[BlindTlk] The Unemployment Rate of The Blind

[Judy Jones]

Yes, this has been proven years ago, and it is a day by day education process.  The reason this is, that there are so few blind in comparison to other minority or disability groups, so we're some of the least understood.  This has always been the case.  Over the years, I have seen great strides in some areas, and technology has certainly helped this, but we still have a long way to go.

Back in the day, we didn't have to worry about competitive technology.  For example, any blind person who had learned touch typing could use a typewriter and correcting tape to fix mistakes.  

Blind mechanics could do their job without having to deal with a computer diagnostic screen they might not have access to.

We didn't have quiet cars, e-scooters, or obstructive vehicle-share issues or pop-up bus stops to deal with.

On the other hand, back then, the only way to get at printed material was to have it brailled, read, or recorded, once recordings were possible.

So, I think, now, in some ways, it is easier for blind people to make it, in other ways, harder.  The big plus now, is that we have all kinds of information available to us, just as our sighted counterparts, but we still are trying to figure out competitive ways of getting at and using this information, whether it's classroom access, or job site access.

What concerns me is that over the years, unemployment among the blind hasn't seemed to go down, so the problem hasn't really been solved yet, in spite of our efforts.

The way I look at it, though, is, there is always going to be that first day of discovery, whether small or great, that will further aid us in successful employment.

Judy



-----Original Message-----
From: BlindTlk [mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Roanna Bacchus via BlindTlk
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2019 11:35 AM
To: blindtlk at nfbnet.org
Cc: Roanna Bacchus
Subject: [BlindTlk] The Unemployment Rate of The Blind

Dear Members,

Today I was reading a report about the employment outcome for the blind and the Vocational Rehabilitation system. Factors such as assistive technology, braille, Orientation and mobility, and independent living all contribute to the blind being able to attain employment. Vocational Rehabilitation counselors work tirelessly to provide employment opportunities for their clients. Employment Placement Specialists also provide job opportunities for blind clients who receive Vocational Rehabilitation services. I think that the low expectations of others have contributed to the low unemployment rate of the blind. What are your thoughts on this topic?

Roanna Bacchus  
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