delivery company said: No job.

So what does this mean for deaf people?

We're afraid that this means that, if you live in the U.S., you are trouble.

But now we're worried. Because what the Supreme Court is telling you as a disability person is: Don't get help. If disability is a permanent, that will forever limit your ability to read, write, hear or whatever it is then maybe you will still be able to get accommodations under the ADA. You can work as a day laborer and never be required to take a written test, because you are disability.

But if you take the initiative to overcome your problems - if you work to become a better employee then you are in trouble. You might have noticed that all the best-paying jobs these days require you to be literate. So, rather than wallow in self-pity, maybe you enrolled in a class in your community, and worked your tail off, and now you can do it. By all your hard work, you have actually developed the skills and ability to do everything your job requires. Sure, you need the help of a spell-checker – but that's standard equipment on all computers these days.
login.php?do=logout&logouthash=0522f25bc37df3d0fdf 4bf2cf0e8dacd
What happens, according to the Supreme Court? Now, your boss can fire you, or refuse to promote you, just because you happen to be 'disability' even if you are doing your job well.

So what can you do? If the Supreme Court's interpretation stands, then there is only one safe course: go back into the closet. Don't tell your boss that you are disability. Lie about it. And count yourself lucky for having an invisible disability. Because, according to the U.S. Supreme Court, the law won't protect you any more.

I am sorry. I wanted pek1 to be able to achieve more, and to take pride in his abilities, to recognize his talents as gifts, and to know that with strength and determination, he can overcome his limitations.

Companies wanted to know that it is worth their while to invest in adaptive technology, such as a computer dictation system, or extend other accommodations to you, to have the benefit of your keen mind on the job. But the Supreme Court has spoken.

Disability anti-discrimination laws do not protect you. Under the ADA, your employer can't discriminate against you so long as you're well enough to go to work regularly and do the basic parts of your job, but the ADA does not protect you when you cannot do your job.

DefMATRIXense,

I hear and understand what you're saying, am glad I'm not the only one that has been feeling this way. Sure, women have to work twice as hard as men to even be considered for equal pay, which is why I support Hillary Clinton for president.

However, on the other hand, there's us. Please allow me to elaborate and please don't shoot me down for what I'm about to say.

No one ever asked me if I wanted hearing aids or to be deaf. Society years ago considered us all as deaf and dumb or the medical and psychological "professionals" diagnosed us as being mentally retarded. Maybe even instituted us in state hospitals, not residential schools for the deaf. So, now that we have all these "Rights," we have to work twice as hard as women do in order to get the same pay as them or even get promoted. Which is why, at my age, I've nearly made it a career to be in school, pursuing first the ministry, then my interests, now am pursuing my undergraduate in order to go to law school. I see that anyone who is deaf and is in law, is not doing a thing to help other deaf people. That, my dear alldeaf friends, is what I want to change. That is why I correct spelling and grammar of sara1981 and make notes to all of you that we have to play the "hearies" game. Because, when we get up to speed, we're going to be clubbing their kneecaps and getting what we all want, collectively, together. If you want to appear as "deaf and dumb," please do so, but don't do it here or in public. We deaf people want what is rightfully ours, not just a deaf president of a university, but deaf people in prominent places of leadership with credentials that speak for themselves. We don't want to hinder society, because we don't get pity, just a kick and told to stay out of the way.

As an audiologist here at Minnesota State University Moorhead told me one time, "Pete, you're gonna have to learn how to be your own advocate." Truly so.

DefMATRIXense, I believe this is what you meant, is it so?

Dixie · 01-21-2008, 10:13 PM

I understand what is being said from here guys. It irritates me when I see a hearing person write a note and many of the words are misused and/or misspelled. To me, it makes me feel like that person didnt quite get the basics down, and therefore probably isnt equipped to go forth in the world and be expected to conquer it, let alone get a decent paying job.

I know several of these kinds of people, while personality wise and street smarts, they are as every bit capable as the next person. But on paper it comes across that they may possibly be lacking in areas. This can and will burn you for job applications and interivews (if a written test is a part of the hiring proces).

It also irritates me when I see people who come up with the most off the wall stuff. Yeah, they may have 'book smarts', but they lack basic social skills which too can and will keep you from a decent paying job when being interviewed.

Are we being lesser educated than our hearing peers? Maybe so, but it's still no exscuse to keep from learning more and getting on par with them. Just because I can't hear wasn't and still isnt a legitimate reason for me to hold myself back. Just because you can't hear doesnt mean you have to take a kick in the teeth on a daily basis. Instead of walking away from the fight and giving up, we should be further building ourselves up - preparing ourselves to be better equipped to face the next battle, whether it be dispelling common myths of deaf people, to landing a management position at the local grocery store, to even possibly teaching at universities and leading communities.

Just because I couldnt hear didnt stop me from advocating for better conditions at our local pound, just because I couldnt hear didnt stop me from being in the school play at a mainstream school (and no I didnt even play a deaf character, I played a hearing part), it didnt stop me from doing well enough in school to be a part of the National Honor Society. The list goes on and on.

The sum of this is that we shouldnt settle for what the hearing world thinks is 'best' for us. We have to prove to them that we deserve better, lets prove our worth to them, and in the future we'll working ALONGSIDE them instead of FOR them.

Oprah once said that when she was a little girl her grandmother told her she hoped she would find some nice white people to work for, well today Oprah has some nice white people working for her! Lets keep that in mind and one day we'll make that happen for each and everyone of us.

steph9700 · 01-22-2008, 01:54 AM

If Pete translated you right then I owe you an apology. The way you said things at first made me feel I was being attacked as a deaf person but it was actually that you were as pissed off about the situation as all the rest of us were and for taking it wrong I am truly hoping you'll accept my apologies.

kalboy · 01-23-2008, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pek1

I had an unusual job interview a few days ago this week. Never mind the fact that it was on the telephone (a super loud one for me to hear on).

I'm well aware that several will disagree that being deaf is a disability; however, it is covered under The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). With that said, let me tell you what happened.

During the course of the interview, I told the assistant personnel director that I am accompanied by a hearing dog. A few days later, I spoke with her supervisor, the head personnel director/EEOE officer. She said to me that due to being deaf, they cannot hire me because I wouldn't hear the client. This is to work for an agency that cares for developmentally disabled people. I then said, "What? What did you say? Tell me you didn't say what I just thought you said?" She repeated it and I then said "it is unfortunate that I'm not taping this phone call, as you just discriminated against me on the basis of disability under The Americans with Disabilities Act." She said she "understood," at which point I said "you understand nothing." Do you know what kind of clients you have? Now, this entire conversation lasted about five to ten minutes, which I'm surprised she didn't hang up on me. I've already threatened a lawsuit against them for discrimination.

The questions I have are: There is a state representative that lives in town/nearby. Should I contact him regarding this, as he is a Democrat and this is one of his pet projects? Also, what about the news media? Should I file a complaint with the state of Minnesota? Should I contact an attorney? Now, I know what to do, but the question is: In what order should I do this? I've even thought of putting up a picket line in front of that business (a nonprofit) and faxing to all news media outlets informing them of it. What should I do? Note to jillio, shel, Reba, RoadRunner and jackie, I hope the four of you respond, as I respect your opinions.

Thanks!

U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

pek1 · 01-26-2008, 12:16 AM

kalboy,

Thanks for the link, buddy! I'll come back and get information from it in case I have to play dirty with this company.

jillio · 01-26-2008, 12:26 AM

Pek,
I'm sorry I just now ran across this thread. I would have responded soon if I had noticed it. I can't add a thinf to Reba's advice on this, except to say, document, document, document. It is illegal for a company to ask you about disability until they offer you a position. If they then refuse that position, rather than making accommodations, they have blatantly violated the ADA, and a complaint needs to be filed with the DOJ. I would contact legal services immediately and speak with a civil rights attorney.

AlleyCat · 01-31-2008, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pek1

And, please, don't tell me I should sleep with my hearing aids on instead of having a hearing dog.

You are absolutely right! No person in this forum or thread should attack you for having a hearing dog. I personally do not have one, but I don't sleep with my hearing aids either. I just go to bed hoping all will be well during the night.

Kudos to you for wanting to have a hearing dog with you. Ignore anyone who says otherwise.

AlleyCat · 01-31-2008, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VamPyroX

Quote: Originally Posted by pek1
She said she "understood," at which point I said "you understand nothing."

Quote: Originally Responded by VamPyroX
Isn't that response rather umm... harsh or too blunt or too negative?

How is that harsh or too blunt or too negative? The woman just admitted she understood what Pek was saying about violating the ADA act. And any person in a hiring position knows that's a no-no. Pek was right to say what he said, and I've said worse to others when I've been in similiar situations. Does that make me too harsh or blunt or negative? I don't give a damn !!

***VamPyroX*** · 01-31-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

How is that harsh or too blunt or too negative? The woman just admitted she understood what Pek was saying about violating the ADA act. And any person in a hiring position knows that's a no-no. Pek was right to say what he said, and I've said worse to others when I've been in similiar situations. Does that make me too harsh or blunt or negative? I don't give a damn !!

Just because one person says something doesn't mean you should say something back right away, especially in a professional environment.

Not everything in the world works in the way of... "an eye for an eye".

pek1 · 02-01-2008, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

You are absolutely right! No person in this forum or thread should attack you for having a hearing dog. I personally do not have one, but I don't sleep with my hearing aids either. I just go to bed hoping all will be well during the night.

Kudos to you for wanting to have a hearing dog with you. Ignore anyone who says otherwise.

I heard from the personnel director today and she said she is in contact with the county regarding this. She'll be on vacation until the 11th or 15th and will know more then.

Thanks so much for your encouragement, AlleyCat, I appreciate it!

You, too, jillio!

01-21-2008, 10:13 PM	#43 (permalink)
Dixie Hooray its November! Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Arkansas Posts: 4,199	I understand what is being said from here guys. It irritates me when I see a hearing person write a note and many of the words are misused and/or misspelled. To me, it makes me feel like that person didnt quite get the basics down, and therefore probably isnt equipped to go forth in the world and be expected to conquer it, let alone get a decent paying job. I know several of these kinds of people, while personality wise and street smarts, they are as every bit capable as the next person. But on paper it comes across that they may possibly be lacking in areas. This can and will burn you for job applications and interivews (if a written test is a part of the hiring proces). It also irritates me when I see people who come up with the most off the wall stuff. Yeah, they may have 'book smarts', but they lack basic social skills which too can and will keep you from a decent paying job when being interviewed. Are we being lesser educated than our hearing peers? Maybe so, but it's still no exscuse to keep from learning more and getting on par with them. Just because I can't hear wasn't and still isnt a legitimate reason for me to hold myself back. Just because you can't hear doesnt mean you have to take a kick in the teeth on a daily basis. Instead of walking away from the fight and giving up, we should be further building ourselves up - preparing ourselves to be better equipped to face the next battle, whether it be dispelling common myths of deaf people, to landing a management position at the local grocery store, to even possibly teaching at universities and leading communities. Just because I couldnt hear didnt stop me from advocating for better conditions at our local pound, just because I couldnt hear didnt stop me from being in the school play at a mainstream school (and no I didnt even play a deaf character, I played a hearing part), it didnt stop me from doing well enough in school to be a part of the National Honor Society. The list goes on and on. The sum of this is that we shouldnt settle for what the hearing world thinks is 'best' for us. We have to prove to them that we deserve better, lets prove our worth to them, and in the future we'll working ALONGSIDE them instead of FOR them. Oprah once said that when she was a little girl her grandmother told her she hoped she would find some nice white people to work for, well today Oprah has some nice white people working for her! Lets keep that in mind and one day we'll make that happen for each and everyone of us. __________________ Visit my Deaf Blog Signature banner created by me, please do not steal!

01-22-2008, 01:54 AM	#44 (permalink)
steph9700 gearin up 2 move 2 B'ham Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Alabama soon to be in Jefferson county Posts: 395	DefMATRIXense If Pete translated you right then I owe you an apology. The way you said things at first made me feel I was being attacked as a deaf person but it was actually that you were as pissed off about the situation as all the rest of us were and for taking it wrong I am truly hoping you'll accept my apologies. __________________ REST IN PEACE MY SWEET BROTHER, STACY, MAY 17TH 1968 TO SEPTEMBER 20TH 1996REST IN PEACE MY MOTHER & BEST FRIEND JUNE, SEPTEMBER 25TH 1940 TO MARCH 20TH 2008 REST IN PEACE MY CRAZY FUN DADDY, JOE, JULY 20TH 1939 TO JUNE 30TH 2008I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH. MAYBE TIME WILL HELP HEAL BUT I KNOW MY FRIENDS HAVE BEEN THE TRUE ANSWER TO MY CALL TO GOD FOR HELP.

01-26-2008, 12:16 AM	#46 (permalink)
pek1 Professional Writer. Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 3,442	kalboy, Thanks for the link, buddy! I'll come back and get information from it in case I have to play dirty with this company. __________________ Pete Above Him there is no other . . . John 14:6.

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01-21-2008, 10:46 AM	#39 (permalink)
Reba Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Posts: 17,240	Check this out: Job Accommodation Network

01-26-2008, 12:26 AM	#47 (permalink)
jillio Banned Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 21,197	Pek, I'm sorry I just now ran across this thread. I would have responded soon if I had noticed it. I can't add a thinf to Reba's advice on this, except to say, document, document, document. It is illegal for a company to ask you about disability until they offer you a position. If they then refuse that position, rather than making accommodations, they have blatantly violated the ADA, and a complaint needs to be filed with the DOJ. I would contact legal services immediately and speak with a civil rights attorney.

02-01-2008, 11:17 PM	#52 (permalink)
pek1 Professional Writer. Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Minnesota. Posts: 3,442