Need help to get POINT across about being hearing impaired when applying for jobs...

[Cataholic]

I would not mention anything in a cover letter that could give someone doubts about hiring you, let alone making a phone call to you. I wouldn't put anything on your resume that speaks to your religious background, "fringe" groups, any disibilities, etc. You are, as someone said, one of many, many resumes they recieve. The ONLY thing to include are those things generally considered attributes.

I would forget about the ADA, state laws against discrimination, whatever. The reality is- people discriminate all day long and twice on Sunday. Get in the door, any way that you can.

Edited to add- if it is the phone call itself that is difficult, tell people you are currently working/volunteering during the day and you need to be contacted through email...and make sure you have a professionoal email address. For instance, I would stay away from yahoo, hotmail, gmail, and the like. IMO- those addresses aren't as professional sounding as your local cable company, or phone company address. This is MY opinion, and my opinion only.

[smokey the elder]

Another thing to do is get a TDD on your phone; that way your being deaf shouldn't enter into the equation. If you wish to disclose that, maybe doing an interview by Skype or other video VoIP might be an option, so you can lip read.

[Louie and me]

Lot of good thoughts and suggestions here. I would mention the hearing situation as often screening interviews are the first contact and are usually by phone. However, you don't need to make this sound like a problem. Here is another draft you may want to consider.

"I am a graduate from the The Ohio State University with a Bachelors of Art degree from the College of Arts. I am looking for an opportunity to utilize my creativity, art education and photography training and feel I would be an ideal candidate for this position. I would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to illustrate my creativity, capabilities and practical experience in the art/multimedia/entertainment field.

I should mention I have a hearing impediment that does not impact my abilities in anyway due to a cochlear implant however an in-person interview would be more effective than a telephone interview. I will be happy to provide additional details by email.
Enclosed is my resume and I look forward to speaking with you".

Hope you can use some or all of this. Good luck.

[jennielynn1970]

I would go with what Cataholic (Johanna) said, or what Kim wrote. Anything that tips them off that they would be dealing with a potential candidate to sue them for discrimination would be a big X across your resume.

If you want to say you are deaf, go for it. Nothing to be ashamed about, but let them know that meeting you in person is the main objective so to better communicate with you.

Good luck, I know it's rough out there right now!

[CountryWolf07]

Thanks everyone for the help! I do want to say I'm deaf. I'm not ashamed of it, and if anybody has a issue over it, then too bad. I move on and leave that person behind, because it's not worth dealing with. I'd rather have more positivity in my life than the negativity clouding it. Appreciate it, everyone!