Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Employment for people who are VI/BBlind across the US (self.Blind)
submitted by 1BlindNinja
Hi, I'm a total, and currently working in Employment Engagement. I'm doing a management programme & qualification and am looking into opinions of what you feel would work to improve the employment across US for people who are VI/Blind.
Here we have positive action recruitment for people with disabilities, work placements/experience leading into employment, work trials in lieu of formalised interviews (for those unable to have a face-to-face interview, ie ASD), employability workshops where I bring in employers to showcase their place of employment and offer advice on polishing up your CV, complete an application which stands out and clenching the interview.
Is it the lack of educational availability, employers giving you the break you need, lack of work experience, travel issues for in-work travel, or something else?
Thanks for your replies, and happy to take DMs as knowledge of which State you are in would be useful.
Here we have positive action recruitment for people with disabilities, work placements/experience leading into employment, work trials in lieu of formalised interviews (for those unable to have a face-to-face interview, ie ASD), employability workshops where I bring in employers to showcase their place of employment and offer advice on polishing up your CV, complete an application which stands out and clenching the interview.
Is it the lack of educational availability, employers giving you the break you need, lack of work experience, travel issues for in-work travel, or something else?
Thanks for your replies, and happy to take DMs as knowledge of which State you are in would be useful.
HockeyMaster29 7 points 2y ago
For me its lack of transportation, and lack of willingness to make accommodations
1BlindNinja [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thanks for your reply. Is there any schemes where local authorities subsidise transport to/from work? I know here there is the Access to Work scheme, where each individual has cost up to £60K for things like subsidised taxi costs, equipment, modifications to work premisses, and the likes of ourselves who liaise with employers to support in-work as well.
I know benefit traps can be an issue, here work is limited to below 16Hrs/week if on means tested benefits, or weekly pay of no more than £140/week. This makes full-time options daunting for many, though phased in work assists.
I know benefit traps can be an issue, here work is limited to below 16Hrs/week if on means tested benefits, or weekly pay of no more than £140/week. This makes full-time options daunting for many, though phased in work assists.
HockeyMaster29 2 points 2y ago
Not that I’m aware of
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
They tend to be well hidden! Here it is known as the Government’s biggest secret. Are there support coaches, like through NFB, AFB etc? Sorry for all the questions! ...and would you mind saying where you are from?
HockeyMaster29 2 points 2y ago
I’m in the US, but not familiar with what you’re talking about
[deleted] 1 points 2y ago
Not in the US but here in ireland I say the same two
thatawkwardcosplayer 4 points 2y ago
Imo basic crop work is more accessible than anything in higher education? I have had a hard time even getting basic retail jobs *with* all proper experiences and job history. Most restaurants won’t hire me even though I have all the certifications or will ghost me once they realize I’m low vision at the in person interview.
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Hi, out of interest, do you have the ability to ask employers for feedback following interviews? Here we can ask employers whether successful or not for feedback about the interview.
Sometimes people don’t realise this and it is a good way to both “check” employers on their choices and gives info to improve your interviewing skills.
With C-19 here, there are lots of people who have been laid off from work. So at present, whilst recruitment is increasing again, the level of qualification and experience required has also increased.
Here it tends to be that ring fenced jobs (jobs set aside specifically for people with disabilities) are entry level. We are working with individuals with PhDs, MScs, BScs and Fe and He qualifications who are keen to get a chance at programming, bio-science etc, but need experience. So we try to arrange work experience, where the person works for a short period of 4-6 weeks, part-time to gain experience and prove to employers what they can do. This is without pay typically, but gives some individuals a “foot in the door”.
Sometimes people don’t realise this and it is a good way to both “check” employers on their choices and gives info to improve your interviewing skills.
With C-19 here, there are lots of people who have been laid off from work. So at present, whilst recruitment is increasing again, the level of qualification and experience required has also increased.
Here it tends to be that ring fenced jobs (jobs set aside specifically for people with disabilities) are entry level. We are working with individuals with PhDs, MScs, BScs and Fe and He qualifications who are keen to get a chance at programming, bio-science etc, but need experience. So we try to arrange work experience, where the person works for a short period of 4-6 weeks, part-time to gain experience and prove to employers what they can do. This is without pay typically, but gives some individuals a “foot in the door”.
thatawkwardcosplayer 2 points 2y ago
In general, I would say that calling back is considered kind of rude. Especially if it’s clear that you didn’t get the job. You don’t get told that they don’t want you, you simply don’t ever get a call back and if it’s been three weeks...then it’s not your job.
I have tried in the past but they tend to simply say that I don’t have enough experience (for a McDonald’s smh) or I have too much (in the case of me trying to apply for a basic daycare with lots of vol. experience).
They’ll focus in on what’s good / bad with your skills than your actual interview from the past experience I’ve had. Added with the fact that it’s ‘rude’ to call back and it’s makes it rather awkward.
It’s the same thing with applying as well. You don’t get told that they don’t want you, you just don’t get a call or a reply. I’ve done over 100+ applications and only had 5 call backs followed by 3 interviews. (I would set up an interview time only to be told that the manager couldn’t make it in and that they would tell him/her to re-call. I’m looking at you Panara Bread.)
There’s also not a proper disability center aid thing up here beyond one that’s meant to help with experience but if I do that, then it’s considered working (even if I’m only getting $3 an hour!) and it would mess up my medicaid / housing benefits. IE: I could do it but it’s not worth all the trouble when I already have years of experience in some fields (ranching / crop work / childcare).
I hope that makes sense?
I have tried in the past but they tend to simply say that I don’t have enough experience (for a McDonald’s smh) or I have too much (in the case of me trying to apply for a basic daycare with lots of vol. experience).
They’ll focus in on what’s good / bad with your skills than your actual interview from the past experience I’ve had. Added with the fact that it’s ‘rude’ to call back and it’s makes it rather awkward.
It’s the same thing with applying as well. You don’t get told that they don’t want you, you just don’t get a call or a reply. I’ve done over 100+ applications and only had 5 call backs followed by 3 interviews. (I would set up an interview time only to be told that the manager couldn’t make it in and that they would tell him/her to re-call. I’m looking at you Panara Bread.)
There’s also not a proper disability center aid thing up here beyond one that’s meant to help with experience but if I do that, then it’s considered working (even if I’m only getting $3 an hour!) and it would mess up my medicaid / housing benefits. IE: I could do it but it’s not worth all the trouble when I already have years of experience in some fields (ranching / crop work / childcare).
I hope that makes sense?
TwistyTurret 4 points 2y ago
Also some blind people grow up without a positive support system and therefore have mental illness preventing them from pursuing the skills they need in order to be employable.
1BlindNinja [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Yeah, and conversely growing up with too much support also hinders individuals to move outside that protective environment - until their situation reaches a point where their family can’t cope (illness/death/older age) and MH issues too.
The proper support is an issue and too for those who acquire a disability later in life, problems adjusting from where they maybe couldn’t continue to do the job they did, due to their disability and MH issues hit as they have to implement huge change.
Is it the case too that perhaps there is a lot of “poor me” where things like this are used as an “out” of accepting responsibility for one’s own actions?
...just drawing out thoughts, as I know I had chatted to a person whose relative was blind and his Mum still bathed him......at 39 years old. -no other disability was present.
The proper support is an issue and too for those who acquire a disability later in life, problems adjusting from where they maybe couldn’t continue to do the job they did, due to their disability and MH issues hit as they have to implement huge change.
Is it the case too that perhaps there is a lot of “poor me” where things like this are used as an “out” of accepting responsibility for one’s own actions?
...just drawing out thoughts, as I know I had chatted to a person whose relative was blind and his Mum still bathed him......at 39 years old. -no other disability was present.
carolineecouture 4 points 2y ago
I think there are a host of issues. I'd say the main one is a lack of awareness on the employer's part. They don't have disabled employees, and they don't know how to interact with them. Most people don't know anyone who is disabled, so it's a scary thing. It's an education and pipeline problem. Then add challenges with transportation and work accommodations, and you have a toxic stew preventing people with disabilities from being hired. I'm in the US in Pennsylvania. I am currently employed in Higher Education.
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks, I get the disability awareness thing, do you feel that there is too much stereotyping regarding blindness and disability in general?
I’m on TikTok and can’t but feel there is also a lot of negativity from the VI community on that platform towards employment. Are there main active groups challenging local and wider policies and laws?
If larger corporations started to implement better inclusion and diversity, would it filter down?
...and the big question, is the blind and wider disability community equiped for today’s workforce?
I used to work as a special ed support worker and taught sighted students math when doing my teaching cert.
Excuse my ignorance, but are there any specific centres that specialise in up-skilling VI/people with disabilities?
Sorry for all the questions 😹 but thank you so much
I’m on TikTok and can’t but feel there is also a lot of negativity from the VI community on that platform towards employment. Are there main active groups challenging local and wider policies and laws?
If larger corporations started to implement better inclusion and diversity, would it filter down?
...and the big question, is the blind and wider disability community equiped for today’s workforce?
I used to work as a special ed support worker and taught sighted students math when doing my teaching cert.
Excuse my ignorance, but are there any specific centres that specialise in up-skilling VI/people with disabilities?
Sorry for all the questions 😹 but thank you so much
carolineecouture 3 points 2y ago
Well, I think most people don't know Blind or VI, people. You don't see VI/Blind people on television, in movies, in books, etc. just living their lives and are not victims or superheroes. I don't know about VI/Blind content on TikTok; I only follow a few people and don't use it heavily. Yes, we are down on employment; many people post here about finding jobs or opportunities. I don't know about the groups trying to fix this issue; specifically, I know they exist. I've been with the same employer for more than 30 years, so I don't know what major corporations are doing. Being reskilled in the US is a challenge for sighted people, so I think it can only be more challenging for Blind/VI people. I was very, very lucky to find my position. I did have a higher degree and some extra training, and a supportive work environment, leading to my full-time employment. Feel free to PM me if you'd like.
1BlindNinja [OP] 2 points 2y ago
Thanks 😊
I’d like to discuss further to try and see if the attitudes are feeding a stereotype or vice-versa. I will send you a short message, but catch up at a later point, as I’m currently doing a Life Coaching & Counselling qualification online and working through it, as my management and the other supported employment courses will be also starting at the end of this month!
Take care
I’d like to discuss further to try and see if the attitudes are feeding a stereotype or vice-versa. I will send you a short message, but catch up at a later point, as I’m currently doing a Life Coaching & Counselling qualification online and working through it, as my management and the other supported employment courses will be also starting at the end of this month!
Take care
TheBlindCreative 2 points 2y ago
Hi. I would say that two major issues are transportation and discrimination. Certain cities may have accessible transportation while having extremely high housing costs. On the other hand, affordable areas to live may lack accessible transportation. Further, many workplaces are hesitant to hire individuals who are blind. I want to eventually become a therapist, and owning a private practice will allow me to work for myself.
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for your reply. I had a look a while back and don’t see a sub for disabled employment. I wonder if as a collective, taking in all disabilities, would it generate a bit of A, resources; B, encouragement; and C, use it to help some people define what they actually want to do, as I use a simple task to help people either focus their career searching, or widen it to other options not considered. As regards transport, here there are Government backed schemes where volunteer drivers are paid a flat rate 25p/mile and they call door to door. The transport is either free for those on means tested benefits, or with a small charge; £2.50/3 mile radius etc.
TheBlindCreative 2 points 2y ago
Hi. I am in the U.S., and the government transportation services for the disabled are hit and miss Unfortunately, it is common to be picked up hours late among other issues. A subreddit of employment resources for the disabled would be helpful.
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
I was surprised that there wasn’t a sub on this, as there is pretty much a sub for everything. I will set one up over the next few days,and I have an alternative profile, as this one is getting filled, as I do life coaching for spiritual, relationship and MH in one-to-ones in my DMs. I will post on here once I get it set up. Other profile is Ready4AChallenge (sad I hadn’t thought of Reddi4AChallenge!) I was for doing an AMA with it, but haven’t got that far yet! 😹
I think we need more disabled people as influencers, with skills in education, policy change, Career advice, Mobility, Transport and Benefits.
I find the impact of having a disabled person attending a meeting with employers more impactful than a non-disabled person, as they get the personal story of the difficulties etc.
I think we need more disabled people as influencers, with skills in education, policy change, Career advice, Mobility, Transport and Benefits.
I find the impact of having a disabled person attending a meeting with employers more impactful than a non-disabled person, as they get the personal story of the difficulties etc.
Namrakk 2 points 2y ago
My largest barrier to office type employment has been work experience (I’m legally blind). For retail type employment it’s been more of an unwillingness to accommodate (personal experience)
Would you mind sharing the name of your organization and are you crremtly accepting mew applicants for employment engagement support?
Thanks
Would you mind sharing the name of your organization and are you crremtly accepting mew applicants for employment engagement support?
Thanks
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Have you considered volunteering to gain work experience? I know I am on a few job alert feeds from US and there seem to be a few work from home opportunities. Can you draw from lived experience, transferable skills etc?
1BlindNinja [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Hi, I’m UK based, but curious as to the employment barriers faced by our US counterparts
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