About Polus
The mission of the Polus Center for Social & Economic Development, Inc. is to support people from marginalized communities to reach their highest potential. In the U.S. this includes a range of services for people who are blind or visually impaired, workforce training and job-driven services for individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment, and other innovative person-centered initiatives that improve the lives of people from vulnerable communities. Our international efforts create opportunities for people living in post-conflict areas, which has included the development of rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and psychosocial trauma services.
Highlighted Initiatives
NEW: Free Training to Work Program:
Become a School Paraprofessional!
Six weeks of virtual training, industry-recognized credentials, and professional career support.
Enrollment opens September 1, 2026
Class begins November 2, 2026
Vision Towards Success
Our Vision Towards Success project allows participants to explore career paths and professional communication skills through storytelling. Student teamwork, communication, and networking skills combine as they interview visually impaired professionals who are thriving in their chosen careers.
Services for Teens and Young Adults
We provide a variety of career exploration and vocational training opportunities for teens and young adults who are blind or visually impaired.
Blindness and Low Vision Resource Guide
Navigating the world of blindness and visual impairment can be overwhelming and often involves lifestyle changes and emotional adjustment. This resource guide offers an overview of public, private, and non-profit entities that provide information, services, and products to individuals with vision loss, their families and support networks.
Newest Article
APH ConnectCenter: Cooking and Eating
Here we cover the highlights of APH ConnectCenter's excellent series on cooking and eating independently while blind or visually impaired.
Job-Driven Professional Training
Polus develops partnerships with employers to create job-driven training programs to train and employ people who have disabilities or other barriers to employment. Job-driven training is defined as “training that is responsive to the needs of employers.” We help ready-to-work job seekers fill in-demand positions that offer meaningful competitive integrated employment and a sustainable career path.
