If a potential employer wants to observe Mary, who is legally blind, how should the request be handled?

In situations where a potential employer expresses a desire to observe an individual with a disability such as legal blindness, the most appropriate response is to give permission for the observation. This consent ensures that Mary retains autonomy over her personal circumstances while also recognizing the employer's interests in assessing her capabilities or suitability for a position.

Granting permission can foster an environment of transparency and can demonstrate Mary's confidence in her abilities. Additionally, it creates an opportunity for dialogue where any necessary accommodations can be discussed and implemented to ensure a fair evaluation of her skills. For instance, if there are specific methods or tools that Mary uses to navigate her role, this observation could clarify any queries the employer might have regarding how she performs tasks despite her blindness.

In this context, declining the request for privacy could stifle the interaction and might inadvertently suggest discomfort with the observation process, while postponing the observation or asking the employer to leave may hinder Mary’s chances for employment or misinterpret the employer's intentions. Thus, giving permission is a positive and proactive approach.