JAN consultants were recently asked if any
accommodation scenarios relating to interviewing people with disabilities
were available. Though many exist, the scenarios described below were pulled
from our files.
ACCOMMODATION SCENARIOS FOR THE INTERVIEWING PROCESS
An individual
with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome interviewed for a position with a
local hospital. A comprehension test, which was designed to be taken via
computer keyboard, was required for all applicants for the position. Because
of limitations in typing, the individual could not effectively complete
the computer-designed test. As an accommodation, the employer provided the
test orally.
An individual
with mild mental retardation was scheduled to interview for a mail room
position. The individual was concerned with interviewing successfully and
completing the necessary job training if offered the position. A local vocational
rehabilitation program provided a job coach to accompany the individual
on the job interview. After successfully interviewing for the position,
the employer accommodated the individual by allowing the job coach to assist
the individual on-site during the initial job training phase.
An individual
who was hard of hearing interviewed for a computer technician position.
The individual benefited from amplification and wore a receiver designed
to work with an assistive listening device (ALD). The interviewers accommodated
the individual throughout the interview process by talking into a microphone
designed to work with the ALD.
An individual
with a learning disability had difficulty concentrating on reading passages
during testing situations. As an accommodation, the individual was allowed
extra time and a private office to take an application exam.
An individual
who uses a wheelchair applied for a management position. The human resources
office was on the second floor of a building with no elevator. Because the
office was inaccessible, the interviewers temporarily relocated to the first
floor to interview the employee. The employer hired the individual and to
make the office accessible a chair lift and other building modifications
were made.
An individual
who with macular degeneration applied for a position as a receptionist.
The interviewer enlarged the application forms and increased their contrast
with a photo copier. To complete the application forms the individual was
given a hand magnifier.
