Summary: Regarding a job position I wanted to apply recently but I came across to where I was asked why did I need an interpreter over the phone (Jes was interpreting for me). I am not sure if the company has their own website, I will keep you all posted.
Buy me a cup of coffee
SG's past videos
Who Needs Men When You Got iPad?
What's Wrong With Gay Ads?!
Now, This Is Nothing!
Lincoln City In 2004
Pike Place Fish Market
MaxRef by WebFadds.com
Subscribe to this site's RSS feed.
Seek Geo is Digg proof thanks to caching by WP Super Cache
January 10th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Ohh, I’m very pissed for you. It is clear there is discriminated against you. I can’t believe how ignorant Cathy is.
Good thing you told to that employment agency about it. But I would still go ahead file complaint against them. To make them look very bad on them in the future reference.
January 10th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
OH brother!
what an idiot company! But thats good employment agency support your side!
file to BBB or file a complaint that employment agency suggested you that.
LIke Fairlady mentioned to make them look very bad on them IT’S TRUE!
January 10th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
Good Luck!
Misha :)
January 10th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Whoaa yikes, that a discrimination. I don’t understand why the company just rejected someone before giving them an chance. have they ever heard of having interpreters on site if u needed one. My friend Robert works at closetmaid, he is very hard of hearing, he was apply to do forklift spot at his job, at first the job kept saying no cuz he was deaf then finally he fought about it and got his forklift spot. i don’t know why we the deaf have to basically fight for everything we need like a job…
January 10th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
Mercy!!!!!! This is an open and shut case of discrimination. The Cathys of the world make the deaf take 3 steps backwards instead of 3 steps forward..She needs some sensitivity training, most BIG ( her words ) companies have a hand book for personell,, and how to handle disabled applicants.. this woman obviously was asleep when they were giving the lecture on it..
You should file a complaint, and have the employment agency to back u up once you have done so, and at the same time look for another job.
Just recently I needed to see a specialist, and the woman who was to work with me on my issue,asked me why I needed an interpreter ( this was a Dutch woman who spoke very bad english) since I could speak and lip read so well, I said in order to know if we are on the same page I needed a sign language interpreter ( there are only 3 ASL INTERPRETERS in the entire country of Holland, and one of them lives 15 min from my house )..this woman also obviously had no idea what a sign language interpreter was, she was too concerned about patient and dr confidentally. Rather than go thru the whole American style process of explaining things, I simply said nee,,I will have this interpteter here or the treatment will not happen, I need the interpreter here to make it clear what is going to happen etc.She started to say something which looked like STUBBORN AMERICANS,, then shut her mouth and nodded and said YOU BRING THE INTERPETER AND WE WILL SEE …. I am like NO WE WILL NOT SEE ,, WE WILL USE AN INTERPRETER FOR ANY SESSIONS I need,
At that point I got up and shook her hand and walked out the office,,Stubborn,,, sure,,, she was too,, I am the deaf patient she is the specialist,, I know what I need, and she did not,
So for u .. educate this CATHY PERSON and the head honcho of Don J Young,, my guess is the head honcho will not want bad publicity and they may do a double take,,
In the mean time,, keep looking for something better, there is bound to be a perfect job for you out there,, Good luck babe keep us posted
Jodi
January 10th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
Man, Geo, I am sorry. This sucks.
You can get validation by fighting back by filing a complaint of discrimination. It really helps that the employment agency is so supportive.
Go get them, Geo! :)
January 10th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Hello, I’ve enjoyed your blogs. I don’t think I’ve posted before, or maybe I have. I’ve been lurking. I’m in the same boat as you. I have to look for a job as well. I’m glad I’m not the only one who’s only applying for one job at a time. I’ve been looking, and I’m not finding many that are good matches for me.
Anyway, that’s awful that they did that to you. Good that the employment agency is on your side. I don’t think it’s worth it to sue anyone for discrimination, though. What’s the point? It’s just a waste of time, energy and money and what would you get in return? Unfortunately, discrimination laws only serve as EDUCATION, not enforcement.
Funny, I was looking at the listings of my employment agency, and there was one position that looked like a great fit for me – but, it’s with my old company! So, I can’t apply for that position, forget it. I was thinking about telling my employment agency to take them off their preferred employers, as they don’t seem to be too deaf-friendly, so to speak.
I’ve been in touch with my employment agency, but not that much. Geo, how do you get in touch with your employment agency? The only way I can think of is to go in person, which I plan to do tomorrow morning. I do see my VR counselor, which is in the same place as the employment agency, once a week, but I should probably see someone in the employment agency as well…
Well, thanks for reading!
January 10th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
Short message: Email this post to that Don J. Young company. Just a suggestion.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
That was disrespect! That’s discrimination. I have hard time to look for work as well. I have to keep persistent. I’m glad that employment agency sticks up for you. Hope you will get a job soon anytime. Keep thinking positive.
January 10th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Next time, you could say this…
“Excuse me, the Deaf people are not invalid, unlike yourself. And, we are able to do multitasking a lot better than most deaf-impaired!”
:)
January 10th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Hi Geo…
WHOA!! When i see ur blog/vlog talk about cathy and Don J Young.. this make me pissed off. I am not appreciation what they said to you. I have tell u my experience myself like u do.. but i will trying to blog/vlog to share with you and everyone. someday i will send blog/vlog to u alright..
I am shocked that employment agency is support ur side. i am glad about that… Oh wow.. What Idioit Cathy and Don J. Young company.. Seem Cathy dont know how to communcation or whatever.. u r right discrimial on the deaf ppl.. Its really hurt to deaf ppl’s feeling.. I can’t believe..
I am sure that U will fight and againist that idioit cathy and company.. Wink.. I cant believe.. oh gee.. I feel like i come down and speak out with cathy.. lolz
take care of ya..
January 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
That is another sign of superior in hearing level. Cathy’s perspective and concern is your hearing skills instead of your quality skills. That’s what problem that we are facing right now. There are insufficient public relations in our community to educate companies that hearing is not only factor of concerns for working in warehouse. I have one friend who works for Target’s warehouse and he is deaf with total dependable interpreter. He never have problem and he use pen and paper to communicate, but now he use pager to communicate. :)
Bottom line, we don’t have any public relation to educate the companies to deal with people who are deaf. Your experience can apply to “Audism” as well. I hope you can get the job that you want and most important, your rights to get that job. :)
January 10th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
That really sucks!
What I suggest you do beyond filing a complaint is EDUCATE. These people haven’t got a clue. They need education so they do not continue to give these kinds of responses to deaf people. If you cannot educate, find out which advocacy agency is near you or them who can go in an educated with some in-service or community education. We need to take it a step beyond complain and follow up by offering replacement behaviors and responses. Good vlog.
~ LaRonda
January 10th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
That happened to several of my friends here in Denver metro. I noticed many companies has started to use “safety” as a reason not to consider deaf applicants.
I’m getting really tired of it and glad you brought it up. It’s an issue for me and surprise that the deaf blog/vlog world didn’t even consider it a serious issue.
I’m seriously thinking of going to EEOC every time I get a “sorry safety reason” excuse when i apply for position.
That sucks.
January 10th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
Geo,
I am really pissed off at Don J. Young’s companies. You should file complaint to against their business.. Cathy is really harsh and abused of your believe which she is really knew nothing about any kind of job fitting your job expereinced shoud be fitting your new job. I think Cathy is outraged and barrier of discrimination on you.
I feel like to fax their business and tell world what Cathy insulted Geo! It will looking bad business. I appuladed that Geo is really efforting to get a jobs very bad. Agree with Employment office did supported your side. Smack Employment Office.
Geo, I m curious what Jes think. I know it’s already distrubed him lot.
January 10th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Wow, it’s great hearing all of your comments that get me seriously thinking! I just got home a few minutes ago from going places to drop off resumes, so far so good. These places where I dropped off my resume, they all seem to be nice people. So I hope it is a good sign.
Hi Jenny!
Oh no about the old job that you saw listed on their listings, I think it won’t hurt to let them know that the company isn’t too deaf-friendly since it is not worth for any other Deafies to apply.
This employment agency that I have been in touch with is really great agency and they doesn’t treat me any difference, not a bit at all. So I am so grateful finding that agency. It’s only in Spokane/Tri-Cities in case if anyone is interested to know more, the link is http://www.empnw.com/triehome.html .
They update their listings every Mondays/Wednesdays afternoon so when I find one I want to apply, either I call or come in their office to get the rest info to apply.
More often we contact the agency, the better chance we can get. :-)
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Hey kd of denver,
You got that damn right! It seems like we all have to hear “safety” reasons all the time. In my mind, I was like.. you mean we, Deafies, put hearing people’s lives in any danger or what?
That makes no sense at all… ugh!!
Hey Shawn R.,
I like the idea of sending them an email to this post. Lemme find their e-mail address, it is going to be great!!!!!
Thanks for the idea!
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Geo,
I hope it is working out for email. I think Shawn R’s suggestion is great idea! It might be better than my idea. :???:
January 10th, 2008 at 5:26 pm
Hey Deaf Pixie,
Jes was very pissed, I could tell even before he interpreted but he remained calm because he was acting an interpreter.
After he hang up, he was saying how totally unbelievable of what happened. It was all new to him and he said he now know how we all Deafies feel that we have to face every single day in our lives. He feels us.
For starters, I might as well contact BBB like some of you suggested and so that’s way BBB will contact them and share my complaint. None of any businesses want to hear from BBB.
I’m still looking for that company’s website so I can email them this post but so far it looks like they don’t have one nor have any e-mail address. All I have is their phone number.
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Hugs Geo and Jes,
I know How much I was angry after I read your vlogs. It is really made me so angry.. How can Cathy dare? Horrible the business. I suggested you to written a letter to BBB about their business. And inculding their business phone and place, etc.
I wish all of things they can respect you in very small town. Pasco seem going to grow fast someday.
January 10th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
I know a deaf guy that works in a warehouse. He uses a pager and that’s how people contact him. You should fight this. Geez~
January 10th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Oh my, it is bad! Yea, educate them , but a file complaint against them is the first thing I would do! Then…they need to be educated and it’d be good to see them being embarrassed when educated!
January 10th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Send it to Don and asked that Cathy is fired! Who knows you might end up getting a better job that is if you really want it.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Ok you know how I feel! First of all I would email your video to the company’s CEO. When I sent that video I would also include my resumme. I wonder what :cathy’s position is with this comapny? I also wonder does Mr. Young have any idea what the idiot just did. You cannot discriminate you know that. I would not only file a complaint I would go out of my way to let them know that I am and the exact reason. They just passed by the best employee they would have had.
January 10th, 2008 at 6:26 pm
Wow.. what a company.. It sure is a discrimination. I sure do hope that everything will work out for you. It’s real nice of employment agency to support you in that kind of situation. Keep us informed on how things go for you. :o)
January 10th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Geez!
Glad you spoke up for your cause.
*Hugs*
White Ghost
January 10th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
Jo,
#*&^%$#@!! I agree with you. I am so pissed off about Cathy’s behavior is not acceptable and The company should not discriminate Geo or who intersting the job position. I need to calm down. What will they say after result if she could email the CEO. It is very best idea!
January 10th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Geo,
You appear to be an extremely personable guy so I would suggest you try to show up in person as much as possible…so they can see that the whole deaf/hearing barrier will be no problem to overcome. Has Cathy ever heard of email, paging etc. to find someone in BIG warehouse? You have great communication skills so don’t get defeated too soon!
January 10th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Hey L,
I’m not sure I’d even want to walk into that building looking at Cathy’s face how the way she treated me.
I’m better off working elsewhere, anyways.
I will be sure to bring the attention to BBB to make sure it won’t happen again in the future to any other Deafies.
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 6:58 pm
Oh my goodness! Were you able to get Cathy’s last name? She could have been the owner of Don J. Young Inc company??
Do you really want to work there? Especially if they have this kind of attitude that deaf people “cannot do it”, I wouldn’t want to work in a company like this but this is just me.
Good luck!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Hi michele,
Oh you are right, no way I would see myself working there ever. I might as well to contact BBB letting them know what they have done and to make sure it won’t happen in the future because none of any Deafies deserve this to go through what I had to.
From what I understand is Cathy is the manager of HR but who knows.
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Geo,
I am on your side!! There are many fishes over there that will accept your position. I agree with you that you need to file a complaint about this Company. That is full of discriminate!! I went through it many times and they has not knowledge of how to handle with deaf needs. We have to educate the companies when deaf people apply. We have to fight for our rights.
January 10th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I strongly suggest that you file a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) for what was perceived to be an act of discrimination under Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Public Law 101-336. The complaint process is free; you simply need to complete and submit an intake form, which can be found at http://eeoc.gov/charge/overview_charge_filing.html . If you prefer to utilize a sign language interpreter to make a complaint in person, you can contact your local EEOC field office for an intake appointment. To locate the nearest field office, you can go to http://eeoc.gov/offices.html.
The ADA does not only protect employees with disabilities from disability-related discrimination, it also protects applicants and interviewees with disabilities who want to be considered for employment, with or without reasonable accommodation, from discrimination. If I remember correctly, the statute of limitations for filing Title I of the ADA complaints with the EEOC expires 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination. In addition, the EEOC handles an enormously high volume of complaints and thus, it will most likely take 2-5 years before they will begin an investigation into your claim unless you regularly contact the EEOC unit to which your complaint has been assigned and inquire as to the status of your complaint; it may help reduce the number of years that it takes them to get to the investigation stage if they know how interested you are in getting your complaint resolved satisfactorily.
The EEOC may even offer you the option to have a voluntary mediation with the employer, to be facilitated by a professional mediator, to resolve the complaint during which time you can provide some education to the employer on how you can perform the essential functions of the position for which you wish to be considered, with or without reasonable accommodation; you can also refer them to the Job Accommodations Network (JAN) website, which is an extremely popular website for employers who wish to comply with Title I of the ADA and provide their applicants and employees with disabilities with reasonable accommodations. The website address is http://www.jan.wvu.edu/.
Good luck!
January 10th, 2008 at 7:37 pm
Hey Seek Geo,
oh nothing new shit, Cathy needs to be educated about Deaf. Cathy is very DUMB. I am very glad that you are very STRONG.
Thumbs up!!!
Thanks for sharing,
Bobby L.
January 10th, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Hello Geo !
I just tell you : ” Don’t lost your mind and stay courageous !”
I support all of this comments and we will always support you and maybe others deafies ….
In the world , all deafies are the same problem .. this own job to change this and with solodarity , we make it !!
Whatever , maybe we change history !!
(Sorry about my English… if you see a error , don’t be shy , let’s me know … I want learn more
)
Good Luck Geo ! You are my hero !!
Bye Jassy xxx
January 10th, 2008 at 9:07 pm
Wow yep there is always some excuse for normal hearing to put the deaf on the back burner. Fight for it and demand them to learn about deaf not just an invalid !!!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:08 pm
Inquisitive Mind,
I learn something about this one of your comment. Interesting!
One problem I tried to click few time and it is not working website?
:???: Http://eeoc.gov/offices.html. :???:
January 10th, 2008 at 9:16 pm
Hmmm, I was able to access the website just now.
Try adding “www.” before “eeoc” (i.e., http://www.eeoc.gov/offices.html). If it all fails, do a Google search for “EEOC field offices” and it will point you in the right direction.
Hope this helps.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Hey Deaf Pixie,
There was a period at the end of address but I fixed so it is working now. You can try his link.
Hi Inquisitive Mind,
Wow.. you provided a lot of excellent information is what I really need. That is what many people need to bookmark them if ever needed.
I am going to have it taken care of tomorrow with BBB and EEOC to start from there.
Thanks very much!! :-)
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Thumb up!
Good nite! SG, Good lucks with BBB and EEOC. Please update with us
January 10th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Take the advice of #33. Often when you file a complaint, you will be able to educate this company how you COULD do the job. They probably do not know about pagers and such. They will be surprised at what you could do. I have filed a complaint with the Office of Civil Rights in the past. It was a simple process, but different organization. However, when filing a complaint with the government for ADA offenses, you aren’t suing for damages, so it doesn’t cost anything. The government will go in and educate the company and slap their hands a little. It will be a good lesson for them!
January 10th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
That is so…so…wrong/sad/frustrating.
Cathy made a huge mistake. She had a great opportunity and all she saw was obstacles. It’s that company’s loss…not yours.
January 10th, 2008 at 9:42 pm
Cathy is a perfect example of deficit thinking…
I hope you will find a job that you enjoy, Geo.
I agree with others, try sending this page to the company for educational puposes
SusanA
January 10th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
I glad that the employment agency won’t advertising for Don J. Young are S.O.B. (excuse my language). That company should take class deaf 101 then they would understand what the deaf can or can’t for the safety issues. The company not only one, I am sure plenty of many companies out there had same thing to discriminate deaf people. All deaf people are beautiful human beings. I hope you will success, keep going!
January 10th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Geo,
I’m just so glad to hear that the employment agency fully supports you on this horrible issue. Like so many have already said, people like Cathy need to be educated about the Deaf.
Too bad you don’t live in CT, because my job position is over in about 2 weeks, I’d recommend for you to have my job – that’s if you don’t mind cooking for 30 toddlers and babies everyday hehe.
January 10th, 2008 at 10:47 pm
Hey Roberto!
No way I would cook 30 toddlers and babies, I’d go insane!! :lol: Why do you have to leave that position in two weeks, anyway?
I am going to do what I need to do tomorrow by contacting EEOC and BBB and see from there. I will keep you all posted.
Wish me luck! I refuse to allow this happen to other Deafies. This is just wrong what Cathy did!
I still have no luck locating their e-mail or even their own website which I don’t think they even have one.
I will see what I can do, anyways. I’m sure the agency will give me all info I need to file a complaint.
-SG
January 10th, 2008 at 10:51 pm
That’s totally sucks!
I’m WAREHOUSE manager and deaf and I hires people to be warehouse clerk with multi-tasks PLUS operate a FORKLIFT! Also, I hired people, who know ASL as no matter what kind of person. As long a person is qualified that could meet company that keep productivity!
If you are considering to moving to San Diego, CA. then just send a resume.
January 10th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hi Jon Savage!
Aw.. you made me feel better! :-) Only if I live in SD, you know I would! That’d be awesome working for you!
Thanks a bunch!
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 12:45 am
SUE THEM
January 11th, 2008 at 5:52 am
By the way, you managed to give us that signature, the gesture of OK???? Phew!
deafk
January 11th, 2008 at 7:44 am
I agree with some of the comments saying that you need to educate these companies.
What gets me is that you gave up without a fight – you let Cathy tell you that b/c of safety reasons and etc that you wouldn’t be a good fit for the company. Granted, she’s thinking about safety issues b/c she doesn’t want to get sued and I’m sure she doesn’t want to deal with interpreters either.
Knowing that being deaf has obstacles, you should have gone a different route – perhaps you could have sent her your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be perfect for this job. Then request a meeting.
Imagine being in her position, first off, she’s obviously someone who hasn’t had any or limited experience with deaf people. Second of all, she’s thinking about the welfare of the company – working in a warehouse is dangerous enough for hearing people – and even more dangerous for deaf people. So it’s just common sense to understand her perspective. Then go on to explain how you would BENEFIT the company.
You cry that its discrimination – yes it is discrimination. But truth of matter – EVERYONE discriminate. It is the face of life, we may not like it but we gotta deal with it. When you could have stopped Cathy and explained how you could benefit the company, you instead let her hang up with the same state of mind. She will continue to think deaf people are incapable. How is that going to help close the gap between the hearing and the deaf world? Instead of complaining, do something about it. Send an email to Cathy explaining your side of the story.
With that being said, good luck with your job search. Try to look at it from their side and expect Cathy’s response from different companies.
It is our job to prove them wrong.
January 11th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Hi!
On behalf of all of the normal “Kathy/Kathie’s” of the world I’d like to apologize for how you were treated by that woman. We `Kathy/Kathie spelled with a `K“ girls are of a different breed than those who spell their names with a `C`
There is absolutely no excuse for her behaviour towards you and the Deaf Community, especially considering that she works in Human Resources!
Like the others have said before you, go and file that complaint, not only with the BBB but also your local human rights commission and labour relations board… this sort of thing should not be tolerated!
January 11th, 2008 at 10:10 am
seek geo,
i love your freedom of speech but to answer your question what should you do? please know that i am on your side. you already file a compliant against that company due to the discrimination. but the question is did you talk to the lawyer in person yet? take my advice.
1). remove your post of article “Why Do You Need An Interpreter” first.
2). find the disability law center in your state.
3). if this lawyer accepts to take your case after review your complaint against the company.
4). then you can ask her/him for her/his advice if it is good idea for you to post your comment in blogs what you just did. i bet you that lawyer will not recommend you to do that yet. because it make lawyer to do negotiation easier against the company for your settlement. if your settlement for compensation can’t be resolved then lawyer will give you the option to litigating (lawsuit in the court).
wish you the best.
buzz
January 11th, 2008 at 10:29 am
cuong aka buzz,
No way I am going to remove this. The whole point is to send a message how we have to deal with idiots like “Chatty” Cathy.
So, we get good information what we need to do from there. It is here to stay.
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 10:41 am
Deaf person that has a job,
Says who I gave up ? First, when I was given the information from Employment Agency, only I got was a phone number which is Don Young Co.’s preference is to be called to set up an appointment.
Second, I had to hung up is because I don’t want to put Jes in an awkward position and most of us have been there before dealing with people like this so sometime it is pointless to go on and on over the phone.
As you can tell how Cathy goes on and on about safety issues. So it’s better off let go and file a complaint with BBB to get the message out to the company.
Sometimes it is better to stop where you are and do what you can do rather than go too far to the point where you’d get more frustration that won’t do any good for the case.
Third, I did not “cry” for discrimination. Says who it was discrimination? Employment Agency said it, not me. Watch the video carefully.
Again, I do not have their e-mail nor even their address, all I have is their phone number along with name of their company since Employment Agency can provide is phone # at that time.
Now, I’m working to get the info on contacting BBB but first I need to get Don Young Co’s address, etc.
-SG
By the way, you left second comment, “I agreed with Deaf person that has a job” right after your first comment within seconds. But that was actually you based on same IP address so I deleted it.
January 11th, 2008 at 10:43 am
cuong aka buzz,
I don’t agree with you about one number should not remove posted. Let Cathy or Don J Young’s business failed of A.D.A and EECO,too.
I think bad idea to removed the posted that Geo made a posted.
Think about Employment office told him to remove their post by Don J Young’s business. They will find out later about Cathy’s comment is very discrinination!
Make sense? :???:
January 11th, 2008 at 10:50 am
seek geo,
i support you all the way to post your voice on blogs to educate and to send message for good cause. but have you talked with lawyer first before post it. i am saying that you can always post it back after talk with lawyer first.
buzz
January 11th, 2008 at 10:55 am
cuong aka buzz,
*laughs* It just happened recently and how can I have an attorney within seconds?
It takes long time to process but first I am going to contact BBB which none of companies like that.
That’s my goal right now. I don’t see how I would want to sue them because it will drag on and on for years.
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 11:05 am
SG,
I agree with you. Waste time to go to see lawyer. Lawyer would not much helpful.
BBB and EEOCo might help him to against that company .They will embassrassed after once Employment removed his business phone and names. Good example, The Employment office will tell the business why and what happened.
Let their problem. not Geo’s fault.
January 11th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Ok, I just spoke with someone from Don Young Co… different person and of course I got the different story saying the position required to answer phones, I told him that it doesn’t say in the description for the job at all.
And I explained to him what Cathy did which leaves me no choice but to go ahead and contact BBB so their name will be on the record which they won’t like it. Funny, the guy said the position also require to drive a forklift. I said that I know and I know how to drive one!
That’s all I want by contacting BBB and let them handle this, I am not going to sue them because it’s just little thing that I happened to run into an idiot like Cathy.
I already contacted BBB and passed the information over to them.
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 11:35 am
That’s my goal right now. I don’t see how I would want to sue them because it will drag on and on for years.
geek geo,
my bad that i overlooked the part. just fyi, my wife and i did file a complaint against the hospital. our lawyer did review our complaint and accepted our case. we are currently working with our lawyer in process. i asked his advice how much can i share the information with my friends. he said no detail but only surface information. i can’t risk to post mine into blogs but i want to scream my voice.
since i can see you already make decision not to sue which i am proud of you to post yours in blogs. you the man! your voice rule! keep it up. btw, you inspired me.
buzz
January 11th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
this vlog brought up my old job-hunting memories. I had few encounters like that. Made me mad. :mad: After rejections from about 20 companies, I finally found a job at a college. I dont work there anymore. I now have a different job with a nonprofit agency. Hopefully I continue working there till I retire because I dont want to start over. I believe it is FAR harder to find another one nowdays. Anyway, dont give up, keep plugging, dude.
January 11th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Are you more interested in vlogging than finding a job? :) Anyway, what SOLUTION can you propose to Cathy to assure her and her bosses of your safety in this ohmygodbigfukinwarehouse? A beeper system? Carry around an air horn? My boss had to do this to to assure his superiors to allow me to get my job at a lab. I had to keep an air horn in my lab coat at all times.
January 11th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Hi passingthru,
LOL… “ohmygodbigfukinwarehouse” that is funny. I spoke with someone this morning at that place asking to speak to Cathy to clarify but she did want to come to the phone so I explained to the guy and he defended her saying the position required to answer phone calls. I told him it did not state in the description.
He then said it also require to drive a forklift, I was like.. umm.. I can drive one. But he hurried to leave so he hang up.
I couldn’t even want to work there with these kind of people anyways but I did report to BBB and they confirmed with me recently that they received my complaint so it will take weeks. All I care about is to have their record on it then I’m all good.
I’ve moved on anyways and start looking elsewhere. :-)
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Geo, Why don’t you copy all of this comments to forward to Don J Young Company. The owner probably listen what do deaf express about being discrimition themselves. It’s been nothing news to me. I did try to apply a job for Sears Wareouses. In Front Desk, Woman started dirty face on me. She said How could you work? I told her that I refused to leave room till HR worker is willing to interview with me first. She did give up and call worker to show up. He said come and follow me to his office. My interview went well with him and he said the resumse really impressed him.. I informed him that I was not appreciate what did front desk woman has attitude toward to me that I unable work. He said Ok no problem I will take care of this situation. I said thanks, I am looking forward it to hear from you soon. have a good day. I left and I never heard any word from them. few month later, Sears Warehouse was burn out down by fire. everybody lost their jobs. too bad. My ESP was working..
winks
Billy
January 11th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
Ya know I thought a lot about this situation. Geo you also know I always think about every situation you have and will encounter, in your daily “got to do” things. This is not new to you and it WILL happen again. I also know you love your vlog and someday your dream is to do this full time WELL……….As usual I have a suggestion. (have you ever known me not to have one? LOL)
It seems to me that the public so desparately needs to understand the “deaf”. Have you ever even considered this: Now I am not so sure how to go about this but I think if you are interested we can all put our thinking caps together and figure out where to start. How about finding companies, schools, government offices, hospitals, anyplace where the average person has contact with. Set up speaking engagements. You be the voice of the deaf. You show them that being deaf does not warrant discrimination. This can always start out as a freeby or perhaps a donation and work its way up to it being money. Believe me Jack and I know people that do this and they make thousands. This way not only would you be out educating the world you could also put plugs in for your vlog. AND make money too boot! Let me know all what you think and OH yeah…..you too Geo. You know I raised you to believe you have no handicap because of your deafness..you have advantage and to always use it, when warrented! You go Geo. I luv ya
January 11th, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Wow, Jo. I love your answer to him. It does sound very good advice and it fits to his personality and how much he had been interacting with us all. Plus he is also into the hearing world to deal with that. What’s best for that? Geo has already experience it and he can tell his story first hand to the listeners. :)
January 11th, 2008 at 5:30 pm
[...] service begins in a Teesside town to help deaf people book taxis more easily. (23 clicks) “Why Do You Need An Interpreter?!”“Why Do You Need An Interpreter?!” By Seek Geo | January 1… RIT Tigers, Hear Us Roar!RIT Tigers, Hear Us Roar! By Shane Feldman on Thu 10 Jan 2008 | Email This [...]
January 11th, 2008 at 5:42 pm
I agree 100% with LaRonda (#13) and Jo (#66). The hearing world needs education about deaf people. There are programs teaching about other cultures in schools aren’t there? Are there programs given about Deaf culture? I don’t think so.
Local libraries often have special programs around February to celebrate Black History Month and many have expanded to include other cultures, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen Deaf Culture included in any of these. Maybe Deaf Culture events could be tied into these programs already in place. Or maybe Deaf History Month (March 13- April 15) might be a good time to begin the process.
I hate to admit this, but until a year ago I was totally unaware of d/Deaf culture – TOTALLY – and I’m over 50 years old! (But in my defense, I’d never met a deaf person to interact with before and never needed to know about Deaf Culture, and was never exposed to deaf history or culture in school.) One year ago I started to take ASL classes because I work with a deaf man and wanted to be able to chat with him. That’s when I started to learn about deaf history and culture. I was shocked that I had never been taught about this before… shocked!… and then embarrassed. How could be as old as I am and be so totally clueless. I wondered … am I the only hearing person so uninformed? Well, I found out my husband was equally clueless and when I asked around at work, I found that most of my co-workers were as ignorant as I. Sad, but true … You have a great personality and outlook and might be just the person to help bridge this gap through education. Good luck Geo in whatever you do!
January 11th, 2008 at 6:13 pm
Hi Jo, Fairlady & Jrae,
Oh this is definitely something to think about, of course the big question is how to start.
This is so true about black history month where we see libraries and everywhere to celebrate and honor which I always enjoyed every February but where is Deaf history month, sure we have Deaf Awareness Week as well so we need to advertise more in many different places, etc to educate more.
That is something to think about… It won’t hurt to see what I can find out.. any suggestion, anybody?
Glad you mentioned this, Jare about not knowing anything about Deaf, there were two readers so far who emailed me stating how praised they are about this website especially with providing captions because they learned so much about Deaf Culture, mostly from videos and comments (thanks to you all, commentators!).
One of them admitted that he knew nothing about Deaf except bad about them but now he has learned so much and guess what? He is taking ASL classes the last time I heard from him. So that makes me so feel good.
That was one of main reasons why I provide captions on all videos to educate more hearing people out there to understand us better.
-SG
January 11th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
Geo,
but many just need to work along side a Deaf person or have a positive experience with Deaf to change how they think.
I didn’t mean to walk into THAT company but I do agree with someone else’s comment who said that you should send your resume in telling them how you could benefit their company AND how you would overcome any barriers they might perceive. I know that it is not right what they did but in order to educate you have to deal with the stupid questions and deal with those who THINK you can’t do a job as well as a hearing person. You have to be the bigger person and show them that you are personable, intelligent and MORE than capable, that being Deaf has no bearing on whether or not you can do a good job. Even though it is easier to be mad and want to put in complaints (which is also good) I wish you would send the company a letter and a resume showing them what a great candidate they passed up because they were incapable of looking past the Deaf part of you. REmember Cathy is only the HR person but may not represent the way the whole company thinks. Perhaps the Big Boss needs to receive your letter and resume so he/she knows what is going on. Yes complain to BBB and to the employment agency but take steps to educate by showing them what you can do….no you don’t have to want to work there to do that. It is easy for people to discriminate not just against Deaf but to judge those of colour, weight, sex, sexual orientation but if those who are “different” don’t take the moral higher ground then we all end up frustrated and no one changes because we don’t know any better. Cathy just is narrow minded and has no idea how you could work in that environment,,, you need to tell those kind of people how you could. Ask to send in your resume, tell them you are Deaf and also tell them how it should be no concern to them when considering you for a job. The job market is tough and yes there are ignorant people out there but you just need to be the kind of person who is willing to take the time to educate so that hearing people will understand. Truly if you are not taught you cannot know. Deaf culture is not widely known but in order to teach others you need to be willing to also accept those with faults, who are ignorant as to how you could possibly perform the job. Do I make sense? I know what I want to say but it is hard to get down in this forum. You appear to be so friendly and personable and adaptable and prospective Job people need to see that too. When they just hear you are Deaf they are frightened.. and have no idea how THEY would deal with it. Discrimination is wrong but if you give people the knowledge then maybe they will see Deaf people in a different way. Truly I wish you the best in this difficult time looking for a job and hope you understand what I mean when I sat hearing people act ignorant because THEY are afraid of how to overcome the language barrier. Some are just plain ignorant no excuses too
January 11th, 2008 at 7:30 pm
Geo,
You did the best you could.
Maybe Cathy wasn’t familiar with Deaf people and/or hasn’t been educated by a company’s owner or Supervisor has taught them about important to meet their requirement on job applications. I believe that she doesn’t understand why most Deaf do require to have interpreter via interview, phone calls (either voice or VRS), perphaps she’s expecting someone can directly lipreading or else. Glad that her company (someone else) understand your situation and took your side on this.
Sadly, some hearing people don’t get to see any Deaf drives a vehicles, or forklift, or boat, or big bus. Very common for hearing people ask a rheotic (or even sarastic) questions, “How can you drive that or this?” Yes, Deafies can prove them dead wrong they are capacibility of ability to do something.
I recall read a paragraph on a bottom of a application a long time ago, it said, “A _____ company is not discriminate against ages, sex, religion, race, disabled, enthic and ___ (I forgot what else) to be hiring and work for the company.” Company’s employers and employees need to remember not to discriminate anyone (all of us) based on HR and applications. I don’t know if it’s still apply to old policy or has change over years.
Last thing, remember it’s your blogsite and you want to leave that topic. That’s fine. I’m supporting you all the way. :-)
Agreed with LaRhona #13 about educating people on careers. It’s a very important to be educate.
Good feedback vlog!
January 11th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
:mrgreen:
January 11th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
WOWIES I agree about it!! I am pray for you about going on! Let them and me update about going on!!
January 12th, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hey just one more quick reason to hire deaf people! Their productivity far surpases those of the “hearing” population. WHY??? Think about it. How ,amy tmes does a hearing person stop and to talk, to listen or visit their coworkers. How much time is wasted on gossip. How many times are hearing workers interupted by noise, ringing of their phones or like i said just to listen. Does a deafie do this?? That is why at Geo’s last job they hate to see him go. He ALWAYS turned in the workload of anywhere from 3-6 other workers combined. This is a stated fact about him by a superior to me. So in the end they do not hire 1 deafie how many hearing do they need?
January 12th, 2008 at 1:40 am
Jo,
I agree with you about gossip around by hearing employee.. Deafie often don’t hear it until 1 week later or more than 1 month later. Geo have been so work so long day. I think 50-60 hour a week. It is too much.. They did not really understand Deaf could work anything what he have a job expereinced.
Deaf employement often stuck by their supervisor or co work sometime mistreated them bad. I have go thorough many time .. Just ignored them. Be yourself to be role as who are you. I think Something I taught to my co-worker about my level is not similiar to hearing people. Of course,I often embrassed about it.. They did great to help me or taught me how doing better as your job roles.
I love you, Jo!
January 12th, 2008 at 1:43 am
Shoot, I mean I say earlier about Deaf Employment.. it is not right grammer. :oops: I mean to say “Deaf employer.” The Employment office often cluess about deafie.
January 12th, 2008 at 9:33 am
[...] service begins in a Teesside town to help deaf people book taxis more easily. (23 clicks) “Why Do You Need An Interpreter?!”“Why Do You Need An Interpreter?!” By Seek Geo | January 1… One Lobster Boat, Coming Up…I hope Donald’s friends in Maine do not read my blog because if [...]
January 12th, 2008 at 10:26 am
If you didn’t want to put Jes in an awkward situation then you should have called VRS. Keep it neutral. As for you saying that you didn’t complain of discrimination, then what did you think it was? And if you didn’t think it was discrimination then why did you tell the employment agency? b/c you knew something was wrong.
but point is – I wasn’t trying to bring you down – I was just merely giving u a few suggestions, you did after all asked us “what should I do?” at the end of the video. As for you deleting that comment that you thought was me b/c it’s the same ip address – that was my deaf co-worker. We work in the same office and have the same ip address b/c we have the same router for our internet. We like to read different websites and keep up to date with what’s going on out there – we got to talking about your case and that’s how I decided to comment. She then decided to comment as well – I think it would be quite ridiculous for me to comment to myself :-)
January 12th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Deaf Person that has a job,
Ah.. making assumptions.
If I did not want to put Jes in this awkward position, how would I know the way how Cathy would react? And the reason why Jes called is because we were outside in downtown.
Understand? We were outside in the downtown when we were running around dropping off resumes.
Why did we call Cathy? Because they prefer people to call making an appointment. Employment Agency gave # and saying they are taking calls “today” to make appointment since they are doing interview for the day. So that’s why Jes called hoping we’d make an appointment to come in right away.
And, why did I call employment agency? Because they clearly asked me to report if any problem that I had with places. They tell every person who received listings and if they run into problems, they want to know.
Get it?
-SG
January 12th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Hey L,
Like I said earlier when we chatted that you had an interesting point! Well, because yesterday morning I called the guy at that company and I told him what happened the way how Cathy reacted. He was defending her and then saying the position was required to answer phones. I told him that it did not state in the job description.
He then said that it also require to drive a forklift. I was like. umm yes I know and I knew how to drive one!
So, really these type of people I don’t think I would even want to bother except I am satisfied since I already report to BBB and now it’s in their hand. :-)
Hi Jo,
Ha.. that is very true that not many company realized having a deaf person working for them that will save 2-4 positions which then save their money since many deaf people can do so many things.
When I was working at heathcare as a Senior Lead for two teams, I didn’t even need a Lead since I can do both jobs. After I resigned, they ended up hiring two positions (Senior Lead & Lead).
It’s every company’s loss who doesn’t want to hire Deaf people.
-SG
January 12th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Jo & Deaf Pixie — I am not angry with your comments, but I just want to make this point, because I see this happen all of the time between different groups and types of people. Please be careful not to lump all people into the same category. I agree many hearing people do spend too much time not being productive at work, but this is not a function of their hearing, it is a function of their work ethics and personality. I am hearing and I do not spend company time gossiping and goofing off. I only know 2 deaf people. Each of them is totally different. One is a very hard worker and the other is a goof off. If I judged all deaf people by the example of the person who goofs off, I’d think all deaf people are bad workers who would rather spend their time text-messaging and playing computer games instead of being a productive employee. I KNOW this is not true. Each person (hearing or deaf, straight or gay, black or white, etc.) has their own personality and value system. We should not judge an entire group on the actions of a few. Peace.
January 12th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
To #52.
Way to go!! there is Kathleen in the nickname, deafk, grinning! Kathies reign!
deafk
January 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Jrae,
Well, you are correct. I never work with other deafie again. I have bad experienced and I like to be alone and working.
Some deafie sometime not being honesty with hearing. I think what I think about Jo’s comment is part of true,too.
We are not perfectistion to debate to against deaf employee or hearing employee to against Deaf. That’s depend on what is the case of gossiped. I once learn about co worker stabbed my back. I was stunned. It is not acceptable to label on me. it was very nasty message. I know it is hard to hear what the person say about me nasty. I moved on.. the co work is no longer work and left because of me. I have no idea why co work need to attack on hearing or deaf employee.
Time to change and move on and doing your best as you can.
Thank you for sharing!
January 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Today I wake up and the vlog. I hope he got them every week! you file a grievance with EEO but with him that does not happen. enjoy vlog!
January 14th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
re: deaf person that has a job………..
Sounds like you need a nap. Are you always this angry? Just reading your comments I hear the nager in your writings. I hope something nice happens to you soon so you can put on a Happy Face. :lol:
January 14th, 2008 at 2:17 pm
oops I made a typo error word is supposed to be anger Not nager so sorry
January 14th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
Hi Jo!
Thanks for the comment, yep I agreed that this “deaf person that has a job” who decided to be anonymous must have bitter feelings because of these angry comments.
Funny because that person judged me for not having a job but what that person doesn’t know is that I own a big house and a nice car, etc because I worked hard to save up for years.
-SG
January 14th, 2008 at 6:42 pm
SG,
You’re right about have a own house and nice car. You right. you have been saving alot of money thats is your desire to be successful..
Honesty, Cathy is sleazy and dont really understand how deaf could or cannot work. I agree Jo’s comment .. but Jrae’s comment sometime true and maybe right. It is hard to balance to support Jrae or Jo.. I would pick out both is correct.
That’s depend deaf people work so hard and have a common sense.
;)
January 17th, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Seek Geo,
My colleagues has brought your dilemma with a recent incident to my attention.
I want to assure everyone that “deaf person that has a job,” isn’t an angry person. I personally can’t see her angry as I have known her for many years.
But I do understand your and hers perspective… so I will try to be fair and present some good information below :o)
I think her intentions was to try to help out with brainstorming some ideas how we could fight an ignorant society unfortunately is a rampant problem infecting the global environment.
I have been slapped in my face with discrimination on a regular basis. I think your situation is relatively common what the average Deaf person goes through at least once in their lifetime, if not more.
I do feel your frustration, believe me and we have a dream together to overcome such ignorance in this world.
I thought what would help (Of course reflecting based on my opinion and experience) plus I have worked for a Disability Law Firm in the past as a legal advocate for the Deaf and also work as a CDI in many situations.
I know it is a disgusting world out there but if we take steps to do something about it… the world would probably be a better place.
1) It sounds like Cathy has no experience in working with Deaf people and probably is totally clueless about the ADA, Section 504, etc.
Often, whomever answers the phone is normally an entry-level person.
Be honest how much would that person be familiar with the laws? Sure, there will be times that the person is familiar but often that is not the case.
2) Normally it is always recommended when a person applies for a job is when they call any company is to directly ask for the HR Department and explain that you are interested in applying for a position.
Sometimes it helps to send a resume via online first without identifying being Deaf at first.
3) If the HR Department gets your resume and realizes that you are Deaf… of course each Deaf person has two simple options (1) I would like to request a sign language interpreter for an interview OR (2) I feel comfortable communicating on my own.
4) If the HR doesn’t seem to be knowledgable about the law, then bring it up gently that there is the ADA Title III or Section 504 which requires reasonable accommodations to establish effective communication.
I find that if you speak gently and nice, it is almost a very good chance that you can what you need.
Keep in mind that hiring an interpreter is one of the options of auxiliary aids under the ADA.
A company may say that writing/typing back and forth may be effective communication.
Of course, we know that often that is not the case.
We have to convince why an interpreter is important for effective communication especially a job interview.
5) If the person in HR gives you a hard time, always ask for a supervisor and keep escalating until the top HR person of that particular company.
If you reach a road block then you definitely have pretty good case to file a complaint with EEOC or DOJ.
6) Always keep a log of whom you spoke with, date, time, and what did you discuss about.
You might need that information when you file a complaint with EEOC or DOJ.
Yes, a lot of companies are terrible following the law but there are many good guys out there as well.
I want you to know that my team is in full support of your situation and wish you the best in securing a job.
I hope you do overcome what Cathy did was wrong and follow up with appropriate resolution (i.e. speaking to a supervisor, filing a complaint, etc.)
I wish you the best in finding a job and knowing you will succeed!
January 17th, 2008 at 11:17 pm
Hi Deaf person that has a job’s supervisor,
Thanks for the comment! You are right because it was pretty much of heat moment so I believed that person isn’t angry at all, thanks for making this clear!
That is correct, Cathy knows nothing because the way how she reacted and in fact, she is HR manager from what I was told. So, that was totally no excuse for what she did. I called back to the company next morning and asked to speak to her boss.
I tried to explain what happened to him through relay as much as nice as possible but he slammed into my face stating that the position does require to answer phones so I told him that it did not state in the job description at all.
Then he actually had to bring up that the position is also require to drive a forklift, I was puzzled for a second but I made it clearly that I can drive one since I have had some experience before. He then changed subject and said he had to go and hang up on me.
So, basically this company have full of people with lousy attitudes, no question about it. That was when I realized it is pointless to go on and on with them. I reported to BBB and let them to handle this so I can move on. Not many businesses like to have their name on the record, anyways.
It is my best interest moving on and worry about better things out there I need to deal with.
Please let your colleagues especially Deaf person that has a job that I said thanks a bunch for support.
-SG
January 29th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
[...] it’s not all fun and games. For example, this video talks about the discrimination SG recently faced during a job [...]