Editor’s note: April 19-25 is National Volunteer Week. The Points of Light established it 50 years ago. A chance to honor volunteer service arose.
It also showed how volunteers can solve complex, large-scale challenges. Volunteers help build stronger communities. They can be a force that transforms the world.
Rediscovering Purpose Through Volunteering
For years, giving back to my community was as natural as breathing. Then I lost my sight and for the first time, I wondered if that part of my life was over. It wasn’t.
After training at a vision rehab center, I regained my confidence. I then learned new ways to give back using my journalism skills. What I discovered is something I want others to know: vision loss doesn’t end your ability to serve your community. In many ways it can deepen it.
Used Professional Experience to Volunteer
Several years ago, I hosted and produced a radio show for my local Reading Radio Service. It is a nonprofit station. It reads books, magazines, and other printed materials over the air. It serves blind and low vision listeners.
I met and interviewed a variety of guests that shared their stories and provided useful information. What I learned from that valuable volunteer experience is that vision loss does not limit one’s ability to give back. Rather, it deepens empathy, resilience, and community connection.
Elizabeth Salmons, a VisionAware peer advisor, also used her professional experience as a language interpreter to volunteer in her community. “As a bilingual person who enjoys meeting and helping international people, I’ve often offered my interpreting and teaching services.
This puts me on equal ground with anyone else, or even higher. She said it matters most if they don’t know another language. “I’ve done it in person, online and by phone; finding it rewarding. At times people aren’t even aware of my vision loss, and it’s usually not important in that kind of volunteering.”
You Don’t Need Vision to Volunteer
Elizabeth’s volunteer experience clearly shows the value she brings to the people she helps. However, most people think having vision is required.
People think that tasks like feeding the homeless need sight.
They also think building a house needs sight.
They think tutoring children and reading to kids need sight.
They believe registering voters needs sight.
They also believe running errands for seniors needs sight. However, that is not true. People with low vision and blindness are fully capable of volunteering in their community.
What Blind and Low Vision Volunteers Bring
If you are blind or low vision and hesitant to volunteer, know that your loss of vision is not a barrier to contributing in a meaningful way to your community. It can be an asset.
They selected me to work at the radio station because I have personal experience with vision loss. The former host was sighted and wanted her replacement to have life experience in the community. She felt I would bring more understanding and empathy.
Additionally, I was active in the blind and low vision community therefore had easier access in recruiting guests. These individuals were already familiar with vision loss and their stories resonated with our audience.
Also, I had firsthand experience with blindness and was a problem solver. I honed my adaptability skills by navigating a sighted world every day. I had adjusted well to my vision loss and had become a role model for others with blindness and low vision.
Ten Volunteer Activities
Are you blind or low vision and need some inspiration? Curious about volunteering but don’t know what opportunities are available? Read this list of 10 activities for you to consider.
1. Phone & virtual-based roles: Support a crisis hotline, mentor others or facilitate a support group.
2. Advocacy & public speaking: Share your personal story to educate and inspire.
3. Peer mentoring: Guide and support others newly diagnosed with vision loss.
4. Writing & content creation: Contribute blogs, newsletters, podcasts, or audio recordings.
5. Administrative or clerical support: Use assistive technology for scheduling, data entry, or correspondence.
6. Fundraising & event outreach: Make calls, share campaigns online or speak at events.
7. Leadership: Serve on a board or committee.
8. Music and performance: Share your talents at community or faith-based events.
9. Accessibility consulting: Test websites or apps for accessibility.
10. Arts and crafts: Create and donate hand-made items.
Tips to Get Started Volunteering with Low Vision or Blindness
You can see the opportunities to volunteer are plentiful. Now you just need to start. Here are some tips to get you moving:
1. Consider your talents and skills. What do you do well and how can that help your community?
2. Reach out to local nonprofits and ask about their needs. What are they lacking and ask how you can serve.
3. Communicate any accommodation you might need to do your work. Consider volunteering virtually if you lack transportation.
4. Start small. If you give an hour or two each week, you will start effectively, and others will appreciate your help. As you grow into your volunteer role you can increase your commitment time.
5. Connect with blind organizations for leads. Contact American Council of the Blind, National Federation of the Blind, and local vision rehab centers.
6. Prepare a volunteer resume that will highlight your skills and talents. Be prepared for an interview, training, and background check.
Your Perspective Matters
Vision loss changes how you see the world — it doesn’t change your power to improve it. I didn’t let blindness write the concluding chapter of my volunteer story — and neither should you. The world doesn’t just need sighted volunteers. It needs your unique perspective, hard-won resilience, and deep well of empathy.
Sandy Burgess, a peer advisor, agrees. She was a volunteer for the Pioneer Valley Special Olympics of Massachusetts for 4 years. Her outstanding community service was recognized, and she had the honor of carrying the Olympic torch during the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia.
“Torchbearers are grouped into categories; I was one of 5,500 Community Heroes recognized for my volunteer work in public relations,” she recalls. “With the flame passed to my torch and my guide dog by my side, I navigated the route with two men behind who tapped my back to direct me.”
This National Volunteer Week, take that first step. Reach out to a local nonprofit, dust off your resume, or simply pick up the phone. One hour of your time can change someone’s life — including your own.