Vision for the Future

Those with disabilities have the odds stacked against them from birth. They have to contend with all the usual difficulties associated with growing up, which are further complicated by having to compensate for a handicap. Imagine going through puberty without the aid of vision. There would be no movies, you would be unable to stare at pretty girls or cute boys and blush or giggle if caught staring. A simple day at the beach to picnic with friends is not that simple for someone who can’t see where the water begins, where the rocks are or where a path ends in a drop off to the sea.

Things don’t improve much as they grow out of adolescence and into adulthood. Some universities and colleges are equipped to cater for students who are visually impaired. The number is growing as more people, sighted and unsighted, realise the untapped potential that the visually impaired possess. Unfortunately, when it comes to seeking employment, most visually impaired people find that all avenues are closed to them, as are most minds.

There is a 70% unemployment rate among the visually impaired. Blind Inc. is a career centre that aims to address this problem with its innovative training, job development, and job placement programmes. They offer life skills and computer classes to aid with job seeking opportunities. Part of the computer course is lessons on writing standard and electronic resumes.

Blind Inc. is aligned to the Job Opportunities for the Blind (J.O.B) national network. J.O.B. has developed partnerships with many major employers all over the US, which means that more blind people stand a chance of gainful employment than before. J.O.B. partners require that prospective employees undergo a rigorous screening process to ensure that the needs of both the employer and the blind person are met. The objective of meeting both needs usually results in a successful long-term relationship between employer and employee.

One of the more traditional forms of employment for the visually impaired is piano tuning. The School of Piano Technology for the Blind has seen over 250 visually impaired students graduate and go on to earn their living by working with these delicate instruments. During the duration of the course, students are not only taught the mechanics of piano tuning and repair, but also methods of basic bookkeeping so that they can maintain their own records. They are given lectures on how best to obtain employment through advertising and public relations. They are even encouraged to attend Toastmasters to improve their public speaking.

An innovative project in South Africa is a beekeeping programme for visually impaired people. The income-generating programme is run by Gadra and includes capacity building, leadership programmes, and Braille reading. They also encourage leisure activities such as bowls and gym. Part of Gadra’s role has been to build partnerships with local businesses, which will provide training on beekeeping as well as a channel for marketing the honey. It’s hoped that the project will give the participants new business skills and increased self-esteem, which will lead to greater self-reliance. It is also hoped that the project will become self-sustaining, as the programme expands and the revenue increases enough to support more than just the families concerned.

Assisting the visually impaired to find jobs can take many forms. From the basic project in South Africa, where less than 3% of blind people are employed, to Career Centres such as Blind Inc and their affiliation to nationwide networks such J.O.B. There can be no doubt that many people still view those who have a disability, be it lack of sight or lack of limb, as being intellectually deficient. The world at large is taking its blinkers off, however, and recognising that all people, regardless of physical capability, can be extraordinary contributors to society if given enough encouragement and the opportunity to prove themselves.

Recommended Sites:
http://www.pianotuningschool.org/career_opportunities.php

http://www.blindinc.org/employ.html

http://www.sasix.co.za/projects/view/ED-EC-NOV-0002/