Seasonal Employment When Blind or Low Vision
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As you map out your goals for this summer or winter break, don’t forget to make room for a job—valuable educational, social, and financial opportunities await! While employment may not be your first choice for fun, remember—it can also help fund those extra-special activities you may not otherwise be able to afford.
You may also want to take some time to relax or spend time with friends. That’s important, too! Keep in mind, you don’t have to labor long hours like many adults do. Most states have laws regulating the number of hours teens can work based on their age. These laws may also limit the times of day you can work or the types of equipment you can use.
Considerations Regarding Seasonal Employment
When exploring seasonal employment, start by thinking about your skills and interests. Look for opportunities that truly spark your curiosity and align with your strengths. Also consider the logistics—how will you get to and from the site? Will you need an orientation and mobility (O&M) lesson to learn a bus route? Do you require screen magnification or a screen reader to access a computer system?
Coordinating with professionals who can support you may take time, so be sure to plan ahead and allow for flexibility in everyone’s schedules.
What is this “Work Experience” Term I Keep Hearing?
“Work experience” is a term often used by vocational rehabilitation and educational programs to describe temporary, short-term jobs, often during school breaks. These roles can last from a few days to several weeks and may be paid or unpaid. They’re usually temporary positions created to support increased business during busy times like summer or holiday breaks. Fortunately, this often aligns with the availability of high school and college students.
Benefits of a Work Experience
Your preparations and diligence will pay off! Here are a few benefits of employment during your school breaks.
- Skill development: Seasonal employment is a great way to build both technical and soft skills in a real-world setting—whether it’s time management, customer service, assistive technology, or communication.
- Confidence boost: Completing a job—especially your first—can help you feel more independent and prepared for future opportunities.
- Income and money management: A part-time occupation provides a source of income and a chance to practice financial responsibility, budgeting, and saving.
- Career exploration: You may discover what you enjoy—and what you don’t. For example, you might find that you prefer tutoring adults over children.
- Résumé building: Experience from even a short-term opportunity boosts your résumé and shows future employers you’re reliable and motivated.
- Work ethic development: A consistent schedule helps you build responsibility, reliability, and personal discipline.
- Time management growth: Balancing your hours with classes, social plans, and family commitments will help you develop this essential skill.
- Accessibility advocacy: You will have the opportunity to practice requesting accommodations and solving accessibility-related challenges.
Networking and Socialization
Then there are the people you’ll meet. Getting to know supervisors, coworkers, and customers can open doors to future opportunities. Someone you meet this season might become a mentor, provide a reference, or refer you to your next opportunity.
Where to Look for Employment
Vocational rehabilitation agencies that support people who are blind or low vision often offer seasonal work experience programs. They’re a great place to start, as they can provide accommodations and guidance. Additional search ideas include:
- School resources: High schools and colleges often offer career services, including postings, job fairs, and support from guidance counselors or career advisors. Alumni associations may also have listings or events.
- Family and friends: Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth. Someone you know may have leads—or even a job to offer!
- Online job boards: Sites like Indeed, Monster, and your state’s Department of Labor website often post seasonal listings. You can filter by location, industry, or type.
- Local businesses: Visit places you’re interested in ahead of time and ask if they’re hiring. Bring a paper résumé—it’s still a good way to make a lasting impression.
- Job fairs: Libraries, community centers, and schools often host local job fairs. Attending one gives you access to several employers in a single day. Bring a friend or parent along for support.
- Volunteer: If paid positions are limited, volunteering with a nonprofit or charity can still give you valuable experience and boost your résumé.
- Start your own: If nothing catches your interest, create your own! Think about services you can offer your community. Consider pet-sitting, music lessons, lawn care, or organization services. Be sure to discuss safety and boundaries with your parents or vocational rehabilitation counselor.
Seasonal Ideas
Once you know where to look, the next step is to consider what kind of experience might interest you. Whether you’re looking to build specific skills, explore a potential career path, or simply earn some money, there are plenty of seasonal roles to choose from. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Customer service: Many stores and restaurants hire extra seasonal staff for summer or holidays to accommodate increased business.
- Summer camps: Try your hand as a counselor, activity leader, or support staff. You could even apply to a camp you once attended.
- Tutoring or teaching: Offer support in subjects you enjoy through summer school, libraries, enrichment programs, or senior centers.
- Farm work: If you’re an animal lover or looking for something outdoors or unconventional, check out the local farm scene! Many farms hire seasonal workers for planting, harvesting, and packing produce.
- Landscaping or lawn care: Have a “green thumb” or enjoy laboring outside? You could try your hand at a landscaping or lawn care company r the parks department to help them with tasks like weeding, planting, or mowing.
- Internships: Many companies offer summer internships for college students or recent graduates. Check out local availability!
- Freelancing: You could offer your services as a budding freelance writer, web developer, or computer programmer.
- House, baby, or pet sitting: Many people travel during school breaks and need someone reliable to care for their pets, home, or plants—tasks such as watering, collecting mail, and maintaining a presence. You might also offer babysitting services to give parents and caregivers a well-deserved evening off.
Ideally, you’ll find a job you love. But even if it’s not your dream role, short-term, part-time work offers valuable experience and growth that prepares you for the career you do love.
Let the Search Begin!
Be proactive in your search and follow up on leads. Don’t hesitate to ask a parent, teacher, friend, or vocational rehabilitation counselor to guide you—especially if it’s your first time job-hunting.
Happy job-hunting, friend—you’ve got this!
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