Employment Advocacy Groups, Entitlements/Grants, Fellowships, Universities And Colleges Offering Equal Access, Federal Employment Opportunities, HR Partnerships & Links, Informative Resources for Employers, Placement Agencies, Vocational and Transitional Training Programs, Volunteerism, With My Blind Spot, General Information

Many people have misconceptions of the abilities of individuals who are blind or visually impaired.  

It is also an unfortunate truth that national statistics support the alarming fact that over 75% of blind Americans are unemployed and living on public assistance and social security. While many gains have been achieved in awareness and understanding about persons living in the blind community, they continue to remain disenfranchised and marginalized in our nation.  

My Blind Spot is devoted toward building respect and reducing bias towards individuals who are blind and presently looking to develop and build alliances with organizations and corporations dedicated to empowering the blind and visually impaired so they can claim their respectful place in the workforce.  

With the effective use and implementation of assistive technologies, those among us who are blind must be encouraged to realize their greatness and make their contributions to society and demand adherence to legislation aimed at eradicating ignorance and systemic discrimination toward our community. “If a blind person has proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance”. We must tap into our strengths rather than passively accept being denied access to all things, great and small, because of antiquated perceptions about our limitations. My Blind Spot hopes to construct a clear view to diversity as we work to increase the percentage of blind employees in the mainstream workforce by at least ten percent in the next decade.  

Check out more information in this section for informative links to help the visually impaired achieve their ambitions and goals.

www.visionaware.org
A self-help resource for visual loss

• The American Council of the Blind (ACB) provides information about their local chapters, including connections with working individuals who are blind and have low vision. The ACB Job Connection provides a range of job opportunities and other employment-related information.  A self-help resource for visual loss
  

• The American Foundation for the Blind—AFB CareerConnect® 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 is an online employment resource and collaborative effort between National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and The American Foundation for the Blind’s CareerConnect. 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 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 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 is also available.
  

• The Hadley School for the Blind offers free on-line and distance education courses that can be useful in preparing for employment. Hadley’s Professional Studies Program includes courses in braille, access technology, and independent living.
  

• Hire Disability Solutions 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 (JAN)is a free service provided by the Office of Disability Employment Policy of the U.S. Department of Labor. JAN provides a free consulting service designed to increase the employability of people with disabilities and links that assist with finding employment.