Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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What do you guys to to make money? (self.Blind)
submitted by Brittle_Bones_Bishop
Ill try to condense my story as much as i can so i can put context to the question?
When i was fifteen i was diagnosed with Keratoconus didn't take it serious because the optometrist didn't make a big deal of it and i could see with glasses at the time. At seventeen went to anther optometrist and he stressed that i needed to see a cornea specialist which i did and well i guess like some people in here experienced some life altering news. Was legally blind in my right eye and left eye dominant and not nearly as progressed through the disease and at the time i was told i couldn't have a contact on my right because it was too far gone so i went 3 or 4 years through high school okayish on one eye.
About two and a half months after i graduated high school i started noticing haze in my left eye which i'd had before and every time it was contact fatigue and got better after a couple days. The haze got worse went to my contact fitting doctor who promptly pulled my cornea specialist out of the OR between a couple patients and i found out i had corneal hydrops that had stretched my cornea so thin that i had a cornea transplant 7 days later.
Its been 5 years and well ive now got the common version of herpes in my eyes, corneal neovascularization, pretty bad scarring from multiple infections totaling 10 months total, and well i have one eye that has a transplant and the other thats still diseased but needs a transplant. I can only wear my contacts for roughly 6 hours before i have to pull them out to clean built up protein out of them and to give my eyes a rest and flush them selves out.
I just got accepted for disability after waiting three years to apply and another two going through the process. How do y'all make money? I don't know how much im getting from SSI just yet but i know the max is somewhere around seven fifty a month and i know im not getting that.
My rent is going to take up half to two thirds of that income not including my phone bill, medicine, and doctor visits i have insurance through my parents but still have a yearly deductible to meet. Im not looking to get rich just a way to make another three to five hundred bucks a month to cover expenses and put some away for emergencies. Can use a computer if its in dark mode but anything with a white background and black text is nearly impossible to read with the scarring in my eyes, can't really do anything over 5 or 6 hours because my eyes start to get blurry and severely dry after that and need a break.
When i was fifteen i was diagnosed with Keratoconus didn't take it serious because the optometrist didn't make a big deal of it and i could see with glasses at the time. At seventeen went to anther optometrist and he stressed that i needed to see a cornea specialist which i did and well i guess like some people in here experienced some life altering news. Was legally blind in my right eye and left eye dominant and not nearly as progressed through the disease and at the time i was told i couldn't have a contact on my right because it was too far gone so i went 3 or 4 years through high school okayish on one eye.
About two and a half months after i graduated high school i started noticing haze in my left eye which i'd had before and every time it was contact fatigue and got better after a couple days. The haze got worse went to my contact fitting doctor who promptly pulled my cornea specialist out of the OR between a couple patients and i found out i had corneal hydrops that had stretched my cornea so thin that i had a cornea transplant 7 days later.
Its been 5 years and well ive now got the common version of herpes in my eyes, corneal neovascularization, pretty bad scarring from multiple infections totaling 10 months total, and well i have one eye that has a transplant and the other thats still diseased but needs a transplant. I can only wear my contacts for roughly 6 hours before i have to pull them out to clean built up protein out of them and to give my eyes a rest and flush them selves out.
I just got accepted for disability after waiting three years to apply and another two going through the process. How do y'all make money? I don't know how much im getting from SSI just yet but i know the max is somewhere around seven fifty a month and i know im not getting that.
My rent is going to take up half to two thirds of that income not including my phone bill, medicine, and doctor visits i have insurance through my parents but still have a yearly deductible to meet. Im not looking to get rich just a way to make another three to five hundred bucks a month to cover expenses and put some away for emergencies. Can use a computer if its in dark mode but anything with a white background and black text is nearly impossible to read with the scarring in my eyes, can't really do anything over 5 or 6 hours because my eyes start to get blurry and severely dry after that and need a break.
blackberrybunny 3 points 2y ago
SSI is fine, but you need to apply for Social Security Disability because you are disabled from your blindness. The SSA doesn't tell you these things-- you have to research and figure it out on your own, or have someone (like me who gets it) tell you.
Brittle_Bones_Bishop [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Im pretty sure i don't qualify because i dont have any long term work experience prior.
blackberrybunny 1 points 2y ago
I'm 52 and I have never ever once had a job. So you do not need any kind of work history at all. You just need to show/prove that you are 'legally blind' or totally blind. Any any eye doctor can make that determination. Then, you simply apply through the Social Security Administration. I started receiving my benefits when I was 19 years old. I had been in college for 3 years straight out of high school, and got burned out. I took a break. And that is when I applied. I had been getting a stipend from the state to go to college....so when I enacted a hiatus, my stipend income ended... I applied for benefits, and it took about 6 months to get them. Back then. It took a lot longer than it does now. But the first check I received was retroactive from the date I applied, so I got a nice hefty check! If you for some reason are denied, and you shouldn't be if you are truly blind, then you simply appeal it. You won't need a lawyer to do that. And it shouldn't even come to needing to appeal anything.
Brittle_Bones_Bishop [OP] 2 points 2y ago
See i got denied by SSI 2 or 3 times before a judge ruled in my favor Im legally blind without contacts and i can't wear them for more then 6 hours without needing a break. From the research ive done it says you need to have worked to qualify for SSDI.
> "The most notable difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSDI is only available to people who have accumulated enough work credits, while SSI is available to low-income individuals who have not accumulated enough work credits or who have never worked. In addition, SSDI is based on your work history, but SSI is strictly based on a financial situation of considerable need.
> Additionally, SSI benefits begin on the first of the month that a social security disability application is submitted and approved, but for SSDI there is a five-month waiting period. People who qualify for SSI can also receive Medicaid benefits. After receiving SSDI benefits for two years, a disabled person will be eligible for Medicare benefits. The amount of SSI benefits depend on where a person lives and what their monthly income is, while SSDI benefit amounts are dependent on a person’s earnings record."
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> "The most notable difference between SSI and SSDI is that SSDI is only available to people who have accumulated enough work credits, while SSI is available to low-income individuals who have not accumulated enough work credits or who have never worked. In addition, SSDI is based on your work history, but SSI is strictly based on a financial situation of considerable need.
> Additionally, SSI benefits begin on the first of the month that a social security disability application is submitted and approved, but for SSDI there is a five-month waiting period. People who qualify for SSI can also receive Medicaid benefits. After receiving SSDI benefits for two years, a disabled person will be eligible for Medicare benefits. The amount of SSI benefits depend on where a person lives and what their monthly income is, while SSDI benefit amounts are dependent on a person’s earnings record."
$1
WarHamster40k 3 points 2y ago
Vision loss transition, like any other disability, is a difficult path to take on your own. This is more of a generalized list because things will vary significantly, based on country/state/medical coverage/etc.
* Keep multiple copies of all the relevant medical/gov't documents. A lot of people will need to see them, so having several copies of each should help cut down on the downtime between each contact.
* Contact an employment counselor. There's usually a subdivision of the DoL specifically for people with disabilities (visual or otherwise) who can help navigate the job market, determine job site accommodations, do some networking with other agencies, and so on.
* Since you may have some downtime while things get going, check into other services that can help you adapt to your new disability. An Orientation and Mobility instructor could help your proficiency with workplace navigation; a Life Skills instructor can teach you different independent living skills; a Technical Skills teacher can teach you about computer accessibility options (macOS Accessibility configuration, NVDA, Jaws/Fusion, and others).
* While there are some tasks that are better suited for sighted people (sniper, anime critic, color mixer, and so on), there are a lot of tasks that can be adapted that many people don't think of at first. Be open to trying new things and don't automatically discount yourself because of your disability.
* Keep multiple copies of all the relevant medical/gov't documents. A lot of people will need to see them, so having several copies of each should help cut down on the downtime between each contact.
* Contact an employment counselor. There's usually a subdivision of the DoL specifically for people with disabilities (visual or otherwise) who can help navigate the job market, determine job site accommodations, do some networking with other agencies, and so on.
* Since you may have some downtime while things get going, check into other services that can help you adapt to your new disability. An Orientation and Mobility instructor could help your proficiency with workplace navigation; a Life Skills instructor can teach you different independent living skills; a Technical Skills teacher can teach you about computer accessibility options (macOS Accessibility configuration, NVDA, Jaws/Fusion, and others).
* While there are some tasks that are better suited for sighted people (sniper, anime critic, color mixer, and so on), there are a lot of tasks that can be adapted that many people don't think of at first. Be open to trying new things and don't automatically discount yourself because of your disability.
[deleted] 2 points 2y ago
[deleted]
Careve 1 points 2y ago
Could you share what are your setups for PC, phone, anything else? I mean what softwares, settings, accessibilities do you use? I have light experience with coding (python, powershell, macroses), wondering if it's feasible to switch more into that and still be competitive in the market despite vision impairment.
DrillInstructorJan 2 points 2y ago
Crikey that sounds like a bit of a saga, I hope it goes as well as it can.
To answer the question I'm a musician, although that's obviously a pretty specific thing to just jump into you might have some sort of ability you can exercise from home for money, so think of it as just an example.
The reason I mention it is that I am making some sort of income, not massive but enough, working from home. I've always had the technical set up to do it but never did it as much as now.
Depends what you're good at. What are you good at?
To answer the question I'm a musician, although that's obviously a pretty specific thing to just jump into you might have some sort of ability you can exercise from home for money, so think of it as just an example.
The reason I mention it is that I am making some sort of income, not massive but enough, working from home. I've always had the technical set up to do it but never did it as much as now.
Depends what you're good at. What are you good at?
Chopstixtmfw 1 points 2y ago
No drivers license no job everywhere I've ever tried to get a job... Ssi...
FishyMacSwishy 1 points 2y ago
I am a software developer and it is quite doable regardless of visual impairment. I am legally blind and have found very few barriers in software development. I also work from home, due to the pandemic, and not having to worry about how I am going to get to and from work has been amazing.
I have a light sensitivity and I crank the brightness on my monitor all the way down. I also use dark mode whenever possible. Luckily my development job has me working on a Mac, which is great for accessibility in my opinion.
I used to get by on SSI alone, it was tough. I really couldn't live the quality of life I wanted to. I have been legally blind my whole life and it took me a long time to realize that I am capable and I am worth something. These disabilities don't have to define us and they don't have to keep us from a good life.
I have a light sensitivity and I crank the brightness on my monitor all the way down. I also use dark mode whenever possible. Luckily my development job has me working on a Mac, which is great for accessibility in my opinion.
I used to get by on SSI alone, it was tough. I really couldn't live the quality of life I wanted to. I have been legally blind my whole life and it took me a long time to realize that I am capable and I am worth something. These disabilities don't have to define us and they don't have to keep us from a good life.
Brittle_Bones_Bishop [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Honestly im just trying to figure out what my next step is i spent the first 21 years of my life planning on having very basic blue collar career aspirations that all requre being able to see and or in unclean spaces.
I just got accepted for 522$ a month and my rent is 300$ a month im okay with computers not great self taught besides a few things how hard is a degree to obtain in the field? Should also include that im terrible with math and numbers. and a visual step by step note taker and task do'er.
Was thinking of maybe going for video editing or something similar but with how uncertian my vision is day to day ive been hesitant.
I just got accepted for 522$ a month and my rent is 300$ a month im okay with computers not great self taught besides a few things how hard is a degree to obtain in the field? Should also include that im terrible with math and numbers. and a visual step by step note taker and task do'er.
Was thinking of maybe going for video editing or something similar but with how uncertian my vision is day to day ive been hesitant.
coarsing_batch 1 points 2y ago
How are you on phones? Do you like speaking to people and helping them solve problems? If so, I know this sounds weird, but we actually found a job that is legit that you don’t even basically have to do an interview for. It’s the easiest job on earth, it makes all right money, and you get to help people in the process. You can be a Phone psychic. You can do it through your actual home phone, or get Skype in and do it that way. But my husband does it, he’s worked on the site for over a year, and has actually kept our family together since Covid hit and I lost all my work. If you want more information on any of this or how to learn how to do it or anything, feel free to private message me and we can help you get sorted. Anyone reading this by the way. It’s actually a brilliant job for blind people. If anyone is looking for work, feel free to message me and I will happily help anyone get set up. I am in no way affiliated with a company, my husband just works there and has done a great job.
BlindAaron 1 points 2y ago
I had your typical vision growing up. in my early 20s I lost my left and and then about 5 years later I started having issues with my right. I’m now at the point where I can’t drive, I have very limited field of vision, and use my cane to get around. I had to find a job that didn’t require vision and I’ve always been a people person, so after some looking I found massage therapy.
I’m not completely blind but my doctors say I will be in my lifetime. Massage school took about 8 months to complete, depending on where you live there might be help from the government. It’s a completely tactile job/skill. I’ve been doing it licensed about 3 years and I love it. I work close to full time (about 20hours a week, full time for most LMTs is 25-30, depending on your style). I make plenty of money and I’m still able to maintain my government disability check by not making over the income restrictions.
Ive heard of 3 other blind massage therapists, I’ve never met them, in my area. And I’ve worked with another.
I’m not completely blind but my doctors say I will be in my lifetime. Massage school took about 8 months to complete, depending on where you live there might be help from the government. It’s a completely tactile job/skill. I’ve been doing it licensed about 3 years and I love it. I work close to full time (about 20hours a week, full time for most LMTs is 25-30, depending on your style). I make plenty of money and I’m still able to maintain my government disability check by not making over the income restrictions.
Ive heard of 3 other blind massage therapists, I’ve never met them, in my area. And I’ve worked with another.
LadyAlleta 1 points 2y ago
Try court reporting school. You can transcribe and work from home. It is in high demand and many get hired once they pass the exam to get certified. It's always easy to find jobs especially if you have connections from your school. The biggest expense is the machine. Takes like 2 years to finish
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