I love my life… most days.
Many people who are blind or have low vision ultimately face an important question: Who can help me build a career? For many of us, vocational rehabilitation becomes part of that journey.
I was born with Leber’s congenital blindness and have had low vision since birth. I have been married for 28 years and have two sons, one of whom lives abroad.
Today I work as Assistant Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Participant Services at the Washington State Department of Blind Services.
Every day I help people who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired find meaningful work. I help them build their careers and greater independence.
It’s rewarding work. But the road that led me here wasn’t always smooth.
Everyone’s journey is different. Think of me as a tour guide who shares some of the sights along the way.
Early predictions are important
Parents often wonder how to support a child with a disability.
I was lucky. My mother believed in my abilities. She expected me to participate in the same activities as my sighted colleagues. I also made sure I learned independence.
Not every child receives this support. Sometimes families focus on what they have lost and unintentionally lower expectations.
Blind and visually impaired children need a balance between two things:
- Integration with sighted peers
- Communicate with other blind and visually impaired youth
They also need opportunities to build independence and life skills.
This combination builds confidence and shows young people that they are not alone.
Surviving the teenage years
The teenage years can be difficult for any young person.
Add disability, and the challenges can grow.
I experienced this as a teenager with low vision, and later as a parent. One of my sons also has a disability.
Teens with disabilities may feel strongly that they are “different.” This feeling can lead to frustration or withdrawal.
Parents should remember two important things:
- Teenagers are still teenagers.
- Disability does not take away from normal adolescent experiences.
Relationships, dating, and sex will happen whether adults talk about it or not.
Young people with disabilities may need more guidance about relationships and safety. They may miss the social cues that sighted teens naturally learn.
Honest conversations are important.
Social skills are professional skills
Social skills are just as important as academic skills.
Strong interpersonal skills help people succeed in:
- Friendships
- school
- Relationships
- Workplace
Sighted children often learn social behavior by observing others. Blind children may need direct instruction and practice.
Important skills include:
- communication
- Teamwork
- networks
- Professional conduct
Teaching these skills early prepares young people for healthy careers and relationships.
Planning for the future
When I was young, adults often asked my friends what they wanted to be when they grew up. I don’t remember being asked this question very often.
Sometimes adults avoid discussing jobs with young people with disabilities. They may not know what options are available.
But avoiding the conversation can limit the possibilities.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) provided through vocational rehabilitation programs help students:
- Explore career interests
- Learn workplace skills
- Building self-advocacy
- Try work experiences
- Education or training plan
Career exploration helps young people imagine what is possible and build real goals for the future.
Career detours can lead you down the right path
Not every career follows a straight path.
My first career goal was marketing. After I graduated, I worked in advertising at a small casino. The work was creative and exciting.
But something was missing. I wanted meaningful work.
Later, I got a marketing job in a counseling center. It was closer to what I wanted, but it still didn’t fit.
Eventually, an opportunity opened up at the Blind Services Department as a rehabilitation technician. At that time I knew little about vocational rehabilitation. Like many people with disabilities, I was about to learn how powerful vocational rehabilitation services can be when building a career.
Fifteen years later, I help lead programs serving people who are blind, deafblind, or visually impaired throughout Washington state.
Sometimes the best career paths emerge after a detour.
Become a guide to others
Over time, many people find themselves helping others along the way.
Mentorship is one of the most important parts of my job.
It took time for me to feel confident in my disability and my career. I still face challenges, but the lessons I’ve learned can help others.
Not everyone needs to become an advocate. But sharing your experiences can help someone else see new possibilities.
When you need help navigating your career
Even experienced travelers get lost.
If you’re having difficulty finding work, exploring career options, or wondering what steps to take next, your state’s vocational rehabilitation agency can be an important partner in this process.
Virtual reality programs help people with disabilities:
- Setting career goals
- Learn job skills
- Use assistive technology
- Gain practical experience
- Find and keep work
The goal is independence.
For many people who are blind or visually impaired, vocational rehabilitation becomes one of the guides that help them navigate their professional journey.
Your journey, your destination
Every trip is different.
Your path may not look like mine, and that’s okay.
What matters most is that the path is yours.
You choose the destination.
You plan the route.
You decide when to take a turn.
And only you know when you’ve arrived.
