SWC June 2009 Newsletter

Due to the troubled economy lately, I decided that I wanted to try to find a job outside of the home. (I help my husband with his business.) So, having searched and found jobs before in my approximately 20 years’ experience in the working world, I decided to sign up with some job agencies, such as OfficeTeam and AppleOne. I first went to OfficeTeam. I filled out the paperwork and took the mandatory computer tests. When I met with the job counselor after completing the paperwork and tests, she asked me what type of job I was looking for. I told her that due to my hearing impairment, I would really prefer a job that required almost no phone work. She nodded her head and wrote notes. Then, she looked down at my test scores and said in a surprising tone “Wow! You did really well on your tests!” (Um, yes, because those of us who have a hearing impairment can be pretty bright!) I told her any general office job would do – just as long as I really didn’t have to use phones that much. Since my appointment, I have tried to touch base with the job counselor but I have not heard back from her. Frustrating!

A few weeks later, I went to AppleOne. I filled out the necessary paperwork, and then took the computer tests. As with the job counselor at OfficeTeam, I let this job counselor – Jodi – know that due to my hearing impairment, I would prefer a general office job that requires little to no phone work. She was very pleasant and said they were very slow, but that I scored well on the tests and she liked my personality, and as soon as she had an appropriate position for me, she would contact me. I just need to check in with her every week to see if she has an appropriate job that fits what I’m looking for.

A few days after my AppleOne appointment, one of my girlfriends – with whom I used to work – called me to let me know Jodi contacted her for a reference for me. My friend said “Jodi told me that she couldn’t even tell you had a hearing impairment when she met with you.” Couldn’t tell I had a hearing impairment? What was she expecting? Was it because I was well-spoken and articulated? Because my hair covers my hearing aid?

During my job search, I am experiencing misconceptions regarding those with hearing impairments I ALMOST feel as if the job counselors are pleasantly surprised to see how “on the ball” I am. I hope that by working with me, job counselors and potential employers can eliminate any preconceived notions that they may have had about the deaf and HOH.