If you are a blind or partially sighted person looking for work, or hoping to retain your job, it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been through the challenges you face.
This section contains information on how to go about contacting other blind and partially sighted people that will be happy to talk to you and give advice.
CareerConnect
CareerConnect is a service run by the American Foundation of the Blind. One of the resources they offer is a free mentoring service, which puts you directly in touch with a mentor in your field of interest. Mentors are professionals who are blind or partially sighted, who have volunteered their time and expertise to the blind community and are available to answer questions and provide advice to job seekers like yourself about employer expectations; job requirements, education, and training; salaries; and the future prospects of their field.
Since the mentors all have some level of sight loss, they are fantastic sources of firsthand information about workplace adjustments, assistive technologies, the disclosure process, the pitfalls and triumphs associated with the social aspects of working, and any other questions you might have about entering the workforce or changing careers as a person with sight loss.
You'll need to register to communicate with a mentor, so if you haven't already, set up a My CareerConnect account today. Once registered, you will also have access to other benefits.
Become a CareerConnect mentor
Are you willing to share your skills and knowledge of the workplace? To be a mentor, you must be blind or partially sighted, successfully employed, and willing to respond in a timely and appropriate manner to email queries about your chosen profession and the technology that you use. Your participation is the true key to the success of this program. By volunteering as a mentor you are:
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serving as a role model
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helping to break down barriers to employment for those exploring new careers
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teaching new ways of accomplishing career requirements
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passing on your hard-earned knowledge and experience
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motivating and inspiring people who are blind or partially sighted to higher goals and greater ambitions as they explore career possibilities
Aside from these benefits, you will enjoy the fulfilment that comes with knowing you helped another person who is blind or partially sighted as he or she explores the world of work.
For further information please visit the CareerConnect website.
Other sources of peer support and mentoring
Brendan Magill
Brendan specialises in mentoring blind and partially sighted people already in work. Visit Brendan's website. The website also hosts a number of discussion forums inlcuding a general employment and vision impairment group, and a small enterprise and vision impairment group.
Society of Visually Impaired Lawyers (SoVIL)
SoVIL is a self-help group that aims to promote the interests of blind and partially sighted lawyers and those wishing to work in the legal profession.
SoVIL members are willing to act as mentors to young lawyers or law students, and information about this service can be obtained from SoVIL's website and a request for mentoring assistance can be submitted via "contact us" link on the website.
British Computer Association of the Blind
The British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) is a lively community of blind and partially sighted computer users.
They offer training, discussion, networking and help to all their members. Established in 1969 they are the oldest computer association for blind and partially sighted people in the world. Membership includes people of all skill levels, interests and abilities. Whilst not employment specific, blind and partially sighted job seekers or those wishing to retain employment may find relevant peer advice here on access technology. Visit the BCAB website.