Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Jobs for legally blind people (self.Blind)
submitted by danjouswoodenhand
Hi all, my son is 18 and legally blind. He has some vision in one eye (20/400 or so) and no vision in the other. Almost no peripheral vision.
He is going to attend community college to get into computer science/IT. But he'd like to work PT while he's attending. He's found a job as a cart guy for a store but it's not really working out - he can't see the carts well enough from far away (especially when it gets dark) and he's had a couple of near-misses in the parking lot. It's only a matter of time before he runs a cart into someone or someone's car, or they hit him. He thought he could do the job but it's not really safe.
What sorts of jobs might he want to apply for? He's applied at a ton of fast food places but never got any offers. An office job would be good, but we don't really have any offices in our area and public transport is non-existent. Are there any other sorts of places he should be thinking of trying? Thanks!
He is going to attend community college to get into computer science/IT. But he'd like to work PT while he's attending. He's found a job as a cart guy for a store but it's not really working out - he can't see the carts well enough from far away (especially when it gets dark) and he's had a couple of near-misses in the parking lot. It's only a matter of time before he runs a cart into someone or someone's car, or they hit him. He thought he could do the job but it's not really safe.
What sorts of jobs might he want to apply for? He's applied at a ton of fast food places but never got any offers. An office job would be good, but we don't really have any offices in our area and public transport is non-existent. Are there any other sorts of places he should be thinking of trying? Thanks!
TheWorldHatesPaul 14 points 6y ago
He should look for jobs at the community college, or other schools nearby! They will help with assistive technology and academia is a great place to work for folks with vision issues since they are generally welcoming and inclusive. The first place I would seek is IT or the library. Anything inline with his major would be a bonus - the more work experience the better.
danjouswoodenhand [OP] 4 points 6y ago
Great idea, and I have lots of connections at schools. I'll see if they have anything that he could do.
liquidDinner 6 points 6y ago
I just want to add to this to confirm. I've never met anybody more accommodating than the schools I've worked for. When I found out my vision was failing I was nervous to say something, but they've bent over backwards to help.
The best part is how genuine the whole process feels. They aren't helping me because of the legal obligations, they're helping me because they're decent people and it's the right thing to do.
My advice is to treat it like a normal job search, but be honest about sight issues. Good luck to you guys!
The best part is how genuine the whole process feels. They aren't helping me because of the legal obligations, they're helping me because they're decent people and it's the right thing to do.
My advice is to treat it like a normal job search, but be honest about sight issues. Good luck to you guys!
TheWorldHatesPaul 3 points 6y ago
Yeah, I too speak from personal experience. I work in academia and have had great experiences with getting whatever I need (high visibility keyboard, arms for my monitors, etc). I know several blind staff people on campus, and in fact one of them works in IT as a server administrator. I would encourage danjouswoodenhand to have her son seek out such mentors in the local community, as a source of information and networking.
danjouswoodenhand [OP] 3 points 6y ago
Thanks! We've already found a school that offers training over the summer for instructional aides and they are being super accommodating, so hopefully this will work for him.
dashestodashes 6 points 6y ago
If you're in the US, I would highly suggest speaking to your local vocational rehabilitation office. Not only can they help him now with a PT job and possibly gramts/scholarships for school, but they can help him when he graduates too. My state has a separate office for people who are legally blind, since their needs might be vastly different from other disabilities, so they may refer you to that office instead. (Don't be fooled by the name; it's not anything bad. From what I've been told though, lots of parents get spooked off by the word "rehab" and don't approach the office for help. It's an incredible program and I have mad respect and enormous gratitude for them.)
[deleted] 2 points 6y ago
I probably would not have been able to go to college if it weren't for grants from my state's department for the blind.
1ird 2 points 6y ago
They truly are helpful. They did a lot for me in my younger days.
danjouswoodenhand [OP] 2 points 6y ago
He is working with VR and has worked with them for the past 4 summers - they have a great program for teens and the college transition. He hasn't asked them about PT work yet and they said they will help with his college expenses, but he won't get that info until the summer program this year.
tymme 3 points 6y ago
Office jobs are good if avaialble; as a college student, there may be internship opportunities at local businesses (all types need IT help).
Otherwise there's lots of resources on most campuses, especially working on campus. I did Help Desk my second round through college, and there's several things like computer lab assistants, tecaher's assistants, etc. that can also help build references in his field.
Also, the campus disability services can be a big help, and vocational rehab offices.
Otherwise there's lots of resources on most campuses, especially working on campus. I did Help Desk my second round through college, and there's several things like computer lab assistants, tecaher's assistants, etc. that can also help build references in his field.
Also, the campus disability services can be a big help, and vocational rehab offices.
danjouswoodenhand [OP] 2 points 6y ago
The IT thing is something he'll definitely be interested in. After a semester or two I think he'll have more experience and me ready for something like that.
blindjo 2 points 6y ago
The other answers on here are great. Is his vision stable? If so, then restocking items in a local store might be a good idea. My first job was at an art job and i loved it. I memorized the contents of the aisles and then used a magnifier to read and match the codes on the products
Canes123456 2 points 6y ago
My wife had a PT job at her university calling people for donations. Also, many entry level IT jobs and internships don't require a degree. I started working in a programming job after 2 years of college. He has experience in high school, he might be able to get a job before uni.
jaldino 2 points 6y ago
Does he have any CS experience yet? Can he start in software business as an intern or something? I know an experienced software engineer in my company who's blind, and very smart and successful. Your son will do great with jobs that need brains/communication more than sight.
1ird 2 points 6y ago
I don't know how they are there but I worked for a locally franchised McDonald's and they were always willing to work with me and find something I could do until recently when I decided to just hang it up and file for social security (mainly due to my transportation situation)
alishainc 1 points 6y ago
I rein a blind youth group in Toronto and most of my
Participants are pursuing post secondary education to try to soecialize in a profession that will be more gracious on them and their needs. I myself currently work at a restaurant as a hostess and I make YouTube videos to encourage discussion and awareness for legally blind lifestyles. It's also awesome to connect with others and generates a little side money. Maybe he can create a channel? A few of my legally blind friends with RP work at banks. Some work with the CNIb in the summer and their universities during the school year
Participants are pursuing post secondary education to try to soecialize in a profession that will be more gracious on them and their needs. I myself currently work at a restaurant as a hostess and I make YouTube videos to encourage discussion and awareness for legally blind lifestyles. It's also awesome to connect with others and generates a little side money. Maybe he can create a channel? A few of my legally blind friends with RP work at banks. Some work with the CNIb in the summer and their universities during the school year
WeirdMathsGuy 0 points 6y ago
I cant see im legally blind
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