PC Protest

I know I'm supposed to be up-in-arms about this, but I went to a job interview the other day where I was asked straight out "tell me about the wheelchair.. all the time, some of the time..?" I paused just a moment because I'm used to some form of the tiptoeing questions like "did you read the job description?", but then I was happy to tell him I could stand, just not for long, and that I would always exhaust my various adapted options before I determine I cannot do something. He even asked if I had medications that would affect my abilities on the job, to which I very matter-of-factly told him if I had to resort to those I would have already called out.

Now, I know this is a thin line to walk and everyone is just erring on the side of "oh my gosh, they might be offended if I point out that they're different!", but I have been trying to find a job for over a year now and I rarely make it past that first meeting.. which is usually rather uncomfortable because all they want to do is ask about my abilities or I scare them by bringing it up myself.

Let's back up a little bit, to the tiptoeing questions... Really? Did I read the job description? This is the most popular one, as it's a simple way of asking if I think I can do the job. However, whenever I hear it, sarcasm fills my head and I have to fight from saying "no, I'm just out to waste everyone's time.. I randomly go online and fill out as many job applications as possible because I love going to interviews and I need someone to talk to. Plus I love talking about myself to strangers." I have learned to internalize the look of disappointment (I hope!), take a breath, and tell them that I did read it. Unfortunately they haven't had the same opportunity to school their disbelieving expressions and I know I will never hear from them again.

Let me get up on my soapbox for this next part....

WHY IS IT OKAY TO ASK ANYONE ELSE WHY THEY SHOULD BE HIRED AND WHAT ABILITIES THEY HAVE?! Think about any interview you have gone to.. you were asked what skills you have, what made you the person for the job, if you could work whatever equipment the job required, if there was something that would interfere with the job, or any combination thereof. Why can't I be asked the same questions? Who was the first person to say those basic questions were discrimination? And, more importantly, who agreed so readily that it became so widespread?

You want to know what I liked so much about this interview? We were BOTH comfortable with where it went, the knowledge that he needed to be sure that I could be accommodated was out there for all to see, he knows that I will answer his questions, and I know that he will ask rather than decide I need to be protected in some kind of bubble.

Why should you hire me? Because I want to work, I will try my best to do a good job, and I will be sure to tell you what kind of help I may need. Tell me how many people you know that could honestly say all that.