In October of 2023, to mark Disability Employment Awareness Month, ACB's Employment Committee developed and disseminated an online survey to better understand the needs and desires of ACB members pertaining to issues of employment. Below is a summary of the results and the actions we plan to take based on survey findings. In the 31 days in which our survey was posted online, we received 72 responses. Survey-takers were fairly equally divided between the age group of under 65 and 65 and over, with most reporting congenital vision impairment. Most respondents reported having a college degree, belonging to ACB, and identifying as either fully or partially employed. The majority of respondents also reported being under-employed and stated they are seeking further employment. The survey inquired about common barriers to full employment. Four common obstacles were identified: transportation access barriers, insufficient job skills training, confusion about resources for finding jobs and applying for them, as well as inaccessible software and spotty computer training. Other less commonly listed barriers included employer ignorance, workplace discrimination, difficulty with self-advocacy during the interview process, and intersectionality challenges. If you are interested in a full chart outlining our survey results, please e-mail Peter Altschul at [email protected].
Like all surveys, this survey had shortcomings: we received few responses from people who were unemployed, did not graduate from college, and/or had lost their sight later in life. We would encourage those contemplating future qualitative studies to focus more on these groups. Survey respondents requested assistance in achieving employment related goals, with many expressing interest in one-on-one mentoring and occupational coaching. Many reported needing training related to workplace technology advancements and assistive technology to make this technology more accessible. Participants requested further assistance with job search, interviewing skills, and resume writing, as well as further access to employers who are particularly receptive to visually impaired and blind job seekers, active job listings, and any additional employment resources.
Employment Committee members are excited to tell you about initiatives we are taking to fulfill these requests. First, our "Let's Get to Work" podcasts feature 30-minute interviews of people successfully employed in various occupations, employers who have hired talented blind people, and programs aimed at linking qualified visually impaired people with employment options. These podcasts are available wherever you listen to podcasts. Additionally, we are partnering with BITS to find ways to work together to address technology challenges and perhaps develop some sort of mentoring program.
We have used these results to develop programs for the 2024 ACB Conference and Convention.
Tentative activities connected with the virtual convention include:
- Supporting BITS to develop a series of sessions over three days about artificial intelligence;
- Working with BITS to develop a session to outline strategies to address those inevitable technology-related workplace hassles;
- Organizing a presentation of a program preparing people with disabilities attending community colleges for the workplace;
- Organizing a presentation about learning how to find direction in your life and career.
During the in-person convention, we plan to lead a session focusing on self-advocacy in the workplace.
We thank those who took the time to participate in our survey and appreciate your vulnerable, detailed responses. We look forward to interacting with you either virtually or in Jacksonville. Please visit our website, https://www.acb.org/employment-committee.
We always welcome suggestions, which can be emailed to [email protected].
Let's get to work!