Of the estimated 4 million adults in the United States who are partially or completely blind, the American Federation of the Blind reports that the current unemployment rate is as high as 75 percent.
The Blind Work Force
Visual impairment does not completely isolate working citizens from their career range. Many common professions performed by the visually impaired include but are not limited to teaching, secondary education, guidance counseling, social work, psychologists, doctors, nurses, social work, psychology, rehabilitation, customer service, retail, factory work, freelance creative work, workplace managers and directors, coaches, athletes, architects, engineers, artists, and much more.
To many, a dynamic, fulfilling career sounds difficult or impossible for a person with very limited vision capabilities, but these workers exist and they function just as well as others. Modern technology and a variety of workplace strategies have opened up an entire world of opportunities for the working blind citizen.
Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services
Part of the Family and Social Services Administration, the Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services (DDRS) is part of Indiana’s state government services and provides educational and professional development resources to blind Hoosiers. They also provide employment resources. The Randolph-Sheppard Business Enterprise Program is an initiative by the DDRS provides entrepreneurial opportunities for legally blind clients of Vocational Rehabilitation Services. Participants manage food service operations including cafeterias, coffee shops, vending locations and highway area vending sights. For more information about this professional skill-building program, please visit www.in.gov/fssa/ddrs/2638.htm.
Bosma Enterprises
Indiana’s largest employer of workers with vision loss, Bosma Enterprises is a leader in services and assistance for blind or visually impaired Hoosiers. Their Local Employment Services offer career coaching, job search and matching, interviewing skills, networking, assistive technology consulting, wage and benefits planning and on-site job coaching. These services are available at little-to-no cost to most adult Indiana residents who are blind or visually impaired. The services are customized to the individual’s needs.
The Bosma Rehabilitation Center provides short-term or comprehensive training programs that are customized to individual needs. This service is provided to Indiana residents over age 18 and experiencing vision loss. The trainings are provided by experience instructors, and includes management, assistive technology, keyboarding and computer training, low vision aids, Braille instruction, GED and college prep courses, functional vision assessments, orientation and mobility and job readiness.
To learn more about Bosma Enterprises and their programs available in Indiana, visit www.bosma.org.
The Student Training and Employment Program (STEP)
The Student Training and Employment Program (STEP) works with the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to prepare high school student who are blind or visually impaired for the workplace. The students explore various career paths, learn essential job skills and develop a portfolio. Training involves a mix of classroom learning, hands-on work experience and recreational activities.
Their Ticket to Work Program is for adults who have a disability and receive social security benefits. They provide career guidance, skills assessments, interview preparation and job searches and leads. These services are provided at little-to-no cost to adult Indiana residents with valid identification. Certain eligibility requirement may apply.
The Business Enterprise Program is provided by the Bosma Rehabilitation Center in partnership with the Bureau of Rehabilitation Services and Blind and Visually Impaired Services. They work to assess and train individuals with vision loss to manage a business.
Easterseals Crossroads
Easterseals Crossroads aids in drafting employment plans for the visually impaired, including vocational and career exploration. They offer individual support for job seekers and transition services for high school students. They offer opportunities through Crossroads Industrial Services, Employment Services, Veterans Services and Project Search.
Interns start with traditional classroom instruction, and then begin rotations inside hospitals. The beginning of each day is aimed at gaining valuable knowledge and employability skills. Their professional abilities are sharpened and they are equipped with job search and interview skills. For more information, visit www.easterseals.org.