I've Accepted A New Job-Question for ya'll.

[Sandishooligans]

While I just love my bosses at my current job, working in a TV repair shop has never been my life's ambition.  There are some days that I have sooooo much time on my hands that I'm bored silly.  And then there are the lovely customers with their Entertainment Emergencies.  Sheeeesh!  When you're dealing with someone's TV, you find out how RUDE and OBNOXIOUS they can be.  Anyway, I have been looking at a few sources for awhile now.  Well, one position came up recently and it truly had my name on it.  It's working in a large lab as their central switchboard operator.  They are going away from the "automated attendant"....I call it voicemail jail....and putting a live person on the phones again.  THAT'S ME!  The Lab is a little closer to home than where I work now, so I'll still be walking.  It's also 40 hours with benefits after 90 days.  I applied for it and yesterday I got an offer....which I accepted.

Now here's my problem.  I am visually impaired and mentioned this in my interview.  My new boss said, "So you'll need an accomodation,"  which for me would be either a larger computer screen or something that will make the current one larger.  I went in yesterday to see the current screen they were using.  The way it's set up now, it would be a strain for me to use it.  Their IT person said they couldn't make the fonts any bigger.....I don't know about that.

SO.............Since they've taken me on as an employee, would I be out of line to request either a larger monitor OR a magnifying glare guard?  I looked both up on the internet.  The magnifying glare guard would probably work for me and it's around 135.00.  A monitor is much more expensive.  If I stood firm about getting this "accomodation" could they pull back their offer of employment?  I really want this job, but I don't think I could do a GOOD job if I have the screen presently where it's at, but I'm afraid to ask for "extra attention."  Any suggestions or advice?

[TerriL]

Well first of all...congrats! 
I think I would definately discuss it with your new boss.  It is really NOT a lot of money and you did tell him in advance that you could have a problem.  If that's what it takes for you to do a really good job, I'm sure they will see it that way as well.  Good luck Sandy and let us know what happens! 

[Jeri]

Just be honest and polite about what you need.  Simply explain that you must have one or the other in order to do the job.  They knew up front that you would need an accomodation, so it shouldn't be a problem.  It's not that much of an expense--some accomodations are much costlier!

[PattyInAK]

People are usually more receptive when you go in with a solution to a problem than just showing up with the problem.  Tell your new boss what you found out.  Also you might want to check with your eye doctor about solutions, its amazing what they can do these days.
And congratulations!  Sounds like a great job.....walking distance from home, benefits, and full time!  Good for you!!!

[Barb]

Congrats Sandi !!!  I agree with the others - just talk professionally to your boss and give him a solution that can be ordered very quickly !!!  When would you start the new job?

[cheryl186]

 :thumb: Congratulations on your new position.  I am sure if you just talk to your new boss about the magnifying glare guard, that would be fine!!  It doesn't cost much and apparently they like you, or they wouldn't have offered you the job!!!   :thumb:If you have a limitation and need an accommodation, then they have to get it for you.  Again, Congratulations!!  It sounds like a wonderful opportunity for you.

[DeeanDave]

Congrats, Sandi!!

With visual impairment, which does affect your home and work life, you are protected under the Americans with Disabilties Act (ADA).  Request a reasonable accommodation which for you would be the larger screen or the magnifying glare guard -- With us, when we offer a position, we always ask if there is an accommodation needed to help perform the job. And, we work to provide reasonable accommodations.  With your new boss, saying so you'll need an accommodation, that should start the "ball" rolling from there.  Follow up with them, let them know what the problem is with the current screen and what you found that would be workable for you to be a good employee for them.   Depending on the size of the company, their HR person should be up to speed on the ADA laws and reasonable accommodation and be of assistance.  Actually, any size of company should be aware of the ADA laws and reasonable accommodation.  Under ADA, they should not pull back their offer of employment -- they offered, you accepted and you informed them of your visual impairment during the interview.  Based on your new boss' comment, I believe that they will work with you to accommodate you.   Don't be afraid to ask for something, that will help you to become a successful employee of the company. 

Dee

[doxielady5569128]

Congratulatons on your new job!!! :thumb:  You are definately entitled to those accomodations if you need them.   Dee is exactly right in her post about the ADA.   I was going to say the same thing.