Question for employers: Workplace Equipment Adaptation Grant

billy the squid

Oki doki, where to start

Having a visual impairment requires that I use adaptive software on both PC and laptop. Now this poses a bit of a problem with jobseeking.

My question really is when is the best time during a job application to drop the bombshell that I have a visual impairment.

There are two options I have considered, I would like to know which is better and which employers would be more receptive to

1. Wait until interview and mentioning it then, plus making reference to the WEAG Now that I have the software on the laptop I can bring it with me and give a demonstration.

2. Mention it in the cover letter and include literature from FAS (who operate the grant) with the CV.

Are there any other options open to me.

MIN2511

Mention it in your cover letter

billy the squid

I requested and received 20 copies of the leaflet on the WEAG grant, should I include that with the application or wait until interview.

Mentioning it in the letter seems more logical, it spares one the time of going to an interview and finding out that they have no intention of employing you.

MIN2511

No employer should discriminate against you, as long as you are able to work it shouldn't be a problem.
If they invite you for an interview, you should then send them a copy of the WEAG(assuming the know about your impairment from your cover letter)

billy the squid

Thanks for the info. unfortunately, while no employer should discriminate, many do, whether it be through ignorance or fear of it costing them extra.

I am leaning towards mentioning both the impairment and making reference to the WEAG in the cover letter, however I am mindful that a cover letter shouldn't be too long.

If more information is requested I can give them the fas literature, also I could, if required bring laptop with me to give demonstration at interview time.

the_syco

Is there any physical yoke that you could use instead?

Oh, and MIN2511, they can't discriminate, but if you're late for work once, you may find that you no longer have a job. For the 1st year or so, you have no real rights.

External 3rd party software for most companies is usually a straight off no-no.

Also, is this software government approved? If it is, it may put their minds at rest. Include it in the interview, so that you can explain. Put it in your cover letter, and they'll find a "better candidate", and you'll never know.

SarahMc

Personally I'd go for 2. Let them have an opportunity to see past your disability, and shortlist you on ability and qualifications. Then wow them in the interview with not just your run of the mill capability, but your ability to work beyond boundaries, and the financial assistance available to them.

Depressing as it it, there is discrimination out there, you have to give yourself a fighting chance.

billy the squid

the_syco wrote: »

Is there any physical yoke that you could use instead?

Oh, and MIN2511, they can't discriminate, but if you're late for work once, you may find that you no longer have a job. For the 1st year or so, you have no real rights.

External 3rd party software for most companies is usually a straight off no-no.

Also, is this software government approved? If it is, it may put their minds at rest. Include it in the interview, so that you can explain. Put it in your cover letter, and they'll find a "better candidate", and you'll never know.

Hi syco.

as for physical yoke, as in whopping big monitor, or a over-the-screen magnifyer, it is possible.

The adaptive software I use on this machine is Lunar from Dolphin systems, which is used pretty much the standard used by schools and semi state or civil service bodies for their students/employees.

The laptop has a newer version of Lunar as the older version is not compatible with Windows Vista,

As for third party software, the grant would cover a whole new machine with the software installed. the maximum spend allowed with the grant is €5,000.

One disc containing Luner is around €700 to €800

forgot to mention, a person using the software could start work straight away by using the evaluation version of the software while the grant application is being processed.

MIN2511

In my expereince i have found that most companies are lazy when there is more work(hiring a person with a disability, a person who needs work visa e.t.c.) but you have done their homework for them, i would expect it to be pretty straight forward now. You just have to find a job!