Pre-Interview Checklist for Employers:

________ Yes ________ No ________ Unsure

If "No" or "Unsure" review the Accessibility checklist, or arrange for an accessibility survey to be conducted by an organization concerned with disability issues.

2. Is your interview site (office, conference room, etc.) accessible?

________ Yes ________ No ________ Unsure

________ Yes _________ No

4. Is this interview exploratory or an interview for a specific position?

_________ Exploratory _________ Specific Position
• If it is exploratory, focus on skills, knowledge, and abilities.
• If it is an interview for a specific position, proceed to the next question.

5. If this is an interview for a specific position, do you know the detailed requirements of the position?

________ Yes ________ No

• If "no" you need to find out. You must be able to describe the "essential" and "marginal" functions of the position. This will allow you and the interviewee to determine if he/she is qualified and what reasonable accommodations, if any, are required.

6. Will the interviewee be expected to complete any paperwork (application, INS forms, security pass, etc.) before or during the interview?

_________ Yes ________ No

7. If the answer to question 6 is "yes," are you or your employees prepared to offer assistance to individuals with disabilities which limit their reading, writing, or document handling capabilities?

________ Yes _________ No

8. Do you know the name of the person responsible for providing this assistance?

_____________________________

9. Are you apprehensive about interviewing a person with a disability?

________ Yes ________ No _________ Unsure

If you honestly answered "yes" or "unsure" to this question, do not worry; your feelings or hesitations are perfectly normal. It is natural to feel slightly uncomfortable in new situations. However, keep in mind that the applicant may be unsure of how you will be reacting to his or her disability and, as such, may be apprehensive also.

The best way to handle the situation is to interview the applicant the same as you would any other applicant. It is natural that interviewing someone disabled may cause you to have some fears or insecurities about the situation, but you must be careful not to transfer your fears onto the applicant.