Employment discrimination

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I went in for a job interview/audition (it was a teaching job, so basically showing how I work with the kids) pretty much all the way across the country (Arizona to Philly), spending $800 that I didn't really have, only to be told almost as soon as I walked in the door that it was unlikely I would get the job do to my disability. I still auditioned for the next two days, and was told by several of the teachers that I was great with the kids (all the kids had Asperger's so it was pretty easy to relate to them) only to be told 2 days later that I didn't get the job because he was worried that I wouldn't be able to interact with their parents (which I never got a chance to do). This is BS, but what can I really do? I am running out of jobs to apply to that are like this (only a few schools in the entire country made for kids with Asperger's, and a lot of them don't even return my emails). *Sighs* I really wish people would look past my disability for a second, especially those people who SAY they are trying to provide a better life for people like me.

How did they learn about your Aspergers?

I get a similar problem - I'm looking to work with disabled adults (autistic adults specifically, but also with mental, physical and other disabilities) and you'd think that being autistic would be a HUGE benefit in such work, but it seems people are only interested in 'helping' disabled people so the idea that we can be just as capable as them just doesn't seem to compute.

In your situation, can you consider going after them for discrimination?
I'd think it would be a clear-cut case of discrimination and there are more cases of autistic/asperger adults winning discrimination cases like this, however of course it depends on the situation, the laws where you live, and the simple fact that it can be tough financially to take action.

Actually it shouldn't matter that you told them. It actually helps. In order to get ADA accommodations, you have to notify the employer.

It does sound like a winnable case.

That stinks I had a similar situation happen when I tried to substitute teach in special ed. Essentially they said that "you have to have alot of facial expressions to work with these kids". uh, what about the ones that dont read facial expressions at all? What about having all the educational credentials to teach, excellent references and genuine caring for the students best interest and well being? None of that is more important than having a bunch of expressive faces? Very frustrating.

Both my parents work in special ed and I have some limited experience with it too. You do have to be able to talk to parents. It is actually a pretty big part of the job. I don't think being autistic is necesarily an advantage. It isn't just about being good with the kids.

I would prefer having the job :-/.

Yeah. This sounds discriminatory to me.

I feel you. I was in an alternative certification program (I had a degree but not the educational background). So after all but the last state test, and finishing the classes on education I needed an internship or student teaching position but I was not recommended by the program. Come to find out they think I present the information in interesting ways, and engage the students, but they think I will not work well with the administration (because I was either too independent in following directions or not independent enough), so I am now stuck with no teaching license. Yes I disclosed early on because I needed some sensory accommodation in the classroom. Ironically it was the people in the SPED department who started treating me like pre-school student when they found out I have AS, when they treated me normal or with respect before because I had gone to medical school.

It is easier to get a job as an actor than to be a teacher right now.

If it is any consolation, the person with 25 years experience, and Phd in education didn't get that job either.

Schools want cheap, inexpensive workers right now. Right out of teaching college with only a few (if that) years experience. It helps if you are female, perky
and cute, and a family member is on the school board.

My school district got over 10K worth of applications for 30 jobs. The lotto has better odds.

The reason that creep had you fly out, is so he/she could put down he interviewed a disabled person for the job. It's an EEOC thing. He/she interviewed some
poor soul who is 40, with a Masters degree, and 15 years experience. The interview process has to be look all inclusive. A minority interview, some one who is a bit older,
a disabled person. You filled his little check box.

I would not trust what the teachers said how terrific you did, either. Did the principal watch your observation or was it based on another's review? I've seen student
teachers at my daughter's school get the "good job" treatment, only to be savaged on the final student teacher evaluation, and not pass.

Is this a private or charter school? Does it have a union which might be less than thrilled with a potential grievance down the line?

The principal said you didn't get it because of you being an Aspie. On the surface, it seems like a slam dunk discrimination case. All this person
has to prove that he had another person more qualified than you. If there are 6 people to choose from, and all equal (including you), he doesn't have to pick you.
It can be something as, person A was an Eagle Scout, and we are all about promoting leadership potential within our school. Ms. Perky beat you out because
she was a university cheerleader and did missionary work in Honduras digging wells. Her being a cheerleader means a team player (gag), and works well with others (double gag).
Her doing charity work, in another country, shows she can problem solve in novel situations, and will bring a global perspective to our school. (hurl) Doing good works is always viewed as a positive.

This is the type of spin the HR drones want. I read this nonsense every time a new teacher is hired at the school I work at, or my daughter's school. No one is ever just "average", it all sounds
like PR from IMDB.

The only job I can think of, that where disclosing a issue would be a plus is in Addiction medicince/addiction counseling. I know friends who have disclosed their past heroin problem, and got the job with that being a positive.


Have you had your own classroom, long term sub, daily sub or parapro experience?

Sending some good job seeking/interview vibes your way......I hate when good people don't even get a chance. I have 4 teacher friends looking for work after a district down sizing. It's just ugly.