- #1
McGyver
The other day I had a cold slap in the face while speaking to a potential client for my consulting services in education. While shuffling my papers to find my calendar to set up this potential client's request for a meeting, I was asked how I obtained my neuroscience training. After sharing that my education and expertise came courtesy of a 1992 brain injury and CNS shunt placement, and that I am published and recognized, the woman politely stated she would have to call be back as her calendar was not in front of her (which didn't add up as minutes earlier she was ready to schedule).
Needless to say, this prospective client never called back. She was obviously unfomfortable with the "brain shunt thing." Was this discrimination? Probably. Is it lawful? Probably, at least in non governmental business to business dealings. Is there a broader issue of "health discrimination" occurring in America? I am told YES. But it is hard to discern from people you meet.
I suspected other prospective companies/clients were not engaging in business with me upon learning of my "brain shunt adventure." But, it and related works account for much of my last 14 years of expertise. You would never suspect I have the CNS shunt unless you spent a lot of time around me. I'm a former actor and current musician, still somewhat athletic, and well spoken. I choose to "disclose" it as I felt it "best explains" my last 14 years of work experience. Maybe - I'm wrong!
Is there a recommended way to disclose such things? (Note: this is not an employer/employee matter)
Needless to say, this prospective client never called back. She was obviously unfomfortable with the "brain shunt thing." Was this discrimination? Probably. Is it lawful? Probably, at least in non governmental business to business dealings. Is there a broader issue of "health discrimination" occurring in America? I am told YES. But it is hard to discern from people you meet.
I suspected other prospective companies/clients were not engaging in business with me upon learning of my "brain shunt adventure." But, it and related works account for much of my last 14 years of expertise. You would never suspect I have the CNS shunt unless you spent a lot of time around me. I'm a former actor and current musician, still somewhat athletic, and well spoken. I choose to "disclose" it as I felt it "best explains" my last 14 years of work experience. Maybe - I'm wrong!
Is there a recommended way to disclose such things? (Note: this is not an employer/employee matter)