Pursuing a career starts with curiosity, confidence, and connection—especially for young people who are blind or low vision.
Many transition-age youth are unsure about the type of employment they want to pursue. They feel the pressure to come up with a plan. They don’t always have an answer to the questions “Are you going to college?” or “What career are you looking to go into?”
High school students who are blind or have low vision may express an interest in subjects such as art, history, team sports, music, math, and science. But when it comes to turning those interests into career goals, they may not know where to start or who to ask for guidance. Without access to resources or guidance, making informed decisions about their future can feel overwhelming.
The Power of Mentorship
Mentoring, sometimes referred to as coaching or guidance, pairs a reliable and knowledgeable person with a less experienced individual to act as a role model and provide advice and support.
Some programs believe matching a mentor or coach who is also blind or low vision is the best way to encourage a connection with the young person. The lived experience resonates with the mentee. Other programs are open to individuals who are sighted. Sometimes, the mentor works in a field related to the student’s career of interest.
Most structured mentorship programs are offered through employment or rehabilitation agencies, as well as on-campus training centers. Some provide a virtual component. Many of these programs bundle training and services, and it is common for a person to receive not only a mentor but also assistance with other important skills for success.
Mutually Beneficial
The transformative power of mentorship broadens the lives of not only the mentees but also the individuals who mentor them.
Individuals who share their experiences with others report personal growth, reflection, and fulfillment.
Building Self-Determination Skills
Self-determination is another key ingredient for career success. Self-determination means having the confidence and skills to make your own choices, set goals, and act in ways that reflect your values and interests—rather than simply following others’ expectations. It’s not always easy to stand up for what matters to you, especially when navigating big decisions like employment and independence.
That’s why CareerConnect’s upcoming virtual event, Employment Connections, will focus on both mentorship and self-determination. Participants will learn how to identify supports, advocate for themselves, and build a plan that reflects their unique goals and strengths.
Lynn’s Story: Mentorship in Action
For example, Lynn is a high school senior with low vision. She wants to become a kindergarten teacher and loves working with young children. Lynn’s vocational rehabilitation counselor helps her apply for a month-long pre-employment program. Lynn works with an intern at the on-campus employment center. Upon the conclusion of the thirty-day curriculum, Lynn is registered to study for her first level of teaching certification as a teacher’s aide.
Lynn is a great student. She has increased her skills to continue her path of independence. The mentor shows Lynn a practical way to plan study time, and she develops the self-discipline to maintain her study skills.
Overcoming Real-World Challenges
But what about when she leaves the center? Lynn and her coach discuss the steps Lynn will need to take to continue her path to success. She worries about the lack of bus routes in her hometown and the neighborhood where she lives. It borders a busy highway.
Once she completes her orientation and mobility lessons and certification, how will she get to a place of employment upon returning home? Her family insists that they transport her to all of her appointments. Therefore, she needs to consider setting limits and demonstrating self-determination. There are alternative transportation options.
The coach helps Lynn think outside the box. Lynn discovers that once she is past the highway, public transportation is available, and the bus routes will take her to the local community college for classes, a supermarket, and other businesses. Though her route to the bus stop will necessitate a short trip provided by a friend, neighbor, family member, or ride-hailing or sharing service, it isn’t impossible to walk the route as well.
She has acquired both educational and practical skills to accomplish these tasks, in part due to the guidance of a reliable and knowledgeable mentor.
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