Should I say I'm disabled?

July 16, 2015 08:24AM

I am going to apply at the 3 MSC's recommended in this forum as a beginner. In the eyes of the gov't, I am disabled. I have a handicap placard for parking since I can't walk long distances and lose my balance easily, but I don't collect disability because I can work - just can't sit or walk for long periods and I'm in pain 24/7. I have severe Neuropathy in both feet and legs as well as Fibromyalgia.

Would it benefit me to say I'm disabled when I apply? Would it be seen as a negative? Just curious if there are assignments related to handicap parking and access.

Many grocery chains have HUGE parking lots and only 4 handicap parking spaces which are always taken

Thank you!

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July 16, 2015 12:48PM

Some MSCs ask if the applicant has some disabilities. I have taken that to mean that they have, or anticipate having, assignments that evaluated access and service specifically with the disabled population in mind.

Based in MD, near DC
Shopping from the Carolinas to New York
Have video cam; will travel

Poor customer service? Don't get mad; get video.

July 16, 2015 02:19PM

I have seen questions similar to what walesmaven mentions but I saw them as exclusionary rather than eligible for special shops. Virtually every shop I have ever seen is asking that you be the 'average customer'. As long as I can be the 'average customer' I don't plan on mentioning any handicaps or disabilities beyond acknowledging that I wear glasses.

July 16, 2015 02:55PM

Thank you both. I think I now have all I need to get started and be successful as well.

Reading a few more forum topics won't hurt though lol.

July 16, 2015 03:42PM

I agree with Flash: The questions I've seen on this all go something like: "Do you have any disabilities that would keep you from performing the shop as a typical customer would?" They sounded exclusionary to me too. I think if you can honestly say that you'd be able to conduct the kinds of shops the MSC has as a typical customer would, you should not mention any disabilities. You might miss out on a few handicap parking shops, but overall I think you'll have more success. Sad but true.

Shopper in California's Bay Area

August 07, 2015 10:55PM

I'm disabled with similar disabilities as pert but not as severe. I have seen both types of disability questions and I answer them based on the assignment. In my mind, I am disabled for the purpose of a mystery shop if I can NOT perform the shop just as any one else. e.g. exit interviews typically require standing for hours. I can't do that. I am disabled when it comes to exit interviews. I am NOT disabled for the purpose of mystery shopping if I can perform the shop just as any normal bodied individual. e.g. Apartment shopping. Even with my cane, I can walk around an apartment and look at it as though I really needed an apartment. Apartment shops usually require that you come up with an objection. One of my objections is that it is on a floor that is a little difficult for me as a disabled person.
Bottom line is that I use my disability to help me as a shopper and it rarely stops me as a shopper.

When you learn, teach, when you get, give. Maya Angelou

August 16, 2015 05:05AM

I have brought a guest that was disabled, and commented how they made accommodations for this person, such as walking us the long way to the table by using the ramp approach instead of the four stairs and mentioning how the hostess walked slowly to match my guests ability. As an actual shopper, I would not mention any disability, unless it prevented you from completing the shop instructions in some way. You will be more memorable and I would not write in the report about the disability unless they were flagrantly causing you discomfort in a very bad way.

August 16, 2015 08:59AM

..good day everyone I'm cams from the Philippines..I'd love to follow this convo..,thanks

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