How are you feeling about graduating high school? Can college or a career “not come soon enough,” or are you hoping time will slow down because you appreciate the support of home life, you don’t want to say goodbye to your local friends, and you feel intimidated at the significant changes coming your way? You may find anxiety easing and excitement growing as you continue preparing for the move to college or a career as an individual who is blind or has low vision.
Resources to Equip You for College and/or a Career
Utilize the articles and tools linked below to prepare for your future.
Discover APH CareerConnect’s teen and young adult articles.
Browse the Cultivating Independence: Career Resources for Blind Youth – ConnectCenter section. You will find a collection of articles designed to assist teens and young adults who are blind or have low vision in establishing and reaching career goals tailored to your preferences, strengths, and interests.
- Build your independence and plan for your future by exploring careers, finding summer jobs, and learning skills you’ll need for work.
- Prepare for life after high school by discovering what kind of job or career fits you, learning about college and training options, and hearing from other blind or low vision teens who’ve been there.
Take full advantage of APH CareerConnect’s virtual career exploration and job-seeking skills training course, the Job Seeker’s Toolkit. It is recently updated, accessible, and free of charge.
- Explore lessons to help you become more self-aware and reflective.
- Complete activities to discover your network, interests, and job leads.
See how others who are blind or low vision excel in your fields of interest by watching our Career Conversation videos.
- Join future live Career Conversations (informational interview) and ask questions during the webinar.
- Watch the recording and discuss with your parents:
- Is this career one you might be interested in or passionate about? What qualities do I have that would make this a good career option to explore?
- What challenges might I face in this career? How might I overcome them?
Find a mentor.
Seek the mentorship of a recent college graduate who is blind or low vision using Envision’s College Success Program as you anticipate the college readiness and application process.
- Work with staff to build self-advocacy skills.
- Connect with other college students who are blind or low vision to prepare for your college experience.
Take advantage of an app that prompts you to complete career readiness activities.
Mississippi State University’s 4to24 is a mobile app designed to help youth who are blind or have low vision, along with their parents, focus on the necessary steps to prepare for employment and independent living.
- Receive prompts based on your age.
- The app is designed for individuals who are blind, have low vision, or are DeafBlind, and also provides support for parents.
Consider mobility options.
Explore Walking with a Human or Dog Guide – ConnectCenter to learn about the skills you need to handle a dog guide and to learn about the many schools that have programming and information sessions for teens and young adults, including Leader Dogs, Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the Seeing Eye.
- Discuss handling a dog guide with your O&M provider, and join a newsletter for the most up-to-date information and events.
Use tips from APH CareerConnect’s section on Job Seeking Guidance. Learn how to conduct a successful job search and prepare for a job interview.
- Learn how to organize your space, manage your time, and write a cover letter and resume.
- Consider when you will disclose your eye condition and request job accommodations.
Utilize local resources.
You can use the APH Directory of Services to find programs and activities that help you support your goals.
- Join a summer or year-round college or career prep program.
- Connect with services such as orientation and mobility training or vocational rehabilitation in your area.
- Discover opportunities like camps, recreational activities, and residential training centers to build your independence and tech skills.
- Explore nearby resources that help you grow your confidence, gain experience, and plan for your future.
Staying up to date on available and important resources will help you make informed decisions, understand options, connect with local resources, and prepare for your next season—early adulthood! Activating some or all of these resources will help you make a lasting impression as you step into the next phase of your life.