Re: Putting LPA on a resume...

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

I do not agree with blatenly say I'm a dwarf, however

because of the nature of my degree and the jobs I am

applying to, I do put LPA under volunteering because

of the things I have done for my chapter & conference.

That chapter and conference planning have given me a

lot of experience for what I want to do so I list it.

I never write out Little People of America because

honestly, it's long lol trying to fit everything on

one page of a resume is hard. So in my case it does

directly apply.

-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

,

I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea. Especially,

if you devote your time and energy either as an officer or as a

volunteer for the organization. Employers are not only looking for

work experience,education, etc, but they are also enjoy seeing how

much you participate in the community, especially if its for a non

for profit organization. My wife Holly is a former employment

recruiter and as she states, this catches the employer's eye, and it

also shows character. Both my wife and I have included this on every

resume that we have submitted, and we haven't experienced any

problems with receiving interviews or receiving job offers. The

employer is not going to look at this as " Hire me because I have

dwarfism " , but more so that you are active in an organization that

you care about, and once again, it shows that you have character.

Mike Spears

>

> Here's one reason I wouldn't put LPA on a resume:

> If you apply online or via email (those are actually two different

things),

> you're really no different from the " average Joe " that's job-

hunting,

> besides your skills etc. For all they know, you could be 6'2 " and

whatever

> age you want to think...they won't know any different till the

interview.

> Is that being in denial- not really, because it's not an essential

fact of

> the job.

>

> I'll give you another example of something I don't like answering:

whatever

> the question is (it's either EEOC required or affirmative action):

on the

> anonymous form if it asks if you're a Vietnam vet and/or disabled.

I never

> say disabled for two reasons: identification, and I want to be

treated as

> everyone else (I don't want them specifically taking credit for

hiring me

> b/c of it, I want to be hired b/c I was qualified).

>

> Hope this helps whoever asked the original question...

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I think it's always important to list your volunteer experience in the

resume.

As far as the cover letter I disagree with (and it was I who

suggested this, not Randy -- shame on you ), I think IT IS important

to mention you have a disability, for two reasons.

One, if you are applying for a government job at any level, or a private

social service job, they are always looking for diversity. Mentioning you

have a disability may put your resume on top of the stack.

Two, without specifically mentioning dwarfism, I think it is important to

clue in an interviewer that you have a disability. You don't want them to

be completely surprised when you walk in the room. It can take them several

minutes to get over the shock, and first impressions are very important.

Trust me on this one, I have probably been to many more interviews than a

lot of people on this list. Plus I've done my fair share of interviewing

too.

Take care and happy job hunting!

Bill

On 5/9/06, indyspears2001 <indyspears1@...> wrote:

>

> ,

>

> I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea. Especially,

> if you devote your time and energy either as an officer or as a

> volunteer for the organization. Employers are not only looking for

> work experience,education, etc, but they are also enjoy seeing how

> much you participate in the community, especially if its for a non

> for profit organization. My wife Holly is a former employment

> recruiter and as she states, this catches the employer's eye, and it

> also shows character. Both my wife and I have included this on every

> resume that we have submitted, and we haven't experienced any

> problems with receiving interviews or receiving job offers. The

> employer is not going to look at this as " Hire me because I have

> dwarfism " , but more so that you are active in an organization that

> you care about, and once again, it shows that you have character.

>

>

> Mike Spears

>

>

>

>

> >

> > Here's one reason I wouldn't put LPA on a resume:

> > If you apply online or via email (those are actually two different

> things),

> > you're really no different from the " average Joe " that's job-

> hunting,

> > besides your skills etc. For all they know, you could be 6'2 " and

> whatever

> > age you want to think...they won't know any different till the

> interview.

> > Is that being in denial- not really, because it's not an essential

> fact of

> > the job.

> >

> > I'll give you another example of something I don't like answering:

> whatever

> > the question is (it's either EEOC required or affirmative action):

> on the

> > anonymous form if it asks if you're a Vietnam vet and/or disabled.

> I never

> > say disabled for two reasons: identification, and I want to be

> treated as

> > everyone else (I don't want them specifically taking credit for

> hiring me

> > b/c of it, I want to be hired b/c I was qualified).

> >

> > Hope this helps whoever asked the original question...

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

I wouldn't put LPA on a resume unless I served in a role of

leadership that may have some application and or usage with the job I

was applying for.

I wouldn't want to be pre judged before my potential employers met me.

Why hinder yourself?

SOme folks may have prejudices, and if the meet you, you could change

that perception on the interview.

Putting your size on a resume or membership to any club that doesn't

relate to the job, could hurt your chances of getting that job.

When I go for a job it's all business, we can talk about my social

life when they hire me.

On May 9, 2006, at 11:26 PM, indyspears2001 wrote:

> ,

>

> I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

[Guest guest]

Okay, my input on this subject.

I do NOT reference to my dwarfism or disabilities when I fill out my

applications, resume or cover letter. Nor do I mention any of my

disability issues over the phone before the interview.

When I proceed with a job opportunity the only time the issue comes

up is when the Interviewer asks about what types of accommodations I

would need to perform my duties. OR if I bring up the discussion of

reasonable accommodations before they have a chance to. (This works

better sometimes.)

Most of the time, the interviewers are impressed with my work

history, volunteer experiences and other things I have to offer to

the job and company.

When I am looking for a job I do not focus on my dwarfism or

disabilities. I focus on the job, why I feel I am good for that

particular position and my strength.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) they are NOT

allowed to ask about your disability. But they are able to ask about

accommodations. Sometimes the area is in the gray zone. If you are

ever unsure if an interviewer had violated the ADA, contact the ADA

Technical Center at 800-949-4232. YES, dwarfism is considered a

disability that is protected under the ADA.

The reason why I do not mention my dwarfism and disabilities is

because they will find out sooner or later when they meet me. It

should not impact my chances of getting a particular job. If the ADA

prohibits an employer to ask directly about a disability, I choose

not to discuss my disability to them. The time I'll talk about it is

around accommodations and when I'm comfortable and it happens to

come up in a casual discussion (outside of employment issues) later

on down the road.

a

>

> > ,

> >

> > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

>

[Guest guest]

Hi a. I'm a Legal Secretary. Questions were not asked until my second

interview with the company about accomodations. Dwarfism is somewhat

considerated a disability? What are the conditions that gives someone the

opportunity to collect Social Security?

a <quartznh@...> wrote: Okay, my input on this subject.

I do NOT reference to my dwarfism or disabilities when I fill out my

applications, resume or cover letter. Nor do I mention any of my

disability issues over the phone before the interview.

When I proceed with a job opportunity the only time the issue comes

up is when the Interviewer asks about what types of accommodations I

would need to perform my duties. OR if I bring up the discussion of

reasonable accommodations before they have a chance to. (This works

better sometimes.)

Most of the time, the interviewers are impressed with my work

history, volunteer experiences and other things I have to offer to

the job and company.

When I am looking for a job I do not focus on my dwarfism or

disabilities. I focus on the job, why I feel I am good for that

particular position and my strength.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) they are NOT

allowed to ask about your disability. But they are able to ask about

accommodations. Sometimes the area is in the gray zone. If you are

ever unsure if an interviewer had violated the ADA, contact the ADA

Technical Center at 800-949-4232. YES, dwarfism is considered a

disability that is protected under the ADA.

The reason why I do not mention my dwarfism and disabilities is

because they will find out sooner or later when they meet me. It

should not impact my chances of getting a particular job. If the ADA

prohibits an employer to ask directly about a disability, I choose

not to discuss my disability to them. The time I'll talk about it is

around accommodations and when I'm comfortable and it happens to

come up in a casual discussion (outside of employment issues) later

on down the road.

a

>

> > ,

> >

> > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

>

===

[Guest guest]

Greetings Everyone!

I feel the same way. I got out here to Colorado by doing a Americorp

volunteer program, and so I had many conversations over the phone and

e-mail with my housemates before coming out there, and so I asked my

family and friends, if I should mention I am dwarf, they all replied

pretty much the same way, but my best friend made a really excellent

comment in saying " You don't introduce yourself to people when you meet

them in person as Amy the dwarf, so why tell people that before meeting

you. " Unfortunately in our society everyone has their stereotypes don't

allow anyone to make them about you before meeting the best part...you

in person.

Amy Dinofrio

2-1-1 Center Supervisor

Pikes Peak United Way

518 N Nevada Ave.

Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Phone: (719)-955-0750

Fax: (719)-632-8139

Re: Putting LPA on a resume...

Okay, my input on this subject.

I do NOT reference to my dwarfism or disabilities when I fill out my

applications, resume or cover letter. Nor do I mention any of my

disability issues over the phone before the interview.

When I proceed with a job opportunity the only time the issue comes

up is when the Interviewer asks about what types of accommodations I

would need to perform my duties. OR if I bring up the discussion of

reasonable accommodations before they have a chance to. (This works

better sometimes.)

Most of the time, the interviewers are impressed with my work

history, volunteer experiences and other things I have to offer to

the job and company.

When I am looking for a job I do not focus on my dwarfism or

disabilities. I focus on the job, why I feel I am good for that

particular position and my strength.

According to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) they are NOT

allowed to ask about your disability. But they are able to ask about

accommodations. Sometimes the area is in the gray zone. If you are

ever unsure if an interviewer had violated the ADA, contact the ADA

Technical Center at 800-949-4232. YES, dwarfism is considered a

disability that is protected under the ADA.

The reason why I do not mention my dwarfism and disabilities is

because they will find out sooner or later when they meet me. It

should not impact my chances of getting a particular job. If the ADA

prohibits an employer to ask directly about a disability, I choose

not to discuss my disability to them. The time I'll talk about it is

around accommodations and when I'm comfortable and it happens to

come up in a casual discussion (outside of employment issues) later

on down the road.

a

>

> > ,

> >

> > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

>

===

[Guest guest]

You are actually asking a two part question... often times in my

line of work, these questions do get confused and the answers seem

over-whelming at times. Let me try to assist in clearing up your

questions...

The first situation: the definition of a disability is below this

email, which can include the medical condition of dwarfism as well.

However in the ADA (and or SSDI's listing), I believe they actually

have a sample list of what medical conditions are considered as a

disability and dwarfism is on that list. According to the definition

of the ADA, I consider dwarfism as a disability.

Second situation: Now to your question regarding Social Security.

There is a big difference between SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance).

SSI is for people with very low income or who have no income at all.

ANYONE can apply for SSI.

Now, SSDI is for people trying to get disability benefits due to a

disability that prohibits them from maintaining gainful employment.

I have applied and received BOTH as a person with dwarfism. You can

apply for SSDI if you have a work history OR you had a parent on

SSDI and draw off of their work history.

Now a person can be employed and receive SSI and SSDI, but benefits

can be cut or eliminated completely. Let me PERSONALLY tell you that

the process of getting off of SSI and SSDI because of employment is

a horrible process, but I can give people tips and suggestions on

ways to make it easier, because of the things I've learned on my own.

Off subject, so to speak: Questions cannot be asked about a person's

disability, height and so on. Questions can be asked in a form of

accommodations that a person may need to assist the person in doing

their job.

REASONABLE accommodations should be made by the employer. If

accommodations are unable to be met, you could consider funding from

Vocational Rehabilitation because the medical condition of dwarfism

is considered a disability. If you need further clarification on

this, let me know.

Now if DWARFISM is NOT considered a disability, we as people with

dwarfism would not be protected by the ADA, we could NOT ask for

reasonable accommodations and expect them to be met. Also people

with dwarfism would not be able to receive assistance through

Vocational Rehabilitation and we would NOT need vehichle

modifications or other modification around a person's life, such as

home and employment. Disability is NOT a four letter word!

(check out www.disabilityisnatural.com)

Below is the definition of what a disability is according to the ADA.

Let me know if you have further questions!

a

Below is a website that explains the following definition of

Disability under the ADA.

http://www.access.duke.edu/terms.asp

Americans with Disabilities Act

The ADA is a federal antidiscrimination statute designed to remove

barriers which prevent qualified individuals with disabilities from

enjoying the same employment opportunities that are available to

persons without disabilities

Individual With a Disability

An individual who:

has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or

more of her/his major life activities; has a record of such an

impairment; or is regarded as having such an impairment.

Physical Impairment

[A]ny physiological disorder, or condition, cosmetic disfigurement,

or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body

systems: neurological, musculoskeletal, special sense organs,

respiratory (including speech organs), cardiovascular, reproductive,

digestive, genito-urinary, hemic and lymphatic, skin, and endocrine

Mental Impairment

" [A]ny mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation,

organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific

learning disabilities.

Major Life Activities

To be a disability covered by the ADA, an impairment must

substantially limit one or more major life activities. These are

activities that an average person can perform with little or no

difficulty.

Examples are: walking, seeing, speaking, hearing, breathing,

learning, performing manual, caring for oneself, tasks

Substantially Limits

An impairment is only a " disability " under the ADA if it

substantially limits one or more major life activities. An

individual must be unable to perform, or be significantly limited in

the ability to perform, an activity compared to an average person in

the general population.

The regulations provide three factors to consider in determining

whether a person's impairment substantially limits a major life

activity.

its nature and severity; how long it will last or is expected to

last; its permanent or long term impact, or expected impact. These

factors must be considered because, generally, it is not the name of

an impairment or a condition that determines whether a person is

protected by the ADA, but rather the effect of an impairment or

condition on the life of a particular person. Some impairments, such

as blindness, deafness, HIV infection or AIDS, are by their nature

substantially limiting, but many other impairments may be disabling

for some individuals but not for others, depending on the impact on

their activities

Record of a Substantially Limiting Condition

Protects people who may have been misclassified or misdiagnosed as

having a disability.

For example: It protects a person who may at one time have been

erroneously classified as having mental retardation or having a

learning disability. These people have a record of disability. (If

an employer relies on any record [such as an educational, medical or

employment record] containing such information to make an adverse

employment decision about a person who currently is qualified to

perform a job, the action is subject to challenge as a

discriminatory practice.)

Regarded as Substantially Limited

Protects people who are not substantially limited in a major life

activity from discriminatory actions taken because they are

perceived to have such a limitation. Such protection is necessary,

because, as the Supreme Court has stated and the Congress has

reiterated, " society's myths and fears about disability and disease

are as handicapping as are the physical limitations that flow from

actual impairments. "

The legislative history of the ADA indicates that Congress intended

this part of the definition to protect people from a range of

discriminatory actions based on " myths, fears and stereotypes " about

disability, which occur even when a person does not have a

substantially limiting impairment.

The individual may have an impairment which is not substantially

limiting, but is treated by the employer as having such an

impairment.

> >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

> >

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ===

>

[Guest guest]

Hmm... contrary to what many people believe.. and I actually disagree on

a few

things!

I've listed LPA as a reference for years when it came to any volunteer

contribution I may

have given the organization through graphic design (like freelance or non-profit

work) or

under " Recreational " interests. I don't think I've ever listed an officer

position.. but

regardless, listing " Little People of America " has NEVER once been an issue for

me. In fact,

I often show LPA literature during my portfolio review, and if anything,

employers are

much more interested in seeing your " side " or " personal " work.

Maybe with more corporate jobs, employers are able to overlook belonging to what

organization.. for all they would know, you are just a name - it could mean you

are an AP

who just volunteers for LPA. It could be the same as if you get a resume from

someone

who works for the NAACP.. does that define that the person is Afro-American? Or

how

about the Braille Institute ? More and more employers now would like to hire

people of

different diversity, so if you have the same qualifications as someone who's an

AP, why not

have the edge?

I think having a non-profit group on your resume is a great attribute saying you

contribute

to society. However.. I guess it's different between those of white-collar,

corporate jobs

than those which may be labor or service. I've certainly been turned down more

in the

service sector than corporate when I was younger. Use your inituition.

Otherwise -- in my opinion, if they are going to cut you off due to possibly

being a LP,

then that employer or company is not worth working for anyway. Granted, maybe I

have

been eliminated from a job or two and wasn't aware of it, but I think my most of

my jobs

were acquired because I was " qualified first " ...regardless of being a LP.

Peace,

Irene

>

> > ,

> >

> > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

>

[Guest guest]

I hear you on what you are saying. Yes I feel people should put down

on their resume about volunteer experiences they may be or have been

involved in. Also yes employers are looking to fill their company

with diversity.

However, just because someone put down they are involved with the

NAACP it does not mean they are black. Also if someone is involved

with the Braille Institute, it does not mean they are legally blind.

Yes it looks good on a resume, but it does not state what the

person's status is.

I do not agree with " Advertising " someone's diversity or disability.

I feel it could be degrading.

Unless, for an example; 51% or more of employees at an Independent

Living Center must be people with disabilities. Then it could be

appropriate to put this information of the person's disability on

the COVER Sheet, not the resume or the application. Also the person

does not have to disclose this information either.

One of the reasons why I feel it could be degrading to point out

that the person belongs to some minority group; the employer may

feel that if they do not hire that individual, then that person is

going to file discrimination.

I feel there is a difference between referring to many groups and

organizations a person is involved in and discussing the fact that

the person has a disability in order to flaunt it. Besides, when

you have an interview, they will see the difference right away,

unless they are legally blind, no pun intended.

a

> >

> > > ,

> > >

> > > I think putting LPA on a resume is in fact a great idea.

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Hello all,

Bill, you're my buddy but I totally disagree with you

on this.

When I talked to my professors AND the work counselor

at Dept. of Vocational Rehab, they stated I should not

state on there I have a disability. I am not using

them but that is what they stated.

With your point to adding diversity, I want to be

hired because of what is typed on my resume meaning my

education, skills, and experience. I do not want to be

the " token disabled " person. If that is the case then

why did I go to college?

This is why unless your going for a modeling job you

do not attach your picture, you present yourself on a

piece of paper and that is what gets you the

interview, job, or not.

As far as the interviewer being surprised, good! Let

them be! I do not need to prepare them for anything in

terms of my physical appearance when it comes to

interviewing. If they do have questions about

accomodations during the interview I will gladly

answer them. Why should they think everyone that walks

through their door is the cookie cutter person? This

is a diverse world that does not need any explanation.

If I was tall and missing a leg, would I put that on

my resume or tell the interviewer ahead of time? If I

was Black, would I tell them that ahead of time? If I

was a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, would I tell them

that as well? No.

People are people, we come in all shapes, sizes, and

colors, I refuse to be anyone's " token dwarf. "

-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

My question is why do you need to state you are a dwarf?

Being a dwarf is great, and I wouldn't change being one for anything.

But the thing we need to think about is would a person in a wheel-chair

put that on there resume.

I just started a new job here at the United Way, and when I excepted the

job they spoke to me regarding what I would need.

Amy Dinofrio

[Guest guest]

,

You are my buddy too, but there's a difference between what college

professors and voc rehab counselors tell you, and people in the " real "

working world tell you. Trust me, I've dealt with all three quite

extensively. I'm not saying your qualifications shouldn't be your primary

concern on getting hired (that's why I don't specifically list my dwarfism

on my resume -- just volunteer work experience with LPA, my service as VP of

my university's disabled students organization, etc.). However, on a cover

letter, I do mention I have a disability (not dwarfism per se) because if it

comes down to two equally qualified candidates, the diversity issue may put

you over the top (I've gotten MORE interviews by mentioning I have a

disability than not). Government jobs, especially, are recruiting disabled

people.

Also, for very practical reasons, I need to know if the office I'm going to

be interviewed in is physically accessible. I was once scheduled for an

interview with a company on the second floor of a building with no

elevator. Now the office I would be working in was in a different,

accessible building, but HR was not (how they could get away with that still

baffles me). But, because of my cover letter, they moved the interview to a

different locale, and they started the process of making the HR office

physically accessible. As far as accommodation issues, that is never

mentioned in my cover letter but usually comes up in an interview.

Like Irene says, it may also depend on the corporate setting. Both Irene

and I work in the graphics/print media business, where I think diversity is

more valued. And I look at it this way, if life is going to deal me a bad

hand of dwarfism, then I will exploit any opportunity to use it to my

advantage. Getting your foot in the door is the first step, and if that

means being the " token dwarf " so be it. But keeping the job is all a matter

of brains and personality. And if you do an exemplary job, you pave the way

for other disabled people to more easily be hired. It's all fine and dandy

to demand respect based on your education and smarts, but sometimes that

doesn't pay the bills.

Bill

On 5/10/06, irish_p_butter@... <irish_p_butter@...> wrote:

>

> Hello all,

>

> Bill, you're my buddy but I totally disagree with you

> on this.

>

> When I talked to my professors AND the work counselor

> at Dept. of Vocational Rehab, they stated I should not

> state on there I have a disability. I am not using

> them but that is what they stated.

>

> With your point to adding diversity, I want to be

> hired because of what is typed on my resume meaning my

> education, skills, and experience. I do not want to be

> the " token disabled " person. If that is the case then

> why did I go to college?

>

> This is why unless your going for a modeling job you

> do not attach your picture, you present yourself on a

> piece of paper and that is what gets you the

> interview, job, or not.

>

> As far as the interviewer being surprised, good! Let

> them be! I do not need to prepare them for anything in

> terms of my physical appearance when it comes to

> interviewing. If they do have questions about

> accomodations during the interview I will gladly

> answer them. Why should they think everyone that walks

> through their door is the cookie cutter person? This

> is a diverse world that does not need any explanation.

> If I was tall and missing a leg, would I put that on

> my resume or tell the interviewer ahead of time? If I

> was Black, would I tell them that ahead of time? If I

> was a Muslim woman wearing a hijab, would I tell them

> that as well? No.

>

> People are people, we come in all shapes, sizes, and

> colors, I refuse to be anyone's " token dwarf. "

>

> -

>

[Guest guest]

>I'm not saying your qualifications shouldn't be your primary concern

on getting hired (that's why I don't specifically list my dwarfism

on my resume -- just volunteer work experience with LPA, my service as

VP of my university's disabled students organization, etc.). However,

on a cover letter, I do mention I have a disability (not dwarfism per

se) because if it comes down to two equally qualified candidates, the

diversity issue may put you over the top (I've gotten MORE interviews

by mentioning I have a disability than not). Government jobs,

especially, are recruiting disabled people.<

Bill, I totally agree with you on this point. In some cases the

disability fills a need for diversity and in others it demonstrates a

certain amount of ability to cope with varying (and sometimes

difficult) situations.

>Also, for very practical reasons, I need to know if the office I'm

going to be interviewed in is physically accessible. I was once

scheduled for an interview with a company on the second floor of a

building with no elevator.<

And isn't this the same type of question we ask in so many other

situations - restaurants, stores, gallerys (I've missed shows because

so many NYC places aren't), service offices such as accountants. Why

not ask it when it's of vital importance?

>And I look at it this way, if life is going to deal me a bad hand of

dwarfism, then I will exploit any opportunity to use it to my advantage.<

Don't models use their physical attributes in the same way? Athletes

use their exemplary physique?

>Getting your foot in the door is the first step, and if that means

being the " token dwarf " so be it.<

At a certain point in life you begin to realize that there has to be

an upside to something that can be so frustrating in this 'average'

height world. While our lack of stature may keep us from many jobs,

why not use it to open some doors also. No one keeps a 'token'

anything around just for the heck of it, not in today's economy.

>But keeping the job is all a matter of brains and personality. And

if you do an exemplary job, you pave the way for other disabled people

to more easily be hired.<

That's a very good point; it may get you in, but it won't keep you in

place or help you climb the perverbial ladder. The unexpected and

unsolicited opportunities I have had are not created for me due to my

dwarfism, but my sheer determination to do the best job possible in

whatever position I've been in and go 'over and above' when I can has.

I work for a very smart man who knows who it takes to get the job done

and (for a lack of a better term) exploits our talents for the better

of the University. A good employer doesn't box you in, he/she helps

you climb on that box (and gives you a hand up the ladder as well).

But, in order for this to happen he/she does have to meet and employee

you.

>It's all fine and dandy to demand respect based on your education and

smarts, but sometimes that doesn't pay the bills.<

This is another item that I think comes with age and need. I remember

the last time I was really out job hunting (oh, so long ago. yes, I'm

very lucky in that I've had several job changes that have fallen into

my lap.) I had a constant internal debate about how much to disclose.

This was at a time when I was MUCH more mobile and able to handle some

situations that I now can't. I was very young and my dwarfism was

still a matter of mental/emotional complexity for me, so I chose the

path of non-disclosure. And that in itself may have determined some of

my interview failures. Most folks for the most part don't have an easy

time bouncing back from the (for lack of a better term) shock of

meeting their first dwarf. (I know see it in the faces of some of the

candidates that I interview, but from my vantage point as the employer

it gives me vital information working in the diverse environment that

is our University.) It's a reality, whether we like it or not. I know

presently with the mobility issues that I now have I would definately

find a way to work it into the pre-interview discussion. The truth is

that this is my reality and I have to learn to work it into every

aspect of my life. If certain barriers do exist and it is not possible

to make 'reasonable accomodations', then why cause frustration on both

sides. And we have to remember that ADA does say 'reasonable'

accomodations, not 'we will move mountains and entire buildings for

you'.

[Guest guest]

This is where I say, we'll have to agree to disagree.

I think in a way it is very hypocritical. In one

breath we want equality, we want people to treat us as

individuals based our qualities, not as some disabled

person. Yet it's okay to be the token disabled person.

Yes I say token because in these posts it's been

stated that we could bring diversity and use our

dwarfism to our advantage, that's token.

I could give two craps about bringing diversity to any

working environment, if the company is honorable and

fair, there will already be diversity because they are

hiring qualified people who encompass diversity in

society to begin with.

I WILL NOT use my dwarfism to get my foot in the door

when it comes to jobs. I also think that sets a bad

example for younger generation of dwarfs. Hey, want

to get out of something that you could easily do? Use

your dwarfism. Hey, want to get something that you

don't necessarily deserve but want? Use your dwarfism.

That is NOT how I was raised (my mom was an LP) when

it came to education or the working world.

As far as paying the bills, if I can't work for one

company I will go to another, there is not just only

one place in my state where if I don't get it I will

starve to death.

You cannot have it both ways, wanting to be socially

equal yet using our dwarfism when it's convenient for

us for something we may not deserve in the first

place.

These are my beliefs when it comes to education and

the working world (yes I have been in it) and I refuse

to compromise on this issue.

Have to agree to disagree.

-

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Oh yes, totally.. I think that was sort of the point I was trying to make (but

maybe didn't

clarify well enough). For all the employers know, an applicant could just be a

parent, a

relative, friend or someone who cares to support an organization -- and not to

put a

stigma that the applicant is Afro-American, blind, female, gay, etc.

I'm not sure if my method is advertising per se... maybe it is to a small

degree. I haven't

even really thought about that... This discussion about employers possibly

discriminating

against my resume b/c of having " LPA " or LP related work on there did make me

think

twice. However I believe having something like " LPA " on your resume may be the

equivalent of filling out an affirmative action sheet that many companies use

now.

Regardless, I would say without hestitation that most of us acquire our jobs b/c

we

qualified for them first, then the other deciding factors second. Otherwise I

think I

would've been fired at least a few times by now. [grins]

Irene

> >

> > Hmm... contrary to what many people believe.. and I

> actually disagree on a few

> > things!

> >

> > I've listed LPA as a reference for years when it came to any

> volunteer contribution I may

> > have given the organization through graphic design (like freelance

> or non-profit work) or

> > under " Recreational " interests. I don't think I've ever listed an

> officer position.. but

> > regardless, listing " Little People of America " has NEVER once been

> an issue for me. In fact,

> > I often show LPA literature during my portfolio review, and if

> anything, employers are

> > much more interested in seeing your " side " or " personal " work.

> >

> > Maybe with more corporate jobs, employers are able to overlook

> belonging to what

> > organization.. for all they would know, you are just a name - it

> could mean you are an AP

> > who just volunteers for LPA. It could be the same as if you get a

> resume from someone

> > who works for the NAACP.. does that define that the person is Afro-

> American? Or how

> > about the Braille Institute ? More and more employers now would

> like to hire people of

> > different diversity, so if you have the same qualifications as

> someone who's an AP, why not

> > have the edge?

> >

> > I think having a non-profit group on your resume is a great

> attribute saying you contribute

> > to society. However.. I guess it's different between those of

> white-collar, corporate jobs

> > than those which may be labor or service. I've certainly been

> turned down more in the

> > service sector than corporate when I was younger. Use your

> inituition.

> >

> > Otherwise -- in my opinion, if they are going to cut you off due

> to possibly being a LP,

> > then that employer or company is not worth working for anyway.

> Granted, maybe I have

> > been eliminated from a job or two and wasn't aware of it, but I

> think my most of my jobs

> > were acquired because I was " qualified first " ...regardless of

> being a LP.

> >

> > Peace,

> > Irene