Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
7
↓
I'm scared for my future (self.Blind)
submitted by graveyrdbabyy
Hi! I have optic nerve hypoplasia, I am fully.blind in my right eye but still have little vision in my left.
So I currently receive United States' SSI and I'm a full time college student. I was able to get my education through DVR's student sponsor program, I'm a zoology major and I'm hoping to go into the entomology field (ironic I know).
But I'm terrified. What happens if no one will hire me because of my disability?
I would have to live on social security, which in the United States is $794 a month maximum (I currently receive less than that). That's $9,528 a year, which is $3,352 below the poverty line. An average Americans cost of living is $5,102 a month, that's $4,308 more than I am able to get. Not to mention that title 16 SSI reduces funds if I get any sort of "assistance" that is $20 or over, and reduces funds if I get married, and reduces funds if I am homeless or looking for a job. AND i am not able to save money over $2,000 or my funds will be taken away. Comparing SSI to a full time job means that I get $4 an hour when federal minimum wage is $7.25 (my states minimum wage is about $12). I know there is a law against discrimination in the States but alot of companies are able to loophole that law, or pay disabled people subminimum wage.
I try really hard not to let my disability get in the way, and I am so excited to enter the STEM field. But if my disability deters employers and I am forced to live.off of SSI, I literally will not be able to have a home or get married or be successful in any sort of way.
what the fuck happens then?
So I currently receive United States' SSI and I'm a full time college student. I was able to get my education through DVR's student sponsor program, I'm a zoology major and I'm hoping to go into the entomology field (ironic I know).
But I'm terrified. What happens if no one will hire me because of my disability?
I would have to live on social security, which in the United States is $794 a month maximum (I currently receive less than that). That's $9,528 a year, which is $3,352 below the poverty line. An average Americans cost of living is $5,102 a month, that's $4,308 more than I am able to get. Not to mention that title 16 SSI reduces funds if I get any sort of "assistance" that is $20 or over, and reduces funds if I get married, and reduces funds if I am homeless or looking for a job. AND i am not able to save money over $2,000 or my funds will be taken away. Comparing SSI to a full time job means that I get $4 an hour when federal minimum wage is $7.25 (my states minimum wage is about $12). I know there is a law against discrimination in the States but alot of companies are able to loophole that law, or pay disabled people subminimum wage.
I try really hard not to let my disability get in the way, and I am so excited to enter the STEM field. But if my disability deters employers and I am forced to live.off of SSI, I literally will not be able to have a home or get married or be successful in any sort of way.
what the fuck happens then?
sabethXhardstyler 5 points 2y ago
go for it! it is awesome that you wanna go to college to pursue something! when i was young i wanted to do so many things but was always like, oh i can't see well enough to do any of that and now I'm in my 30s and wish i would have done something and at least tried. i totally recommend hanging in there, and try your best. there is very good other advice here such as meeting with counselors and such. I hope so much that you succeed.
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 1 points 2y ago
You sound just like the tiny optimistic voice in my head lol. I definitely won't give up but the future is still overwhelmingly daunting
BlueRock956 5 points 2y ago
Send an e-mail to your university's career advisors, the office for students with disabilities, your rehab counselor, and the dirrector of the department you are studying in. Request a meeting with everyone. In the meeting ask them what you wrote here...
You need to know if the zoology degree will be worth much, once you graduate. Presumably, if they graduate you, they are certifying you to be qualified to work in the field So ask them if they'll provide the support you need to obtain work in the field you are studying.
You need to know if the zoology degree will be worth much, once you graduate. Presumably, if they graduate you, they are certifying you to be qualified to work in the field So ask them if they'll provide the support you need to obtain work in the field you are studying.
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 1 points 2y ago
That's actually a really good idea. Thank you I'll be sure to contact them all
draakdorei 4 points 2y ago
Check with your state's workforce center as they are there to help you find work in your field. You can also check for a workin<state>.gov website for your state. It's designed to help people in the state find work and is more effective than something like Indeed.
I'd also recommend trying to ask around your local police station or police academy, specifically their forensics department. As an ent major, you can likely get work opporunities from them as an intern at least.
Also, why are you afraid of marriage? Unless you are marrying someone who doesn't want to work or is incapable of work, you should have the confidence that you'd make it work financially together.
I'd also recommend trying to ask around your local police station or police academy, specifically their forensics department. As an ent major, you can likely get work opporunities from them as an intern at least.
Also, why are you afraid of marriage? Unless you are marrying someone who doesn't want to work or is incapable of work, you should have the confidence that you'd make it work financially together.
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 0 points 2y ago
I would never want to burden my partner with financial responsibilities. I'm not afraid of marriage, in fact I'm in a long term relationship with the love of my life, but I don't want to rely on them for money. I want to make my own and I want to be independent with or without them. If I get married then SSI will take my funds and I won't receive any more income, meaning my partner will be the only one with income. What happens if they end up abusive? I have no where to go. What happens if we want a home or a better living situation? That responsibility is on them alone and I am unable to contribute. What happens if just decide to leave? They provide everything so then I would have nothing. I don't want to depend my wellbeing on another person. That's selfish and unfair and gives me absolutely no freedom.
Also, I would become a sexworker before working in the police department, I mean no disrespect but that field is something I would never ever consider.
Also, I would become a sexworker before working in the police department, I mean no disrespect but that field is something I would never ever consider.
puttytat0710 2 points 2y ago
My son has ONH and I'm concerned about the same thing for him. I hope everything works out for you!
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 1 points 2y ago
My best advice would be to get in contact with your department of vocational rehabilitation services as soon as he reaches highschool. Also encourage bus ONM as soon as possible.
Other than that I'm sure he will do great things. So far ONH hasn't stopped me from doing anything and I'm sure he feels the same.
Other than that I'm sure he will do great things. So far ONH hasn't stopped me from doing anything and I'm sure he feels the same.
BlueRock956 2 points 2y ago
Go to the zoos near by and ask for a job. Would they even hire you to clean cages and feed the animals? Also, ask for opportunities to volunteer in projects where you can get experience in the field you are interested in.
Find a person who is working in your dream job, and request for opportunities to job shadow, to observe and figure out what skills you need to develop for the job.
Find a person who is working in your dream job, and request for opportunities to job shadow, to observe and figure out what skills you need to develop for the job.
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 1 points 2y ago
That's smart! Espically with summer coming up I'll have more time to invest in field work. Though capturing the attention of others, espically in their workspace is a little tricky when people view you as less of a person.
Criptedinyourcloset 2 points 2y ago
I know how you feel. I am definitely not there yet I am in middle school, but I know how hard that must be. My advice to you, however limited I may be. It’s to go in strong, you need to show companies that you were the right guy/girl for the job and that they should hire you. You need to make a strong case, ensure that you were not just some other random blind person. I know it’s gonna be hard, not saying it’s going to be easy. I’m not gonna sugarcoat it either because 70% of blind people are unemployed. But you need to make sure you’re not one of the 70% by going and strong, making sure you are well well known good reputation in the field, and networking. Lots and lots of networking. I too want to go understand one day, particularly physics and I have the same concerns you do. But I’m going to try all I can to make sure that employers know I’m the good person for the job and to ensure I can get one. Unfortunately, discrimination against those with disabilities is still very high, especially for blind people. I wish it would change, but unfortunately that’s not gonna happen overnight.
graveyrdbabyy [OP] 1 points 2y ago
You are literally so sweet awh :) your kind words mean alot to me. Thank you 💖
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.