Leveraging Your Disability to Find a Job: Insights from our Employment Webinar

In a recent webinar hosted by the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, three prominent speakers - NSITE Executive Director Jonathan Lucus, EdD, MPA, EML , inclusively VP Ross Barchacky , and Thriving Blind Academy founder Kristin Smedley - shared invaluable insights on how individuals with visual impairments can turn their disability into a strength when job searching. This post will delve into the key takeaways from the webinar, emphasizing strengths such as problem-solving skills and adaptability that you gain from living with a visual impairment.

Jonathan Lucus with NSITE: The Power of Perspective

Jonathan Lucus, representing NSITE, highlighted the importance of perspective. He emphasized that while society often views blindness as a limitation, it can be a unique strength in the job market.

Jonathan's Key Points:

• Adaptability: Living with a visual impairment naturally cultivates adaptability. This skill is highly sought after in various job sectors.
• Problem-solving: Navigating a world not designed for the visually impaired hones problem-solving skills, making individuals with visual impairments valuable assets to employers.
• NSITE's Role: NSITE offers training programs and job boards tailored for the visually impaired, bridging the gap between potential employers and candidates.

Ross Barchacky: Embracing the Journey

Ross' segment focused on the journey of job searching and the importance of embracing every step.

Ross' Key Points:

• Personal Growth: The job search process, while challenging, offers opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
• Networking: Building a network is crucial. Ross emphasized the importance of connecting with others in similar situations and sharing experiences.
• Inclusively: Ross introduced inclusively, a platform that connects job seekers with disabilities to inclusive employers. It's a testament to the changing landscape of job opportunities for the visually impaired.

Kristin Smedley: The Playlist of Strengths

Kristin Smedley's inspiring talk revolved around the concept of a "playlist of strengths." This metaphorical playlist represents an individual's unique strengths, talents, and experiences.

Kristin's Key Points:

• Shifting Mindsets: Kristin emphasized the need to shift from a mindset of loss to one of gain. By focusing on strengths and achievements, individuals can present themselves as assets to potential employers.
• Real-life Success Stories: Kristin shared heartwarming success stories, including that of Clark Reynolds, a visually impaired artist who achieved recognition and success by including braille demonstrations in his artwork.
• Mentorship: The role of mentorship was highlighted, with Kristin pointing out the benefits of guidance and support in navigating challenges.

Conclusion: Emphasizing Strengths and Leveraging Your Disability

The overarching message from the webinar was clear: living with visual impairment offers a unique set of skills and strengths that can be leveraged in the job market. By emphasizing strengths such as problem-solving skills and adaptability, individuals can present their visual impairment not as a limitation but as a valuable asset. With resources like NSITE, Thriving Blind Academy, and inclusively, and the support of mentors and peers, the journey of leveraging your visual impairment to find a job becomes not only feasible but also empowering.

To watch the webinar, click the link below:

https://www.ntac.blind.msstate.edu/consumers/webinars-podcasts