Throughout my years as a transition specialist in Tallahassee, Florida, I remember introducing myself to a number of incoming students with multiple disabilities, getting to know them, assessing their pre-employment readiness skills, and working with teams to establish individualized career-related goals. Often the process was straightforward. Other times I wished there was (as “Who Wants … Continued
Perhaps you are a blind or visually impaired job seeker and you’re ready to create a LinkedIn account or you have a LinkedIn account with an underdeveloped profile and connections. First, you’re going to want to know how to utilize LinkedIn as a person who is blind or visually impaired. Yes, LinkedIn and its general … Continued
September marks the arrival of autumn—brilliant swaying leaves, invigorating crisp air, warm drinks soothing our chilled hands, and chunky cable-knit sweaters adorning us all. (That is, unless you live in Florida! Shout out to that great state I once called home.) Regardless, I think I speak for all when I say this change of season … Continued
Do you remember the game six degrees of separation? Maybe you, like me, played it in middle school to pass a bit of time. The player determined how one individual is connected to another (such as how I am connected to you, the reader or listener), within six relational connections or fewer. Today’s middle schoolers … Continued
Have you seen the 2015 film, “The Intern”? If so, you remember Ben Whitaker (played by Robert De Niro) pursuing an internship after finding retirement rather lonely. He interns with a young professional (played by Anne Hathaway) who gradually recognizes Whitaker to be a source of wisdom, chivalry, and sound business principles. She realizes Whitaker’s … Continued
You may have read a blog post here or there with information relevant to individuals with visual impairments and multiple disabilities, and you may have missed just as many. If you have multiple disabilities, or if you are a parent or specialist of a person with multiple disabilities, these posts are too valuable to overlook. … Continued
Question: Is there anyone who can give me advice about finding the right job for me? So you’ve started your career search, but you want something more than numbers and stories. Why not connect with a mentor? Why not try networking?! Networking is an excellent way to open up new opportunities, but it can also … Continued
When I think about my time as a transition specialist at the Lighthouse of the Big Bend, my mind wanders to the most empowering story. I think about a young man, I’ll call him Jay to protect his privacy, who was smiley and kind; a man of few words. Jay was a teenager at the … Continued
The value of successful employment should not be underestimated for a person who is blind or visually impaired with multiple disabilities.Successful employment, whether volunteer or paid, provides opportunities to engage in meaningful, structured activities outside of the home; offers opportunities to increase social interactions and foster relationships; and provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. … Continued
It’s December. There’s no shortage of holiday party invitations strewn around my house. Not because we’re wildly popular, but because the military has a number of traditional holiday gatherings. It’s a busy, hustle-and-bustle month I appreciate, and yet I look forward to the unruffled and uncomplicated month of January. It’s hard to believe 2014 is … Continued