Ask HN: What should I do?

Dreadful BO OR murdering kittens would seriously be a deal breaker. If I can't stand sitting near you or looking at you we're gonna have a bad time.

As a deaf programmer when I was on the job market I also faced similar problems that you faced. My issue was with hearing not speaking (although my speech is also not as good as a normal hearing person).

Here is what worked for me

1. Persistence. Keep trying.

2. Target the BigCorps.

They have HR departments and product managers that are sensitized to disabilities. Sometimes they actually have commitments to a diverse workforce which can work in your favor. And they are unlikely to shortchange you based on your disability if you make it through (since it isn't the HR employee or product manager's money).

3. Let him know about your disability before the interview.

For me, I had a short 1-minute speech prepared stating my hard of hearing issue and letting them know they might have to repeat the question 2-3 times or write it down in the interview and asking them if they were fine with it. I'd speak it as soon as I sat down in the interview chair. For you, you might want to send an email before the interview stating that you prefer communicating via writing? Maybe take your laptop and use Notepad to communicate?

4. Do Google Chat + Doc instead of phone screens.

You didn't mention whether most companies want you to do a phone screen or not and whether you're missing out on opportunities because of this. Phone screens are impossible for me and using an text relay would take forever, so I usually ask the interviewer to do a Google Chat + Doc interview instead. Most oblige, some of them (usually a lazy HR associate) don't for unexplainable reasons.

I have an occasional stammer as well, but for me it is kind of an opposite - I did speak quite well during interviews, but it happens only after I get a job, on a day by day basis - at meetings or conversations with colleagues/friends.

Maybe it is some kind of defense reaction of brain, but it thinks that this is not that important for everyday life :)

I have to add that I tend to speak quite fast.

Have you considered freelancing? You could work remotely mostly and explain upfront to your potential clients regards your situation. Clients just want the work done mostly. I understand the lack of regular income could be an issue, but you could potentially earn alot more than you are earning right now.

Also, please let me have some of your details and I'll add you to my address book. I consulting in Digital Strategy and occassionally have a requirement for someone to do some development work.

When you greet your interviewer, hand them this card:

  |=================================|
  |                                 |
  | Hi, I'm John Doe and I'm happy  |
  | to meet you.                    |
  |                                 |
  | I have a stammer, but we should |
  | not let that interfere with our |
  | conversation.                   | 
  |                                 |
  | I'm an excellent web developer  |
  | and I love what I do. My speech |
  | impediment does not affect my   |
  | work.                           |
  |                                 |
  | What can I do for you?          |
  |                                 |
  |=================================|