Employment - Blindness Resources

Vocational Rehab Program through MCB

Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) offers vocational rehabilitation (VR) services to eligible and interested students and adults ages 14 and older who are blind and visually impaired. The goal of VR is to help consumers overcome barriers to accessing and maintaining employment.

Our services are highly individualized with strong direction from the consumers themselves. Services vary, but may include:

• Information and referral
  • Assistance in completing applications for benefits relating to legal blindness
  • Assistance in completing applications for benefits and connecting with agencies such as the Social Security Administration (SSA), MassHealth, and other community resources
• Vocational counseling and guidance, which includes:
  • Explanation and discussion of interests, career paths, and options regarding work
  • Practical skill building such as resume writing
  • Assistance completing job applications
• Low vision assessment and treatment
  • Often involves referral to a low vision eye care provider to assess functional vision. If eligible, MCB can pay for recommended devices.
  • Based on eligibility
• Orientation and mobility
  • Travel and navigation of new places like worksites and public transportation
  • White cane training
• Rehabilitation teaching
  • Learning to perform basic household tasks again, or in a new way, including food preparation, cooking, organizing, labeling, and cleaning
  • Evaluation of magnification and other low-tech devices
  • Based on eligibility
• Assistive technology devices and training
  • Evaluating various appropriate equipment, tools, and devices to allow access to print and/or electronical materials.
  • Based on eligibility
• Funding for college or university
  • Funding per semester based on eligibility and unmet need
  • Funding for books and supplies
• Soft skills training, such as interpersonal and communication skills, in pursuit of new employment
• Summer internship opportunities, typically for college students, based on eligibility
• Referrals to MCB partner programs for:
  • Job readiness training (including adjustment to vision loss) with providers such as the Carroll Center for intensive adjustment to blindness skills
  • Job placement services, which may include trial work experience or initial job coaching
  • Benefits counseling with a specialist to outline how Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits would be affected once employed

Learn more about MCB’s vocational rehab program.

MassHire Career Centers

The MassHire Department of Career Services oversees a network of MassHire Career Centers that provide career guidance, training, and referrals to work opportunities. This includes workshops, access to job listings, and assistance with developing resumes and cover letters. They also provide assistance to employers with recruitment, job matching, marketing, and tax credits. Most (but not all) of these services are free, and the Training Opportunities Program allows eligible clients to continue collecting unemployment benefits for up to 26 weeks of approved career training.

Contact a MassHire Career Center in your area for more information.

Career Connect

Offered by the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Career Connect is an employment information resource for people who are blind or visually impaired, providing career exploration tools and vocational guidance.

Job Seekers Toolkit

APH has partnered with NSITE to provide an accessible, self-paced, free online training course to help build job-seeking skills. The five-section program includes modules on self-assessment, career exploration, finding job opportunities, honing interview skills, and maintaining employment. You can sign up for the Job Seekers Toolkit here.

Learn more about Career Connect. Reach out through email at connectcenter [at] aph.org or through phone at 1-800-232-5463.

Polus Center for Social and Economic Development

The Polus Center for Social and Economic Development is an international, non-government, non-profit organization based in Massachusetts. Its US branch offers individualized work readiness and employment initiatives for people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.

Services include (but are not limited to):

• The Envision Success Project (ESP) provides pre-employment transition services (Pre-ETS) to schools and families at no cost, including work-based learning experiences, job exploration, counseling, and skills training.
• Trades Win 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.
• Job Driven Training partners with employers and businesses to train and employ people who have disabilities or other barriers to employment. This program helps ready-to-work job seekers fill in-demand positions that offer meaningful competitive integrated employment and a sustainable career path.
• The Employment Now Initiative provides support for each participant based on where they are on their job search journey. It combines on the job work experiences with professional development workshops and one-on-one mentoring.

Learn more about the Polus Center for Social and Economic Development. Find their office at 527 Main Street, Athol, MA 01331. Contact them by phone at (978) 830-0500.

Work Without Limits

Created by ForHealth Consulting, Work Without Limits is a network of employers, educators, vocational service providers, and government agencies that support individuals with disabilities seeking jobs and their employers.

Their service include:

• Training and consulting services to help employers, educators, and state agency personnel in advancing workplace disability inclusion
• Counseling services that assist individuals with disabilities in understanding how earnings affect their benefits
• Administrative functions that allow community-based organizations to access payments through the Social Security Ticket to Work program
• Educational and networking events, including conferences, career fairs, and mentoring

Learn more about Work Without Limits. Find their office at 333 South Street, Shrewsbury, MA 01545. Contact them by phone at 877-937-9675.