Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Advice for legally blind designer (self.Blind)
submitted by razadez
I'm a UX Designer (working for a fintech startup) based in SF. I have 10+ years of technical direction experience in a top studio before I transitioned to UX design in 2020. In 2017 I became low vision, so I basically started my UX Design career as a legally blind designer. A career change on its own is tough but with low vision it was definitely a test of my endurance.
I'm not sure if this is suitable forum to post this but I'm looking for design roles focused on inclusive design. As a legally blind designer, I can perhaps bring a unique perspective on accessibility to design teams building for millions of visually impaired individuals. But I'm not able to find any meaningful opportunities so far for someone in my situation. Disclosing disability seems to be counterproductive to job prospects rather than a tool to leverage for inclusive design. Anyway I wanted to know if anyone has any thoughts on this? or leads I can pursue? Thanks!
I'm not sure if this is suitable forum to post this but I'm looking for design roles focused on inclusive design. As a legally blind designer, I can perhaps bring a unique perspective on accessibility to design teams building for millions of visually impaired individuals. But I'm not able to find any meaningful opportunities so far for someone in my situation. Disclosing disability seems to be counterproductive to job prospects rather than a tool to leverage for inclusive design. Anyway I wanted to know if anyone has any thoughts on this? or leads I can pursue? Thanks!
MostlyBlindGamer 5 points 1y ago
Airbnb is hiring accessibility experts for full remote positions. Just off the top of my head.
If you don't yet have specific training in accessibility, check out Deque University - they offer their courses for free to people with disabilities. It takes some time, but otherwise there's no reason not to do them.
If you don't yet have specific training in accessibility, check out Deque University - they offer their courses for free to people with disabilities. It takes some time, but otherwise there's no reason not to do them.
razadez [OP] 3 points 1y ago
Thanks for the heads up though.
bradley22 3 points 1y ago
I just had a quick look, they want eight years of experience, they mention iOS and android with talkback and VoiceOver, but nothing to do with screen readers on Windows/Mac/lynux, I can’t apply for it myself but I really think it’s odd how they want 8 years of experience upfront. Do these people not understand it’s not that easy for a blind person to get a job, let alone eight years of experience.
razadez [OP] 3 points 1y ago
>Do these people not understand it’s not that easy for a blind person to get a job, let alone eight years of experience.
Bit of a rant: Big tech companies (facebook, amazon) have the resources to hire/train disabled candidates with basic qualification but lacking relevant experience. But the hiring practices are only inclusive once you've already accepted offer. There are no programs to help support people in our situation. I have lost many good years of career growth because I was dealing with trauma of progressive vision loss. And since i'm a career changer now, it has put me to the back of line in my late 30's. BUT I'm thankful for my current job - it could be a lot worse.
Bit of a rant: Big tech companies (facebook, amazon) have the resources to hire/train disabled candidates with basic qualification but lacking relevant experience. But the hiring practices are only inclusive once you've already accepted offer. There are no programs to help support people in our situation. I have lost many good years of career growth because I was dealing with trauma of progressive vision loss. And since i'm a career changer now, it has put me to the back of line in my late 30's. BUT I'm thankful for my current job - it could be a lot worse.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
How long have you been using smartphones with screen readers? There's your experience right there. People usually interpret that as with experience, but I prefer to be more general.
bradley22 3 points 1y ago
Ah, ok.
MostlyBlindGamer 2 points 1y ago
OK, I read further into the listing and it says "8 years industry experience." Between that, the other requirements and the listed responsibilities, which happen to use the word "lead" a lot, it sounds like they're looking for a senior level frontend developer with experience and knowledge on accessibility.
That means an applicant's extensive experience with assistive tech wouldn't be enough to qualify, so your point stands.
That being said, these days, you can learn anything you want about web and mobile development for free and can build and offish practically for free as well. It's not easy, but it's possible to build a portfolio to get a junior level job. It's certainly harder than it is for sighted people, but what isn't?
That means an applicant's extensive experience with assistive tech wouldn't be enough to qualify, so your point stands.
That being said, these days, you can learn anything you want about web and mobile development for free and can build and offish practically for free as well. It's not easy, but it's possible to build a portfolio to get a junior level job. It's certainly harder than it is for sighted people, but what isn't?
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
Yeah, don’t mention it I’ve been going back and forth not arguing just discussing I think everyone there agrees but how disability dampers opportunities. I am very lucky to be working for another blind guy starting next week but most people aren’t so lucky and there’s no discrimination here because he’s totally blind and so am I.
razadez [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Good for you. Congratulations!
[deleted] 2 points 1y ago
Oh thank you. Good luck to you hopefully you find something. If not try an Assistive tech company?
oldfogey12345 2 points 1y ago
We live in an uncaring world. Drop anything having to do with disability from your resume.
You will get the role you are looking for but stop limiting yourself with your resume.
The only thing people care about is your qualifications. If they don't like blund people then just love on
You will get the role you are looking for but stop limiting yourself with your resume.
The only thing people care about is your qualifications. If they don't like blund people then just love on
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