If you’re living with a visual impairment, and are looking for work, it can be challenging trying to find the right role.
Inaccessible workplaces and employer attitudes can make your search difficult, and can be discouraging when you’re trying to find a role to immerse yourself in.
If you’re after some tips to getting a job for person with disability or if you’re living with a visual impairment, we’ve listed some below to help you:
1. Consider your skills, interests, and abilities
Your skills and interests should play a big role in deciding what types of jobs you’re looking to apply for.
In Australia, people living with visual impairments have been found to work in lots of industries.
This includes (but isn’t limited to):
- teaching
- counselling
- Hospitality
- telemarketing
- customer service and many more.
Finding a job that suits your passion, as well as your abilities, will go a long way in your search for a meaningful role.
2. Figure out what types of assistive technologies you may need
Assistive technologies, as well as workplace adjustments, exist to ensure that tasks are accessible to those who are living with visual impairments.
This can range from:
- screen magnification systems for those with low vision
- portable magnifiers
- screen-reader software
- braille computer displays
- notetakers, and printers.
3. Polish your resume
Your resume is your potential employer’s first impression of you, which means that you need to make sure it helps you make a great first impression.
Often, resumes also require a cover letter, and it’s advisable to tailor your resume according to every job that you’re applying for to ensure that you market yourself as a good fit for the role.
4. Keep up a daily routine with job seeking
It can be discouraging when you’re trying to find the right role and it takes a while.
Stick to a daily routine when searching for jobs, and set a goal of applying for a certain number every day. Ensuring that you’re organised helps to keep you motivated and in control, keeping you engaged with the job search process.
5. Practice interview skills
If you’ve gotten an interview with a potential employer, it’s important to practice and prepare!
Enlist the help of your family and friends, and practice key interview skills with them.
It’s important to do your research about the company you’re interviewing with, and practice answering common interview questions to help you feel more prepared going into the actual interview.
6. Be aware of, and communicate the necessary modifications and adjustments
It’s important to be able to advocate for yourself in the workplace, especially if you are negotiating with a potential employer about your role.
Modifications and adjustments are available and accessible in order to help you perform your tasks properly.
Oftentimes employers are unaware of how simple changes to the workplace can go a long way in providing support and creating a better environment for those living with visual impairments.
Some great examples of this are:
- lighting adjustments
- contrasting markers to step edges and stairs
- flexible work schedules
- assistive technologies
- the provision of appropriate facilities if you have a guide dog
7. Work with an Employment Consultant
Getting help from an employment consultant at your local disability employment services provider can go a long way in helping you to find meaningful employment that you’re passionate about.
Employment consultants can help with your job search, help you access mental health support, assist with transport costs, as well as help advocate for workplace accommodation and assistive technologies that you may need to fulfill your tasks well.
Disability employment services providers also offer post job placement support to help you thrive in your new role, so you’re job ready and well-supported as you take the next step in your career.
