Disability / Chronic Illness

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  • 1.  Applying for jobs with an "invisible" disability

    Posted 10-18-2025 21:43

    I met a student at the HFES annual meeting this past week who will soon be on the job market (looking at industry) and is wondering how to navigate that process with an "invisible" disability, that will impact her ability to do certain types of jobs (ie. chronic pain and fatigue impacted by lots of overtime, etc).

    She was asking me for advice on navigating this aspect when looking for jobs and during the interview process, but I only really have experience with academia.  Is this something people would be willing to have a Zoom discussion about, or maybe if there are a couple of people who would be willing to talk with her about it, I could put her in contact with you?

    I'd really like to help her succeed in this (HF) space, but to do so want to provide her with the relevant resources and support.

    Thanks,

    ~Sandra Garrett



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    Sandra Garrett
    Senior Research Engineer
    Clemson SC
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  • 2.  RE: Applying for jobs with an "invisible" disability

    Posted 10-20-2025 14:54

    As someone with an "invisible" disabilities, I would be interested in hearing from others as well. I am currenting in a unique academic-practitioner role that allows me to work remotely with very little travel. As I think about progressing in my career, however, I worry about the impact of moving back to an office or campus setting and how to navigate that with potential employers. 



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    Alexandra Watral

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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Applying for jobs with an "invisible" disability

    Posted 10-23-2025 20:09
    Hello Everyone,

    In my previous job as ergonomist for Raytheon Missile Systems for 14 years, I was also the ERG (employee resource group) leader for disability rights for 5 years for the whole division. I started working full time in 1994.  Here are my thoughts on disability rights:

    • A good company and a good boss will not expect a ton of overtime.  They will promote work/life balance.  Once in a while you might work extra, but you should be allowed to flex the time or get paid for it.
    • A good boss will also allow flexible start/stop time and occasional work-from-home
    • Companies can have great disability rights culture and programs but still have an odd manager that is not on board.  You can move within the company or start at new one.
    • So, try make sure you get a good sense of how you will fit in on your boss's team and the whole company. 
    • But bosses come and go.  You will find a new job if the boss is bad.
    • I do think companies that treat their employees well make more money
    • Disability rights have improved since the ADA was signed in to law by George W Bush in the early 1990's

    Best wishes

    Ergo Dave

    David D Wood, CPE, CSP
    Ergonomics Consultant
    Ergo Dave CPE LLC
    2088 Parker Rd
    Camano Island, WA 98282

    520-495-8974
    www.ErgoDave.com 
    Follow on LinkedIn
    www.linked.com/in/daviddwoodcpe 



    Original Message


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