Starting a new job brings excitement and anxiety to everyone. Often, people may move across the county, the state, or even the country for a new job. Recalling my first professional job, I moved several hundred miles away from friends and family. I trekked into the unknown, unsure if I would last a month, let alone a week! I survived and have thrived as a blind employee, and so can you!
With less than three weeks to give notice on my apartment, find a new home, pack, and research the train and bus routes to the office, I remained humbled, calm, and stoic throughout the planning process. That is not to say I was not nervous. Whether you are moving cross-country or town for that next fantastic career opportunity, heed the following tips from a working blind professional.
Develop a Plan, Make Connections
The first thing I did was list everything I needed to do to land the job successfully on day one within three weeks. My list of preparations served as my sole guide and timeline for what needed to happen to stay on task. Initially, I needed to find out what friends, relatives, and groups I knew of in the city and county I was moving to. These individuals can serve as a resource for you.
After identifying a few solid connections, I was able to locate adequate living arrangements and learn of safe bus, rail, and rideshare options. With just a few days to go before my start date, I conducted a few dry runs on public transit. By gaining access to an Orientation and Mobility Specialist or Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, even if only through a phone consultation or virtual visit, you may be able to obtain important information about your town. A friend or family member willing to accompany you initially on transit may also be an option.
Learn Your Work Environment
Once at the job site, take the time to learn and navigate your work environment, including routes to restrooms, break rooms, and emergency exits. Accessing other key areas of your workplace is also beneficial. If you work in a shared space or a row of cubicles, find a way to quickly and quietly identify your area with minimal interruption. For me, this meant placing a chair to the right of the office entrance. I could reach my hand inside to confirm my location.
Make the Office Setting More User-Friendly
Consider how you can improve accessibility to the tools and resources you’ll use during your workday. Some items to consider for office access may include a coffee machine or vending machine, a printer/copier, and personal office climate control, to name a few. A Vision Rehabilitation Therapist may be able to assist you in adapting these items. A few braille or tactile labels may be all you need to ensure independent access.
Communicate with Tact and Grace
You’ll need to share what you need and make adjustments as you go. Consider the following:
Share your needs.
Communicating individual needs and accommodations to your new employer and colleagues is critical. Communication may involve requesting assistive technology, such as a video magnifier or screen-reading software. It may also involve requesting adjustments to your work environment, such as increasing lighting or reducing glare.
Be proactive. Don’t wait for your employer to come to you with accommodations. Ask about the company’s interactive policies and procedures for requesting an accommodation. Take the initiative to request what you require to complete your job.
Flexibility is key.
Things may not be perfect on the job site, and adjustments may be necessary. For example, you may need to learn how to integrate your work technology with company software or find ways to work around obstacles in your work environment. It may also take time for your employer and colleagues to adjust to your accommodation requests and understand your needs. You should try to be patient and understanding, and be willing to educate them about your vision.
Introduce yourself to your new colleagues.
Meet your coworkers and let them know your name and that you are blind or have low vision. Explain what accommodations you need and how they can best support you.
Ask for assistance when you need it.
Don’t be afraid to ask your colleagues or supervisor for help if you need it. They are there to support you and help you succeed in your new job.
Many resources are available to people who are blind or have low vision. These resources can provide you with support, training, and assistive technology.
Remember, you are qualified for your new job, and this is why you were hired. You deserve to be successful. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and ask for the accommodations you need. With these suggestions and tips in mind, acclimating to the new job and work environment will be easier than imagined, and you’ll be a pro in no time.
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