Are physically handicapped programmers at risk of being discriminated? [closed]

Question

This thought hit me the other day: How would an employer look at a one-handed programmer being interviewed? I wouldn't be surprised if the person behind the desk were thinking:

Hm, he/she only has one hand. One hand is half of two hands, hence he/she can type half as fast as a two-hander. Programmers type code, thus he/she will produce half as much code. To wit, a one-hander is half as productive as a two-handed coder.

But good programmers do so much more than write code: they device algorithms and solutions to nitty problems; they do code-reviews and upkeep a high standard; they detect and fix bugs; and so much more. Most importantly, they think! If you want typing power, hire an orangutang!

But maybe I'm barking at a non-existant problem. Maybe employers don't think a physical disability affects their programming skills. How would I know - I've never met a physically handicapped programmer, let alone a one-handed one, to confirm it. What's your experience? Have you, for example, witnessed a physically disabled programmer not be hired because it was thought he or she wouldn't be able to do the job because of the handicap?

Answer 1

I am a programmer (web developer) with a phyiscal disability. I have full use of my hands but I use a wheelchair to get around.

In my experience, I have never been discriminated against when applying for or working at a programming-related job.

One of the biggest stigmas that a physically disabled person has to overcome when interviewing for a job is the assumption that their outward appearance automatically means they have some sort of mental dificiency as well.

However, any sane employer will be able to see past the disability and note that person's work experience / skill assuming they have a strong portfolio and resume.

Sadly, you won't often see many physically disabled programmers due to their compounded lack of social skills / confidence that prevent them from being across the interview table in the first place :(

Answer 2

I can see an interviewer believing that typing is a integral part of programming, but it would be an unbelievably large mistake (as most of us know).

For example, one of the brightest members of a programming forum I frequent is disabled, yet he is constantly available to (and often the only one who can) assist others with advanced-programming or discuss high-level topics.

Answer 3

During my undergraduate studies, a few friends and myself went to the recreation center to play basketball, one of which after a childhood accident was paralyzed in one arm. My initial reaction was that he would be merely a hindrance to the game. It was the opposite, he was quite capable as a player and held his own impressively well.

Sure anyone with a disability is subject to discrimination, this is the nature of society we live in. I for one though from my college experiences have learned to "never judge a book by its cover" and someone with reasonable programming experience relevant to a potential job we might be hiring for would be given a chance just as anyone else would.

Answer 4

I worked with a physically-disabled programmer and the only problem we had was with evacuation during fire drills. We had a special chair-type unit designed to work on stairs. During a drill someone would act as stand-in for the guy and get in the chair and another person would handle wheeling this person to stairs and negotiating 3 flights. The reason we didn't actually take the guy during a drill was the risk of injuring him in just a drill - going down the stairs was a bit rough on a person's back.

Answer 5

Hm, he/she only has one hand.

In most countries around the world, this sort of "criteria" is actually ILLEGAL (it's in the same basket as discriminating based on race, eye-color, religion, etc.), and person who suspected that he/she wasn't hired merely because of their physical disability could go to an employment tribunal and press charges against the employer.

Answer 6

Programming is one of the jobs were most of the physical impairments don't affect productivity at all. I worked with people on wheelchair and people with hearing impairment, and they were among the best programmers I ever met (I don't know if there's some kind of correlation).

It is true that disabilities still draw discrimination, but in my experience working with disabled people will soon let you forget about the impairments and deal with them just as with any other coworker.

Answer 7

There is always a risk. I have heard backroom chats where candidate characteristics are discussed "off the record" (might get married/pregnant). Like someone else mentioned, most likely a blessing to be skipped by such places.

Answer 8

Recenty I read a blog from a well-known blogger where he stated he couldnt take a programmer seriously if he wasnt a good typist. Now I dont recall his exact words and I guess he probably meant, if you type code a lot it's a given you also learn to type fast and well. But I would be interested to see his answer to this one.

Answer 9

I have been on the receiving end of this once before. I am disabled, but not in a way that affects my programming ability. I was openly discriminated against at an interview for a programmer position when the disability was brought to light. It really shouldn't have been an issue, but it was made into a blocker. I was sent on my way without even having had the interview.

Answer 10

Of course there is a risk but it is probably a blessing in disguise if they don't give you the job. The kind of companies that would discriminate based upon perceived disability you probably don't want to work at. They probably don't treat any of their employees well.

Answer 11

When I was at university, there was a girl on my course (Computing) who had deformity in her arms from thalidomide, and only had short protrusions from her shoulders with I think two fingers on each.

She could type, not overly fast, and in an odd manner, but she got by. Very bright girl, definitely an accomplished programmer, made no odds to her, or anyone else really. Once you get over the initial double-take, which is inevitable, you forget about it. Think she works for some major international now, IBM, or such like.