Resources for Employment and Training for People who are Blind or Have Low Vision

There are a number of helpful resources available, in addition to the services you receive from your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor [1], state or local community-based vision rehabilitation agency [2], and other employment, educational, and training organizations:

• The American Council of the Blind [3] (ACB) provides information about their local chapters, including connections with working individuals who are blind and have low vision. The ACB Job Connection [4] provides a range of job opportunities and other employment-related information.
• The American Foundation for the Blind—AFB CareerConnect® [5] has over 1,000 mentors who are blind or visually impaired. The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) also offers other helpful employment-related services, including resources for job seekers and employers, as well as a database of successfully employed adults who are blind or have low vision.
• CareerNet [6] is an online employment resource and collaborative effort between National Industries for the Blind [7] (NIB) and The American Foundation for the Blind’s CareerConnect [5]. It is available to people who are blind or have low vision and are seeking employment at NIB-associated non-profit agencies throughout the United States.
• National Industries for the Blind's Business Leaders Program [8] prepares individuals who are blind for careers in business. By providing educational and employment opportunities, this program encourages professional development and transforms high-potential employees and participants into successful business people and future business leaders.
• The eSight Careers Network [9] provides information for job candidates, recommended reading for job seekers, eSight blogs, postings and resources for job seekers, recommended reading for entrepreneurs, and provides employers with references and resources about adaptive technology. An eSight Networking Forum about adaptive technology [10] is also available.
• The Hadley School for the Blind [11] offers free on-line and distance education courses that can be useful in preparing for employment. Hadley’s Professional Studies Program [12] includes courses in braille, access technology, and independent living.
• Hire Disability Solutions [13] promotes the inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce and provides job leads and workplace solutions for employers and job seekers.
• The Job Accommodation Network [14] (JAN) is a free service provided by the Office of Disability Employment Policy [15] of the U.S. Department of Labor [16]. JAN provides a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities and links that assist with finding employment [17].
• Lions World Services for the Blind [18] offers job-specific training programs for the Internal Revenue Service, as well as the following vocational courses: Assistive Technology Instructor, Bicycle Assembly and Repair, Clerical Skills, Customer Service, Horticulture, Microsoft Computer Systems Engineer, Small Business Management, Small Engine Repair, and Word Processing.
• The National Federation of the Blind [19] (NFB) provides information about their local chapters, including connections with working individuals who are blind and have low vision. NFB also sponsors the National Center for Mentoring Excellence [20] and provides comprehensive literature on employment issues [21].
• The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision [22] (RRTC) at Mississippi State University provides training, education, and research to enhance employment and independent living outcomes for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The RRTC also provides information on the Business Enterprise Program [23], a job training and entrepreneurial program that teaches individuals who are blind or have low vision to manage and run vending operations, including snack bars and cafeterias in schools, corporate offices, and Federal and state facilities.
• Monster.com [24][link opens in new window] provides a broad range of job-related information, including getting a job, posting a resume, information about job fairs, and career advice.

The following resources provide online vocational and aptitude tests:

• Career Development eManual [25][link opens in new window]
• Career Key [26][link opens in new window]
• The Keirsey Temperament Sorter [27][link opens in new window]
• National Clearinghouse for Rehabilitation Training Materials [28][link opens in new window]
• O*Net Online [29]
• Type Focus [30][link opens in new window]