[Dtb-talk] Jernigan Institute- "Where the Blind Work, " a new employment resource

[David Andrews]

WHERE THE BLIND WORK
         
Note, the first part of this document is an explanation and the second part is a short form to be filled out.  
 
The National Federation of the Blind Writers' Division is creating a new accessible and easy to use resource covering the various types of employment that the blind are engaged in and how they do it.  This new resource is called "Where the Blind Work" and it will be hosted on the NFB's Jernigan Institute's web pages.  The format will be unique to other existing resources; there is never enough good information  out there on the employability of the blind.  
 
The target audiences who will benefit from this resource are- 
• The blind who are in the process of figuring out a first job or wanting to change careers.
• Employers who are wondering if the blind are employable within their company.
• Professionals responsible for guidance of career development for the blind.
• Parents who may wonder what the future employability factor is for their blind child.
• the general public who are interested in learning the truth of the human potential to successfully live and work with blindness.  
 
To accomplish this goal we want to collect as many employment descriptions as we can.  We want the widest range of jobs represented as possible And not stop at having just one example of each.  After all, not only do we all not like doing the same thing, but we all wouldn't do a job the same way.  Additionally, to make this resource tool the most effective and user friendly, its setup must follow a strict format.  The result then will be that the readers of this resource can be assured that in going from description to description, they will know where to expect to find certain specifics and it will not be a lot of work to get the information being sought.
 
Who should fill out an employment description form?  First, our definition of blind is a person who functions at some level of visual deficit, noticeably different than the visual norm and requires the use of an alternative technique to carry out the duties of the job.
Second, we are looking for a person who is now or has in the past been employed.  Thus, you may fill out a form for any or all the jobs you have ever worked.
 
Please e-mail the completed form to Robert Leslie Newman at <mailto:newmanrl at cox.net>newmanrl at cox.net 
 
Once the description is received, members of the National Federation of the Blind Writers' Division will check them through for any needed minor editing and categorize them into career groupings.  
 
Employment Description Form
 
Guideline 1-  The total length of a completed form cannot exceed 1,000 words. 
 
Guideline 2-  The employment description must follow these five questions: 
 
Question 1.  What is your name and job title?  
Note:  If you are open to being contacted, consider registering with NFB LINK; this innovative program pairs individuals seeking information or advice with experienced Federationists.
 
Question 2.  What do you do on your job?  
Note:  Tell of the basic things that any worker would be required to do on this job; any  specialized blindness alternatives appear in the next question.
 
Question 3.  To what extent are you blind and what special adaptations do you use on the job?  
Note:  In respect to your blindness, consider naming the condition.  Otherwise briefly describe it your way.  As for the adaptations, speak of the common sense things you do, to the more formal low vision and/or non-visual alternative methods and/or equipment you will use to perform the duties of your job.
 
Question 4.  What are the qualifications to enter this job position?  
Note:  Tell if there is prior experience needed or special training or education or certificates required , etc.  Mention where you might go employment-wise from here.
 
Question 5.  What influences did you have along the way which aided you to be successful?
Note:  Did you have a mentor?  Did participation within a consumer group aid you?  If so, explain.