UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIESfor Careers and Transitioning

Krista M. Davis, O.D.

Columbia Lighthouse

Statistics

119,386,252 total USA population 4,453,200, population over 40, with vision

impairments and blindnessApprox. 82,000 children in public schools

with vision impairments16 million patients in USA with DiabetesDiabetes leading cause of blindness in

working age adults in USA

Obtained 2000 census and Prevent Blindness America

Top Five Barriers to Employment

POVERTY – 96% listed as number 1 Employer discrimination – 59% Lack of education and resources – 48% Employers lack of awareness – 44% Lack of necessary technologies – 35%

Obtained through the Journal of Vision Impairments and Blindness (JVIB)

Addressing Barriers

Educating employersShow success stories and utilize technology to

decrease employer concernKnow the technology and how to access itKnow the cost!

Training employees Working with resources to obtain

technology/ equipment

Creating Partnerships

Identify the employer’s need Know the cost and expectations Identify external KEY partners Identify the necessary technology and cost Know your candidate pool and identify

their strengths Establish new training programs to increase

the skill sets of candidates Create a WIN-WIN-WIN situation FOLLOW THROUGH!

Track Your Candidates

Know your market and your candidates. What types of employment are your

candidates looking for? How do you access them? What skills to they have? Do they meet the employers need? If not…

How can you assist them?What programs and training do you offer?

CLB Success Stories

VAMC Switchboard State Department Mailroom Arrow Financial Services Jackson and Campbell Andrews AFB AAA MidAtlantic Supply Cart Stores

Transitioning

Job or further education? Skill level? Career interest inventory

Transition Strategies

Support groups Summer programs

– Social skills– Academic enrichment

Identification of available programs– NASA Goddard summer jobs

Volunteer opportunities Internships

Additional Resources

Scholarships and grants Available community resources

– Rehabilitation Services– Para transit– Alternate formats

Navigating the Rapids of Life

Videotape and booklet from APH– Focuses on employment success for young

people with visual disabilities

Teaches incidental learning, organizational skills, compensatory skills and social skills

Available as part of Transition Tote system– Assists high school students as they explore and

prepare for the world of work