Changing the Perception of Blindness
Word problem of the day…
There are 178,000 children, young adults, adults, and seniors living with blindness or low vision in Arizona. ?80,000 of these individuals are of working age, with an unemployment rate of 70%, how many people are not employed?
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The major contributors to the high number of unemployed or underemployed people who are blind are: digital accessibility; access to safe, reliable transportation; and low expectations, whether self-imposed from family , educators, or employers. ?These barriers and others have led to more than 50,000 people who are blind standing on the sidelines.? True that not everyone who is blind and unemployed wants to work.? This may be because they are receiving financial support from family or social benefits or have a fear of being rejected, which keeps them out of the workforce.
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We are asking Congress to support programs that promote dignified careers for Arizonians who are blind, like the AbilityOne Program.? We can demand private sector organizations to create equal access to job openings, but we can’t move the needle on the 70% unemployment until blindness becomes part of who we are, not what we are.
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I am working to change the perception of blindness by living the life I choose. ?Whether it’s through volunteering with civic organizations, participating on various Councils and Commissions or my role with AIB. ?I am in the community demonstrating that individuals who are blind are just as capable as anyone else to participate in everyday activities, including work. #awareness #careers #inclusion #AbilityOne
Hero guide dog sacrifice creates legacy enabling smart cities to provide orientation AR accessibility utilizing Bluetooth beacons. Foresight augmented reality., providing a voice to the physical world.
11 个月You hit the nail directly in the center of the head! We as visually impaired/blind professionals need to organize and push legislation to update the ADA mandates in the Americans with disability act! Despite its absolute guidelines on access for the disabled, it is high time that it be updated to reflect the technology and evolution of the population That could enormously benefit from better protections! Help me lead the charge!