Communication & Interviewing
What’s one way you could explain your vision loss in an interview without focusing only on limitations?
“I use screen-reading software and other tools that allow me to do my job effectively. Vision loss doesn’t limit my ability to be accurate and productive.”
What kind of job are you most interested in, and why?
“I’d like to work in a warehouse because I enjoy organizing and moving things.”
What is one daily challenge you face related to vision loss?
“Reading small print labels.”
What do you need to feel emotionally safe in a new job?
“Respectful coworkers and clear communication about my vision loss.”
What is a reasonable accommodation you might need for work?
“Screen-reading software on my computer.”
How would you describe one strength you bring to a job?
“I’m detail-oriented, and I’ve developed strong listening skills because of my vision lo
How do your personal strengths connect to your career goals?
“I’m very persistent and organized, which helps in jobs where tasks need to be repeated carefully.”
Share one strategy that helps you stay independent at work or home.
“Using my smartphone with VoiceOver to read mail and signs.”
How do you take care of yourself when you feel stressed about vision loss?
“I take breaks, listen to music, and remind myself of what I’ve already accomplished.”
How would you explain Charles Bonnet Syndrome to a coworker who doesn’t understand it?
“Sometimes people with vision loss see visual hallucinations. It’s not mental illness — it’s the brain filling in missing images.”
What’s a polite way to ask an employer to provide information in an accessible format?
“Could you please send that to me electronically so I can use my screen reader?”
Share one skill you’d like to develop to prepare for employment.
“I want to get better at using Microsoft Excel with my screen reader so I can handle data.”
What would you do if a supervisor gave you printed instructions you could not read?
“I’d ask politely if they could email me the document so I can access it with my screen reader.”
What role does wellness (sleep, exercise, routine) play in your work success?
“Good sleep and exercise give me energy and help me concentrate at work.”
How could you manage Non-24-Hour Sleep Disorder in the workplace?
“By keeping a consistent routine, talking with my doctor, and asking for flexible scheduling if possible.”
Share an example of a question you might ask in an interview to learn about workplace culture.
“How does your team usually communicate during the workday — email, chat, or meetings?”
What does success at work look like for you personally?
“Being able to do my job independently, contribute to the team, and feel confident.”
How do you solve transportation challenges for getting to work on time?
: “I schedule paratransit early and have a backup plan with ride-share if needed.”
What does it mean to you to “accept help” without losing independence?
“It means I can ask for help when needed but still use my own skills and tools most of the time.”
What would you ask your employer for to work successfully with vision loss?
“Access to JAWS, a screen magnifier, and digital copies of work documents.”
How can you use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to answer an interview question about teamwork?
“In my last training, I had to complete a group project (Situation). My task was to coordinate our notes (Task). I suggested we use a shared document accessible to me with my screen reader (Action). As a result, everyone could collaborate and we finished ahead of schedule (Result).”
How can you use your experiences with vision loss as a strength in the workplace?
“I’ve learned problem-solving and resilience from living with vision loss, and I bring those same skills to work challenges.”
Share a story of a workplace challenge and how you solved it creatively. (Only have five minutes)
“In training, I couldn’t read a whiteboard, so I asked a classmate to share notes electronically — that way I could keep up.”
How do you cope with the cycle of grief or frustration connected to vision loss?
“I talk about it with others who understand, and I remind myself that adjusting takes time.”
How does knowing about ADA rights and self-advocacy help you succeed at work?
“It gives me confidence to request what I need and to explain that I can do my job if I have the right tools.”