How can someone who is blind work? What can they do? How can you support them in finding and keeping employment? Let’s take a look at some critical features of moving someone with vision loss from unemployment to employment.
Rehabilitation Training: Preparing for Work
Completing rehabilitation training prior to starting Discovery or employment-related services, such as interviewing for jobs, is the first step. Bosma Enterprises, located in Indianapolis, provides on-site comprehensive rehabilitation training in their facility program, as well as Itinerant Rehabilitation Training (IRT). With IRT, a Bosma teacher provides home training in daily living skills so a person can prepare for work. In addition to IRT, a person may receive at-home assistive technology training to be able to use a computer or other adaptive equipment, as well as training with a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist (COMS) to learn how to get around safely.
Some out-of-state organizations provide vision rehabilitation services that a person may be referred to depending on their situation. A person with vision loss needs to be able to do their own self-care, be able to navigate independently at home and at a job site, and be trained on work accommodations, such as computer software and magnification aids before the VRC refers them to Discovery or employment services.
Cecilia Buckley, of the Center on Community Living and Careers, recently interviewed Matt Edwards, an employment specialist at Bosma Enterprises, to find out his tips and recommendations for working with folks who have vision loss.
Watch this video of Matt’s interview and pay close attention to what he says about skills for successful employment, disclosure of a vision impairment to a prospective employer, courtesy tips, and the consequences for not being fully prepared for the employment process.
Adjusting to Vision Loss
In addition to rehabilitation training, people with significant vision loss may go through a tremendous adjustment process and require adjustment therapy if the vision loss is new or progressive. It’s vital to be sensitive to that adjustment and understand that it can take time. As an employment specialist or VR counselor, your role in that process is simple: listen.
Watch this video with a Bosma participant and Michelle Shaffer, a Bosma Enterprises social worker to understand more about adjustment to vision loss. While the purpose of the interview was to educate vocational rehabilitation counselors, you can easily apply this information if you are an employment specialist.
Planning for Transportation Needs
If there is no public transportation available, don’t despair. There are always creative solutions. Work with the job seeker to come up with possible alternatives. Paying for transportation from someone who already goes to that same job is a good start. 
Think outside the box. One of the things that a person with vision loss has to come to terms with if they cannot drive is how they are going to get around. Be supportive and help them come up with workable solutions so that they can experience the benefits and independence of working.
Don’t forget to discuss referral to a benefits analysis by a Benefits Information Network (BIN) liaison to make sure the person is taking advantage of all their benefits, which could include reducing their countable income for transportation and other expenses.
What Are Realistic Employment Goals?
Once someone has completed rehabilitation training and has had some time to adjust to their vision loss, what kinds of job goals can you realistically expect for someone who is blind? Keep an open mind, as there are endless possibilities! Open your eyes and see an award-winning teacher, a magician, a master chef, an adventure enthusiast, and an artist—all who happen to be blind!
2016 Hasbrook Award Winner Kathy Nimmer
Christine Ha, Owner of The Blind Goat
Lonnie Bedwell, Professional Speaker, Adventure Enthusiast
John Bramblitt: Award-Winning Blind Painter
As you can see from the above examples, the sky really is the limit. All sorts of opportunities begin with rehabilitation training, followed by a time for adjustment and a thorough Discovery process.
Resources
Blind Etiquette: Six Ways to Be Considerate When Interacting with People Who Have Vision Impairments
Career Connect for Job Seekers Who Are Visually Impaired
Hadley: The Forsythe Center for Employment and Entrepreneurship
Shared Solutions: How to ‘See’ When You Can’t: Assistive Technology for People who are Blind or Have a Vision Impairment
Social Security Work Incentives for People Who Are Blind