HELPING YOUTH WITH LOW VISION AND BLINDNESS TRANSITION INTO THE WORLD OF WORK
BY ERNST VANBERGEIJK, PH.D., M.S.W AND ALEXANDRA LAVOIE, M.S.O.T
A common misconception is that individuals with low vision or blindness are unable to work or live independently due to the nature of their disability. Employers are often reluctant to hire these individuals because they incorrectly assume that accommodations for these employees will be costly.
O thers fear the employee with low vision will be injured on the job and the business will be held liable for an accident. These misplaced fears impact the possibility of individuals with disabilities to find and keep employment.
As part of a comprehensive strategic planning process, Perkins School for the Blind engaged with stakeholders from across the country to better understand the nuanced challenges that exist for students with low vision or blindness, as they navigate the complex
transition from high school to adult services. This research uncovered significant gaps in transition programming, opportunities for meaningful career exploration and skill development for students who are blind or visually impaired, including some who have additional disabilities and complex learning profiles. As a result, these students are graduating with minimal work experience, gaps in independent living skills, emotional immaturity, and inability to navigate public settings. Traditional classroom and school-based work experiences alone, do not adequately prepare students with disabilities to establish community connections and build the preemployment skills that are needed to navigate real-word experiences. The complexity of disabilities within this student population necessitates individualized transition planning, and job placement experiences that are tailored to their unique strengths and interests. These opportunities help students to generalize their skills and enhance the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills needed to be successful in a work setting.
WORLD OF WORK: The Perkins Transition Center strives to ensure that every student has equal access to the support they need, to transition to an active role within their communities and to a fulfilling adult life.
