Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Would you rather work a job or receive guaranteed government assistance such as housing and a monthly check. For some it could be a toss up since trying to find a job is really tough and being able to stay with that job for years could be a risk. (self.Blind)
submitted by BlindBear902
If so what job would you apply for ?
Tarnagona 21 points 1y ago
I’d rather have a job, 100%. and I am thankful that I have found one that is a permanent, salaried position. The income boost is great, and better benefits, of course, but also the feeling of independence, and the feeling that I’m DOING SOMETHING, are job things that I don’t want to give up.
That said, I am forever grateful that I had a government stipend while going through school and doing my job search. It guaranteed that I could eat and pay bills, even if I didn’t have much left over for anything else. And I’m grateful that if I lose my job, I have that fixed income to fall back on.
My plan was never to have government support instead of a job.
NB I live in Canada, if that changes anything. Disability here isn’t a lot, but it is just enough if you don’t mind living in an apartment the size of a shipping crate.
That said, I am forever grateful that I had a government stipend while going through school and doing my job search. It guaranteed that I could eat and pay bills, even if I didn’t have much left over for anything else. And I’m grateful that if I lose my job, I have that fixed income to fall back on.
My plan was never to have government support instead of a job.
NB I live in Canada, if that changes anything. Disability here isn’t a lot, but it is just enough if you don’t mind living in an apartment the size of a shipping crate.
BlindBear902 [OP] 5 points 1y ago
I’m happy you found a job that is taking very good care of you keep giving it 100% ! . For some you are right just doing anything job wise would make them feel so much better about there situations.
OldManOnFire 11 points 1y ago
I'd rather have a job.
The hardest thing about going blind is feeling like I don't matter anymore. Finding a job and making a difference would fix that.
The hardest thing about going blind is feeling like I don't matter anymore. Finding a job and making a difference would fix that.
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Start off volunteering if you can to show the types of skills you have to offer to the work force if possible,
SqornshellousZ 4 points 1y ago
I volunteer walking dogs for a heart patient post opp, and filling food donations. Other than phone work all other positions are delivery drivers
I have a degree in electronics and telecommunications and 20/200 vision.
Any suggestions?
I worked for RBC untill they closed the call center in 2015.
I have a degree in electronics and telecommunications and 20/200 vision.
Any suggestions?
I worked for RBC untill they closed the call center in 2015.
Krishibi 3 points 1y ago
Visual impairment aside, what would you like to do? What would make you feel fulfilled?
SqornshellousZ 2 points 1y ago
Child care, afterschool programs. I felt most useful being a dad to my first wife's children. But, being AMAB I'd have to move to Sweden not to face discrimination here in North America.
kelpangler 10 points 1y ago
That's a relatable question. I'm currently employed right now and I'm making more than I would with disability payouts but it's a contract position so they might not extend my contract. Not only is it better pay but I have access to better health insurance and benefits. Finding another job if the current one doesn't pan out may take a long time and be difficult. I think taking a government check for the rest of my life would be a demoralizing thing because I feel like I have so much to offer. But in the end if that's the best I can do then I'd obrionsly need to accept it. Maybe others feel the same way l do.
DrillInstructorJan 6 points 1y ago
What on earth, is this even a choice? If you can get a job, get a job. If you hate it you can probably get another one, even if it takes a totally unreasonable and unfair amount of time and effort and organisation, put up with it. If you sit around at home on benefits you won't go anywhere or meet anyone and opportunities don't arise.
Sorry if I seem a bit harsh but good grief this should not even be a decision for most people, if you can work, work. I am not unaware of the issues with proving you can work then becoming inelegible for benefits but the upsides have to outweigh the downsides.
Sorry if I seem a bit harsh but good grief this should not even be a decision for most people, if you can work, work. I am not unaware of the issues with proving you can work then becoming inelegible for benefits but the upsides have to outweigh the downsides.
mdizak 6 points 1y ago
Considering how corrupt the world is, hey, if the government wants to give me some money I'm not going to say no.
Having said that, I'm perfectly comfortable with my current relationship with my government. They have seemingly forgotten I exist, which works great for me. As long as they leave me alone, I'll leave them alone, and we'll get along just great.
I'm perfectly happy working hard and earning every dollar that I spend. What I don't want is for the government to show up in my life at some point demanding 35% of my hard earned money, hence why I'm perfectly happy with the existing non-existent relationship I have with my government.
Having said that, I'm perfectly comfortable with my current relationship with my government. They have seemingly forgotten I exist, which works great for me. As long as they leave me alone, I'll leave them alone, and we'll get along just great.
I'm perfectly happy working hard and earning every dollar that I spend. What I don't want is for the government to show up in my life at some point demanding 35% of my hard earned money, hence why I'm perfectly happy with the existing non-existent relationship I have with my government.
laconicflow 1 points 1y ago
It bothers me, because I donn't think about the check I get as coming from the nameless government, I think about the check I get coming from the sweat and toil of the people who work and pay taxes, and I feel awful taking their money. I feel like I'm mooching off my fellow citizens.
mdizak 2 points 1y ago
Well, than don't take the check. To be honest though, I really wouldn't worry about it.
I could go off on a days long tangent about this shit, but for example, oil subsidies. The US continues to give over $4 billion per-year in subsidies to folks like ExxonMobil, because... I have no idea, your guess is good as mine. That's quite obviously ridiculous considering they're the ones pissing off mother nature and are a main driver of climate change. Not sure why the taxpayers would be giving them $4 billion every year, but hey, guess that's what happens when your rich enough to buy politicians.
I don't personally take money from the government, simply because they've seem to have forgotten I exist and I'd like to keep it that way. However, if the government is offering you money, I really wouldn't worry about feeling guilty over taking it.
laconicflow 1 points 1y ago
I feel badly because that money's actually coming from people who work. And I feel like not working and taking their money is something I oppose. The fact that we give money to oil companies that are obviously more than capable of making it on their own, is stupid of us, but also unrelated.
mdizak 2 points 1y ago
I don't know man, I can't tell you how to feel. Obviously though, it sounds as though you could use that money in your life, but are just feeling guilty for taking it.
How about this? Do you have a political part in your country that fights for climate change or something similar? For example, Canada has the Green party. How about next election cycle you volunteer for that political party and do some phone banking for them to help get them elected. Maybe then you won't feel so guilty about accepting a little financial help which I'm going to assume you could use.
I really wouldn't worry about it, and if your government is willing to provide you with financial assistance, I'd go ahead and take it. To give you another example, the US is currently $24 trillion in debt. Do you have any idea how much $24 trillion is? Me neither, because that amount is so absurdly high that nobody knows how much that is.
What it does tell me though is if the US is capable of going $24 trillion into debt without breaking the bank, then quite obviously the entire financial system is just a bunch of made up bullshit that doesn't matter. Once again, I can't tell you how to feel man. However, it sounds like you need the help and the government is offering it. Go ahead and take it, and enjoy a nice sirloin steak for dinner shortly, there's nothing wrong with that.
I absolutely love this subject and am in a bout of depression myself, so here, I'll give you another one. You know how rich politicians love to tell poor folks they just need to "pull themselves up by their bootstraps"? That phrase has been completely perverted over the last many decades.
Do you want to know where the phrase "pull yourselves up from your bootstraps" came from? It was made popular back in the 1920s during the labor union movement in the US. It was a way for advocates of labor to mock the owner and factory owner class. They'd get together at rallies and condascendingly speak, "what do these rich assholes expect from us? to pull ourselves up from our bootstraps or something?".
Think of the phrase literally. You can bend down and pull on your bootstraps all you want, you're not getting up. The phrase was meant to signify that nobody can do this life on their own, and the only way this whole world and society of ours works is if we help each other out. Out society is only as strong as its weakest link, so if you need some help and its on offer, go ahead and take it man.
While I'm on a roll and still depressed, I'll give you another one. The love of my life is currently sitting in Laos. Do you have any idea how poor Laos is? I do, because I lived out in that part of the world for 8 years before I went blind.
Thanks to Covid he can't even work anymore, but when he did work, he only made $130/month. I take care of him financially, and I have no qualms about doing so. Whenever he needs money I fire off a Western Union, he says thank you, and that's literally all that's ever spoken about it. I don't expect any type of gratitude or anthing like that, because well that wouldn't be very Buddhist of me, plus that's simply not how this world is supposed to work. Nobody should struggle like that.
Thinking about that, one last one. Again, depression is a bitch. Did you by chance watch a couple months back when Jeff Bezos went into space for a few minutes? He got back to wearth, then actually had the audacity to get on camera and said, "thank you to all the Amazon employees and customers, because you guys paid for this trip". All the while there's constant news reports about how his employees need to pee in bottles because every second of their day is being tracked, and they don't have time to take out of their work day to visit the bathroom. That pissed me off, what a delusional piece of shit.
Anyway, I think this tirade is long enough. Nonetheless, go ahead and take the money if it's on offer. I really wouldn't worry about it.
B-dub31 6 points 1y ago
I would rather work, but that isn't always the easiest choice if you don't live in an area with good public transit. I took disability retirement from my public safety job, but I have been looking for something to do. Once the pandemic let's up, I want to find a job or go back to school for a different career.
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Yeah there’s nothing wrong with that it seemed like you put your years in with public safety and if you wanna try something else down the line I think that’s awesome. I know what you mean there is only a handful of states with good public transportation but that’s only in a handful of the major cities. Also housing prices are up along with rent so trying to relocate is really hard,
B-dub31 6 points 1y ago
We could sell our house in the country for a profit, but we'd had to buy high too. So we are holding off to see what happens next.
Fridux 6 points 1y ago
I'd rather be employed than be the waste of taxpayer money that I am now, even if that involved some risk. That said I'm using my disability benefits to buy enough time to get back on my feet as a blind programmer.
I want to be considered an asset again, and bring value to everything I work on. I want to be able to compete with sighted people even if at a disadvantage. I want to be considered because of my skill and experience and not out of charity or just to meet the minimum quota of disabled employees to unlock financial benefits.
I want to be a useful and active member of society again, and I have set myself the goal of getting back in the job market within the next year.
My disability income is enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life, and my savings are enough to sustain my current lifestyle for 4 years even if I lose the benefits, but in order to find motivation to keep myself alive I need a sense of purpose.
I want to be considered an asset again, and bring value to everything I work on. I want to be able to compete with sighted people even if at a disadvantage. I want to be considered because of my skill and experience and not out of charity or just to meet the minimum quota of disabled employees to unlock financial benefits.
I want to be a useful and active member of society again, and I have set myself the goal of getting back in the job market within the next year.
My disability income is enough to live comfortably for the rest of my life, and my savings are enough to sustain my current lifestyle for 4 years even if I lose the benefits, but in order to find motivation to keep myself alive I need a sense of purpose.
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I know what you mean sometimes we get stuck in a rut and just get the feeling of only existing and not having a sense or purpose to others. Just keep moving forward and you’ll be competitive soon enough.
macadamia_owl 5 points 1y ago
I'm from Germany sure i would prefer to have job that will be enough to not needing governmental help anymore to pay for rent, food etc. When I'm on gov "help" they rather tell what i can't do, what jobs carriers i can't do, they dismiss my ideas, i wanted to go studying but monthly fees were over my budget everywhere. Im nor allowed to save money more than 5.000$ or take credit, rent many apartments, many banks are for people with jobs only and other offers because they're more financially attractive because I'm on gov help. Sure my rent is paid for small apartment (government chooses if they pay for particular one or not they can say it's too high price and demand moving our even to other cheaper town) , basic health insurance, i get some money for food but i feel like less worth than others and not having enters free will. On gov help i have to show all my bank account movements, i got inspect my apartment without police (they did ut 2 times if I'm living there asking neighbours and call me anytime request coming if i don't come 3 rimes or refuse 3 jobs offers they will take all money away disability benefits included. I refused job offer of bus driver, I'm legally blind I'm walking with white cane office worker knew that.
With job i would be a free person without invigilation free of choosing carrier, study, free of savings mine and how i spend it, where i go to vacation. On gov and disability help I'm allowed to have 400$ job without savings or no help and any job - but uta hard as everywhere. But it would have to be job that won't ruin my health, that won't put me or others in danger.
Was in school for blind learning massage therapist 1 year bur got neurological disease so they ended it. I really wanted trying computer science/development etc but they said it's foe guys.
Tried in my hometown applied in hotels, offices, receptions "We don't hire SYCH person's like you - blind, disabled we have better candidates even foe internship or schooling" heard so many times.
My Gov office gwlpwe says "no help or work for you you have to figure something our" when i ask for some money for training that's ending with certificate so they will pay they say no but i can't save money myself even if i tell what for.
Feel kind of trapped in system don't want be on gov help all my life.
With job i would be a free person without invigilation free of choosing carrier, study, free of savings mine and how i spend it, where i go to vacation. On gov and disability help I'm allowed to have 400$ job without savings or no help and any job - but uta hard as everywhere. But it would have to be job that won't ruin my health, that won't put me or others in danger.
Was in school for blind learning massage therapist 1 year bur got neurological disease so they ended it. I really wanted trying computer science/development etc but they said it's foe guys.
Tried in my hometown applied in hotels, offices, receptions "We don't hire SYCH person's like you - blind, disabled we have better candidates even foe internship or schooling" heard so many times.
My Gov office gwlpwe says "no help or work for you you have to figure something our" when i ask for some money for training that's ending with certificate so they will pay they say no but i can't save money myself even if i tell what for.
Feel kind of trapped in system don't want be on gov help all my life.
Bloodedparadox 5 points 1y ago
I would rather work lwas finding it really hard to get a job when I became visually impaired and continue to have progressive vision loss no place was taking me until I came across one of my old high school friend in September who found out and he hooked me up with a job without me needing to go through the process of a application etc just needed to have a chat with his manager
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
How are you feeling now that you found a job?
Bloodedparadox 4 points 1y ago
Extremely grateful to my friend and my manager for still giving me the job even after I disclosed to her that I'm VI
Ambitious_J96 5 points 1y ago
I would rather have a job. It’s so difficult finding one because whenever I get interviewed and disclose my blindness, they always seem to turn me down. Not really sure what to do.😤
BlindBear902 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
You should leave them speechless when you mention your blindness and talk about how you could do anything you wanted for example there are doctors with zero vision who take care of patients or some that are judges Id hope the person interviewing you would take a step back and think.
Ambitious_J96 3 points 1y ago
Not sure what to do for employment. It’s just so difficult and I always feel stuck.
laconicflow 0 points 1y ago
Are there blind medical doctorss?
AutisticPearl 4 points 1y ago
If the assistance include a good house in a somewhat nice neighborhood and money then yes but if I have to choose between money and a house then I'll take the job thankfully the job I work is actually at a place designed for those who are blind and visually impaired. However, I would like to point out that the government should actually do more and offer better benefit without trying to swipe more of our money especially for those of us who are disabled because it makes it next to impossible to do things.
battyanya 4 points 1y ago
I would much rather work because living off of government assistance is not the cushy life everyone makes it out to be - they pay you literally less than the poverty level and its stressful to deal with the threats of losing it but I'm disabled in other ways of of my vision loss so I have to rely on it til I get a degree that guarantees a job. I'll be going for a Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling degree and thatll take me atleast 8 years to complete
codeplaysleep 4 points 1y ago
I received SSDI when I was younger and in school, and temporarily several years later for about a year where I couldn't work. I'm super thankful for that, but having my stable, successful career is 100x better.
For a while, I considered that if I lost the remainder of my vision at this point, perhaps I would simply take my SSDI payments and retire early. I have the financial security to do that now and have paid enough into SS at this point that the amount I would get back would be enough to live on - barely, but it would be doable.
But then, the more I thought about it, that really didn't sound like the path that would make me happy. I may need to take some time to adjust, but I don't think I would really want to stop working.
I think what I would prefer to do instead would be to transition into another role within the same industry that would better accommodate total blindness. That role happens to be something that interests me anyway, so I'm looking to make that switch in the near future. I'm looking forward to it for a multitude of other reasons, but potential further vision loss is something of the catalyst that pushed me to actually start taking steps in that direction.
For a while, I considered that if I lost the remainder of my vision at this point, perhaps I would simply take my SSDI payments and retire early. I have the financial security to do that now and have paid enough into SS at this point that the amount I would get back would be enough to live on - barely, but it would be doable.
But then, the more I thought about it, that really didn't sound like the path that would make me happy. I may need to take some time to adjust, but I don't think I would really want to stop working.
I think what I would prefer to do instead would be to transition into another role within the same industry that would better accommodate total blindness. That role happens to be something that interests me anyway, so I'm looking to make that switch in the near future. I'm looking forward to it for a multitude of other reasons, but potential further vision loss is something of the catalyst that pushed me to actually start taking steps in that direction.
blindbat84 4 points 1y ago
Would rather work because I'm tired of getting basically the equivelent of about 4.50 or less an hour on SSI.
At least with a job I'd more at least minimum wage hopefully and actually be able to save money without being penalized or needing to use a special ABLE account or actually get married without it penalizing me and yeah.
At least I would feel free.
At least with a job I'd more at least minimum wage hopefully and actually be able to save money without being penalized or needing to use a special ABLE account or actually get married without it penalizing me and yeah.
At least I would feel free.
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I think it's awful how they expect anyone to live off of what social security offers. I'm with you on that one being able to save some extra money and can be free and not trapped with tight rules.
Iamheno 4 points 1y ago
I’ve received SSDI for 9 years, it’s the only thing that allowed me to stay in Youth Ministr (the pay was terrible), it was nice to be able to help people. I’m glad to have it now while I’m in school, but I’m excited to get off of it and start on a career where I’ll be able to make money AND help people AND be able to provide for my family!
BlindBear902 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
What type of career are you hoping to get into once your done with school ?
Iamheno 4 points 1y ago
Vision Rehabilitation Therapist. I’m in an MA program for it now.
Krishibi 3 points 1y ago
I happen to be looking to hire VRTs in the state of Maine. I don't know if that State interests you but... If so... Hit me up!
Iamheno 3 points 1y ago
I definitely will be interested! I’ve never been as far east as Maine, but the Green Mountains in Vermont were breathtaking. Let me finish the program first though. I’m hoping to certify as a CVRT and CLVT by next August. Might go back for COMS as well after I get in the field a bit.
thatawkwardcosplayer 3 points 1y ago
I have income based housing and a job + Medicaid. I work as a dishwasher so it’s more abt the fact that I can’t make a lot.
OutWestTexas 3 points 1y ago
I would rather have a job
laconicflow 2 points 1y ago
I'd much rather work a job. Almost do't care what job as long as it payed more than the check.
When I get a government check, mostly what I feel is that I'm a leach on people who work.
I also think that people who get checks are less likely to work because they get government checks, and I think that's bad.
I can't be a sniper but I could be a lawyer.
When I get a government check, mostly what I feel is that I'm a leach on people who work.
I also think that people who get checks are less likely to work because they get government checks, and I think that's bad.
I can't be a sniper but I could be a lawyer.
Winnmark 2 points 1y ago
I'd rather have a job. Currently I work in corporate security, think about how cool that is, for a visually impaired person to say they brush elbows with corporate security of a multi-billion dollar company. I have an education too, so I might as well use it.
I also feel like you should never depend on your government, even if you don't have a disability, I think you should be able to pick yourself up without government aid, if you can.
A bunch of people were complaining that they weren't going to get a stimulus check back when the pandemic started, I had a savings account with a small amount in it and found myself not needing a stimulus check. Did I want an extra $1,200? Sure, who wouldn't? But I didn't *need* the extra cash. You know?
Good question, but why are you asking?
I also feel like you should never depend on your government, even if you don't have a disability, I think you should be able to pick yourself up without government aid, if you can.
A bunch of people were complaining that they weren't going to get a stimulus check back when the pandemic started, I had a savings account with a small amount in it and found myself not needing a stimulus check. Did I want an extra $1,200? Sure, who wouldn't? But I didn't *need* the extra cash. You know?
Good question, but why are you asking?
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
I'd much rather receive housing and a government cheque. (I already receive government money and feel no shame in doing so.)
I live in the UK in London and it is so hard to get a house/flat here. I live with my grandparents and will have to wait for them to die to get moved from our house to a flat by the council.
If I could pick a job, I don't know what I'd do but I'd love to do something working with my hands and not computers/tech unless I need it.
I live in the UK in London and it is so hard to get a house/flat here. I live with my grandparents and will have to wait for them to die to get moved from our house to a flat by the council.
If I could pick a job, I don't know what I'd do but I'd love to do something working with my hands and not computers/tech unless I need it.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
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