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Employer Resources

There are many publicly and privately funded resources available to assist employers in issues they face concerning blind and visually impaired applicants and employees.

National and Web Resources

Resources that are very helpful for employers are listed below. In addition, there are scores of private and government-funded agencies, companies, and organizations that can offer support once a specific need is defined. For assistance in locating such support contact AFB’s toll-free information line at (800) 232-5463.

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
AFB’s national office can refer employers to free recruitment services in their communities. AFB’s careerconnect@afb.net is available to help employers, providing confidential support and solutions to issues regarding blind and visually impaired applicants and employees.

http://www.earnworks.com/
Employer Assistance and Resource Network (EARN)
EARN is a nationwide, consultation service for employers, connecting them to employment service providers who have direct access to job-ready individuals with disabilities.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
JAN is a consulting service/network providing information about job accommodations funded by the Department of Labor, Office of Disability Employment Policy.
Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), U.S. Dept of Labor
ODEP provides national leadership to increase employment opportunities for adults and youth with disabilities while striving to eliminate barriers to employment. A broad range of resources of interest to employers are provided at www.dol.gov/odep/business/business.htm.

Regional Resources

Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers
Regional Disability and Business Technical Assistance Centers provide information, problem-solving assistance, and referrals for implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Accessible Electronic and Information Technology (E&IT). Centers are located throughout the country. Call (800) 949-4232 or go to the National Network of ADA Centers to locate the center nearest you.
Rehabilitation Agencies
Each state provides vocational rehabilitation services for people who are visually impaired or have other disabilities. Rehabilitation services can help an employee who becomes disabled remain productive or provide support to a new employee through on-the-job training, technical assistance, or specialized equipment. Rehabilitation agencies can also refer qualified applicants with disabilities to prospective employers. Use AFB’s Directory of Services to locate Rehabilitation Services near you.
Private Organizations
In addition to state rehabilitation agencies, more than 1000 private organizations throughout the country provide disability-specific employment-related services. Assistance in locating such agencies can often be found in local telephone directories, or contact AFB’s toll-free information line at (800) 232-5463 or online at afbinfo@afb.net.

Books and Printed Materials

American Foundation for the Blind. (2000). Are You Looking for a Few Good Workers? New York: AFB Press.

Joffee, E. (1999). A Practical Guide to the ADA and Visual Impairment. New York: AFB Press.

Computer Center for Visually Impaired People, (2002). A Practical Guide to Accommodating People With Visual Impairments In the Workplace. New York: Author.

Wolffe, K. (1997). Do the Rules Change When You Hire a Person with a Visual Impairment? Austin, TX: Texas Commission for the Blind.

Employer Partners

Employers and other organizations are beginning to promote the use of the information in this web site within their own companies. AFB would like to thank the following organizations for linking to AFB CareerConnect from their own intranet or extranet sites:

If you would like to add your company to this growing list, please let us know you have made the link by writing us at careerconnect@afb.net.

Additional Resources

Additional helpful resources include: