Career Resources for the Blind
New Programs Let Low-Vision Students Explore Employment Options
The Internet provides blind and visually impaired students and adults with opportunities to explore career options and the means to find and apply for specific jobs.
Computing and Information Technology has long been a level playing field for career-minded blind people, and over the past year, new programs and resources have emerged that can facilitate training and support needed to get onto or advance on one’s career path. The following roundup profiles some of these resources.
VISIONS Employment and Technology Institute
Blind and visually impaired adults age 18 and over are invited to attend VISIONS third annual employment and technology institute, “Owning Your Future,” which takes place this year during a week long (July 22-28) or weekend (July 24-26) session. The institute will feature workshops, seminars (topics include the economy, social networking, and career growth), a hands-on assistive technology expo, and opportunities to relax.
The host facility, a 35-acre residential rehabilitation and training center in Rockland County, has a lake, ramped, heated swimming pool, self-guided nature trail, library, lounges, wireless Internet, and an adapted computer center. The suggested contribution, which includes lodging, meals, and transportation to and from Selis Manor (135 West 23rd Street, New York City), is $75 and $50 respectively for the weeklong and weekend sessions. Call Blindline (888.625.1616) for information.
Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, Mississippi State University
A new eight-week online program designed to help blind and visually impaired high school and college students identify and obtain jobs will be held in the fall of 2009 and winter of 2010 at Mississippi State University. Topics covered will include:
- Self-assessment & discovery
- Interest & career exploration
- Job search skills training
- Employment issues specific to blindness
- How to locate specific job openings & apply for jobs
Students can participate at home or school via computer. Help obtaining Internet access is also available. The program requires interaction and completion of assignments. Separate programs will be offered for high school seniors or recent graduates and for college seniors or recent graduates. Participation requirements include:
- Legal blindness or more severe visual impairment
- Blindness as the primary disability, without additional significant disabilities
- Senior in high school (or recent graduate) who does not plan to attend college, OR senior in college (or recent graduate), under the age of 25, who expects to seek (or is seeking) employment after graduation
- Basic computer literacy (including accessible technology) and Internet skills
Contact Lynda Goleman (800.675.7782) for more information.
AccessComputing Alliance Helps Blind Students Explore Computing Careers
University of Washington’s Department of Computer Science and Engineering and DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking and Technology) sponsor the AccessComputing Alliance to increase participation of disabled high school and college students in computing careers. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, provides resources to enable students to pursue careers and engage in an online community of peers and professionals; and for educators, employers, and organizations to develop inclusive programs and best practices. AccessComputing also identifies paid internship and research opportunities for college students. Participants must demonstrate interest and/or aptitude in computing.
With the Internet, blind and visually impaired students can explore career options, receive training, and find mentors much earlier in their education – a development that will no doubt continue to increase employment opportunities in the technology sector and beyond.
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