Editor’s Note: April 19-25 National Volunteer Week. Founded by Points of Light 50 years ago. There was an opportunity to honor volunteer service.
It also showed how volunteers can solve complex and large-scale challenges. Volunteers help build stronger communities. They can be a world-changing force.
Rediscover purpose through volunteer work
For many years, giving back to my community has been as natural as breathing. Then I lost my sight, and for the first time, I wondered if this part of my life was over. It wasn’t.
After training at the Vision Rehabilitation Center, I regained my self-confidence. Then I learned new ways to give back using my journalistic skills. What I discovered is something I want others to know: losing your sight does not end your ability to serve your community. In many ways it can be deepened.
Use professional experience for volunteer work
Several years ago, I hosted and produced a radio show for the local Reading Radio Service. It is a non-profit station. Reads books, magazines, and other printed materials over the air. Serves blind and visually impaired listeners.
I met and interviewed a variety of guests who shared their stories and provided helpful information. What I learned from this valuable volunteer experience is that losing sight does not limit one’s ability to give back. Rather, it deepens empathy, resilience, and community connection.
Elizabeth Salmons, a peer counselor at VisionAware, also used her professional experience as a language translator to volunteer in her community. “As someone who is bilingual and enjoys meeting and helping international people, I often offer my interpreting and teaching services.
This puts me on par with everyone else, or even higher. What’s most important, she said, is that they don’t know another language. “I’ve done it in person, online and over the phone; I’ve found it rewarding. Sometimes people don’t even realize their vision loss, and it’s usually not that important in this type of volunteer work.”
You don’t need a vision to volunteer
Elizabeth’s volunteer experience clearly demonstrates the value she provides to the people she helps. However, most people believe that having vision is essential.
People think that tasks like feeding the homeless require sight.
They also believe that building a house requires sight.
They believe that teaching children and reading to children requires sight.
They believe that voter registration requires sight.
They also believe that running errands for the elderly requires sight. However, this is not true. Visually impaired and blind people are fully capable of volunteering in their community.
What blind and visually impaired volunteers bring
If you are blind or visually impaired and hesitate to volunteer, know that vision loss is not a barrier to contributing in a meaningful way to your community. It can be an asset.
They chose me to work at the radio station because I had personal experience with vision loss. The previous flight attendant was seen and wanted her replacement to have life experience in the community. I felt like I would bring more understanding and empathy.
Additionally, I was active in the blind and visually impaired community, so I had an easier time getting guests. These individuals were already familiar with vision loss and their stories resonated with our audience.
Also, I had first-hand experience with blindness, and I was like that Solve the problem. I have honed my adaptability skills by navigating a sighted world every day. I have adapted well to my vision loss and have become a role model for others suffering from blindness and low vision.
Ten volunteer activities
Are you blind or visually impaired and need some inspiration? Are you curious about volunteering but don’t know what opportunities are available? Read this list of 10 activities to consider.
1. Telephone and Virtual Roles: Supporting the crisis hotline, directing others, or facilitating a Support group.
2. Advocacy and Public Speaking: Share your personal story to educate and inspire.
3. Peer mentoring: guiding and supporting others He was recently diagnosed with vision loss.
4. Writing and content creation: Contributing blogs, newsletters, podcasts, or audio recordings.
5. Administrative or clerical support: Use assistive technology for scheduling, data entry, or correspondence.
6. Fundraising and outreach to events: Make calls, share campaigns online, or speak at events.
7. Leadership: Serving on a board or committee.
8. Music and Performance: Share your talents at community or religious events.
9. Accessibility consulting: Test websites or apps for accessibility.
10. Arts and Crafts: Create and donate handmade items.
Tips for starting volunteer work with low vision or blindness
You can see that volunteer opportunities are abundant. Now you just have to start. Here are some tips to get you moving:
1. Think about your talents and skills. What do you do well and how can that help your community?
2. Reach out to local nonprofits and ask about their needs. What are they missing and ask how you can serve.
3. Deliver any accommodations you may need to do your job. Consider volunteering virtually if you lack transportation.
4. Start small. If you give an hour or two each week, you will start off effective, and others will appreciate your help. As you grow into your volunteer role, you can increase your time commitment.
5. Network with blind organizations for potential clients. Contact the American Council of the Blind, the National Federation of the Blind, and local vision rehabilitation centers.
6. Preparing a volunteer biography That will highlight your skills and talents. Be prepared for an interview, training, and background check.
Your perspective matters
Vision loss changes the way you see the world, it does not change your ability to improve it. I didn’t let blindness write the closing chapter of my volunteer story—and neither should you. The world doesn’t just need sighted volunteers. It needs your unique perspective, hard-earned resilience, and deep empathy.
Peer counselor Sandy Burgess agrees. She was a volunteer with Pioneer Valley Special Olympics in Massachusetts for 4 years. Her outstanding community service was recognized, and she had the honor of carrying the Olympic Torch during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
“The torchbearers were divided into categories; I was one of 5,500 community champions recognized for my volunteer work in public relations,” she recalls. “With the torch passed to my torch and my guide dog by my side, I navigated the path with two men behind me tapping me on the back to guide me.”
This National Volunteer Week, take that first step. Contact a local non-profit, dust off your resume, or simply pick up the phone. One hour of your time can change someone’s life, including yours.
