0 items - $0.00
No products in the cart.
VISIONS: Preparing the Blind Workforce for an Independent Life
VISIONS: Preparing the Blind Workforce for an Independent Life
For as far back as we can remember, people with disabilities have had to struggle with living fully independent lives. For the blind community, the most common misconceptions are being seen as having an inability to complete normally daily or work related tasks due to their lack of sight. People instantly assume that an individual is unable to survive or live on their own. But in truth, independence and the ability to sustain oneself is the key to overcoming any struggle. The great people at VISIONS understand this concept and have made it their mission to aid the blind community of New York in achieving true independence.
What is VISIONS?
In the 1920’s a group of six women got together and started an organization dedicated to helping the blind community of New York. It began as a “Vacation Camp” where blind members of the community could come and spend up to two weeks at a time. But little did these six women know, what the future would hold for their little Vacation Camp. Over the years, this small get away and boarding service for the blind fostered into much more. Now, VISIONS has three locations throughout New York, that provide programs and services free of charge, to over 7,000 people every year! Their programs and services include in home training, job training and placement, rehabilitation and other programs for children, teens, adults and the elderly.
All of their rehabilitation services are conducted through a team effort. Their teams consist of Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapists (CVRT), Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialists (COMS), Registered Licensed Occupational Therapists (OTR/L), and Licensed Social Workers. Together their teams help individuals and their families learn the techniques they’ll need to live with vision loss. Their ultimate goal is to help keep them active at school, home, work and in the community.
Focusing on Abilities not Inabilities
VISIONS was consecutively voted #1 in NY for job placement of legally blind persons in 2016, 2017, and 2018! I had the opportunity to speak with Michael Cush, the Senior Director of Workforce Development at VISIONS, who filled me in on their strategic approach. They utilize a teams of people who work directly with the clients, mostly on a one-on-one basis. They take an individualized approach to each new client they work with. “When a client comes into our offices, they all have one thing in common, they have a visual impairment, but different backgrounds and specific needs”, said Michael. They know everyone is different and just because their disabilities are similar that doesn’t mean their abilities are too. Their focus in on each person’s abilities and not their inabilities! They get to know the client and what strengths they have. Once that is determined, they begin their training and learning how to remain independent in the workplace. By utilizing technology and more, each individual can learn what works best for them to get the job done.
Going a step further, their Workforce Development team not only educates clients, but employers as well. They work diligently to teach businesses the truth about visually impaired employees. Its not that they cannot do their job because they are blind, but rather because they are blind, they need to do their job a different way. This is why many employers are blind to the abilities of their visually impaired employees and only see their inabilities. They are fixated on the idea that a job needs to be done one standard way, when in fact every employee is different and therefore so are their approaches.
VISIONS is an organization dedicated to making their community a better place for all people. Though they only service residents of New York, their online resources and hotline number are available to all! To learn more about their services, numerous resources including the BlindLine, and more please visit their website.
Interested in getting involved with VISIONS? Simply call their main number: (212) 625-1616 and someone will give you all the information you need! To keep up with all their news, updates and events you can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
« PreviousNext »What Companies are Doing to Improve Disabled Employment
What Companies are Doing to Improve Disabled Employment
A lot of talk has been circling about the low unemployment rate in the United States. As of June 2018, our nation stands at 4% unemployment—just two percent shy of its 3.8% the month prior. Yet that number doesn’t align with every demographic’s situation.
While overall unemployment percentages are on a steady decline, the percentage of unemployed disabled persons isn’t. Between 2009 and 2015, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 4.8% decrease in employment among workers with disabilities.
Beyond that, a mere 35% of citizens with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 even had a job in 2015. That equates to barely over one-third of the demographic. Without economic opportunities, two-thirds of this demographic is left without the financial support necessary for independence.
Evaluating the Window of Opportunity for Disabled Workers
The term disabled is a broad one. While many people fall into this category, every individual is unique in their challenges and capabilities. However, through the years, states within the US have been proving that an active strategy can widen the window of opportunity.
Pennsylvania is a fine example. Part of their recent workforce development strategy was to help disabled individuals gain opportunities to enter the workforce. The result? A total of 13,187 new jobs were filled by people in this demographic.
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf explained the strategy by saying, “This action will increase the hiring of Pennsylvanians with a disability by allowing the commonwealth to tap a largely unused labor pool, and we will position Pennsylvania to be a model state in creating a climate hospitable to workers with a disability, who are a valuable resource.”
The executive order was designed to promote “publicly funded education, training, employment, and long-term supports and service programs for working-age Pennsylvanians with a disability.”
It’s a result that strengthened not only the disabled community but also the state’s economy.
Lighting Opportunities for a Better Future
Yet Pennsylvania isn’t the only entity making an effort to bridge the gap. Companies are making changes, too, in order to make their employment opportunities more diverse and inclusive.
this number can come in many ways. By implementing programs that provide special training, opportunities for developing leadership skills, role models within the workforce, and allies within the workplace, companies can facilitate a more inclusive environment. Also, with today’s technology, we can better accommodate many physical challenges posed by day-to-day challenges.
These changes can, and are, taking place in many areas of the US on a company level. There are many large companies who are becoming noteworthy for creating a work environment that is open to hiring, training, and facilitating equal growth opportunities for disabled employees.
Among them are names like Starbucks, CVS Health, Verizon, Wells Fargo, Delta Airlines, General Motors, Sprint, Microsoft, UPS, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and T-Mobile. Some companies, like Amazon, Nielsen, and Aetna, are even opening doors to remote work opportunities for individuals who are limited by chronic conditions or physical disabilities.
It’s a promising push in the right direction. As awareness grows and technology with it, we are starting to overcome longstanding hurdles for people who have many talents but simply need an open door for employment.
Looking to contact us? Let us know if you want to set up a conversation! (+1) 239-325-1881
« PreviousNext »Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood
Joys and Challenges: Tips for Disabled People on Preparing for Parenthood
There’s a longstanding misperception that disabled people either aren’t physically able to be parents, or that they need extensive and ongoing assistance. Some people believe that an expectant disabled couple has twice as much work to do getting ready to be parents, having to accommodate both their disabilities and the demands of parenthood. In fact, they face the same challenges that any parent faces: their baby will need a crib and changing table, baby clothes, and the emotional support of loving parents. Getting up for a 3 a.m. feeding may be the hardest adjustment for any parent, disabled or not.
By the time they become parents, a disabled couple’s home has already been adapted to accommodate their physical needs. There may, however, be a few logistical arrangements to make depending on the nature of their disability. Most of these adjustments can be made with easily acquired special equipment. Just like any parent, disabled people are simply interested in making the job of parenting as easy as possible.
Taking care of the details
Getting ready for the blessed event means planning ahead, figuring out what you’ll need and what changes you might need to make. In most cases, standard baby equipment works fine, though it might be necessary to fine-tune things a bit. If your upper body mobility is limited, it might be necessary to adjust your baby stroller so that you can easily carry along a diaper bag, bottles, pacifiers and other essential items. If you’re in a wheelchair, you may need to purchase a special velcro strap that allows you to connect it to your stroller or baby chair, something many disabled parents have found a useful and efficient way to improve mobility. An adjustable crib is another highly useful item that makes things easier for parents and safer for baby.
Baby-proofing your home
Making your home safe for a child is a matter of identifying and anticipating potential dangers. You’ll need to get safety gates for the top and bottom of all stairways, and install baby locks that keep little hands from getting into cleaning supplies and medicine chests. Be careful to keep sharp kitchen objects well out of reach, and place special baby covers on the controls on your stove. If access is an issue, parents in wheelchairs may need to have a ramp or lift installed for safer front and back door access.
Get your rest
Well-rested parents may seem like an oxymoron, but you need to take care of yourself to give your child the care he or she needs. Set up a schedule so that you and your spouse take turns feeding your child and changing diapers late at night. Even if you’re an experienced parent, caring for a little one can be overwhelming. Try to arrange things so that you both get a little time away to recharge your emotional batteries. It’s an important consideration – you both need time to process your feelings and relax a bit.
IVF
In vitro fertilization (IVF) may be a viable option for parents who are having trouble conceiving. According to Qunomedical, the national average for IVF treatments is $12,000, while medications may cost as much as $5,000. Some insurance companies help cover the cost of treatments, but for most people IVF is a costly process. Consider borrowing from a retirement fund or taking out a home equity loan to avoid high-interest loans. It can be well worth it: the success and availability of in vitro fertilization have given hope to many infertile couples who have not been able to conceive. Since 1978, 5.4 million babies have been born worldwide with the help of IVF.
Joys and challenges
Disabled parents anticipate the same joys and challenges that all parents expect. But being disabled does not mean they’re not prepared for the difficulties of caring for a little one. Preparation is the key, and anticipating needs that allow you make any logistical adjustments well in advance.
« PreviousNext »