I love my life… most days.
Many people who are blind or low vision eventually face an important question: Who can help me build a career? For many of us, vocational rehabilitation becomes part of that journey.
I was born with Leber Congenital Amaurosis and have lived with low vision since birth. I have been married for 28 years and have two grown sons, one of whom lives abroad.
Today I serve as the Assistant Director of Vocational Rehabilitation Participant Services at the Washington State Department of Services for the Blind.
Every day I help people who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision find meaningful work. I help them build careers and greater independence.
It is rewarding work. But the road that led me here was not always smooth.
Everyone’s journey is different. Think of me as a tour guide sharing a few signposts along the way.
Early Expectations Matter
Parents often wonder how to support a child with a disability.
I was fortunate. My mother believed in my abilities. She expected me to participate in the same activities as my sighted classmates. She also made sure I learned independence.
Not every child receives that support. Sometimes families focus on what has been lost and lower expectations without meaning to.
Blind and low vision children need a balance of two things:
- Inclusion with sighted peers
- Connection with other blind and low vision youth
They also need opportunities to build independence and life skills.
This combination builds confidence and shows young people they are not alone.
Surviving the Teenage Years
Teenage years can be difficult for any young person.
Add a disability, and the challenges can grow.
I experienced this both as a teenager with low vision and later as a parent. One of my sons also lives with a disability.
Teenagers with disabilities may feel the label of “different” very strongly. That feeling can lead to frustration or withdrawal.
Parents should remember two important things:
- Teenagers are still teenagers.
- Disability does not remove normal adolescent experiences.
Relationships, dating, and sexuality will happen whether adults talk about them or not.
Young people with disabilities may need more guidance about relationships and safety. They may miss social cues that sighted teens learn naturally.
Honest conversations matter.
Social Skills Are Career Skills
Social skills are just as important as academic skills.
Strong interpersonal skills help people succeed in:
- Friendships
- School
- Relationships
- The workplace
Sighted children often learn social behavior by observing others. Blind children may need direct instruction and practice.
Important skills include:
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Networking
- Professional behavior
Teaching these skills early prepares young people for careers and healthy relationships.
Planning for the Future
When I was young, adults often asked my friends what they wanted to be when they grew up. I do not remember being asked that question very often.
Sometimes adults avoid discussing careers with youth who have disabilities. They may not know what options exist.
But avoiding the conversation can limit possibilities.
Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) offered through Vocational Rehabilitation programs help students:
- Explore career interests
- Learn workplace skills
- Build self-advocacy
- Try work experiences
- Plan education or training
Career exploration helps young people imagine what is possible and build real goals for the future.
Career Detours Can Lead to the Right Path
Not every career follows a straight path.
My first career goal was marketing. After graduate school I worked in advertising for a small casino. The work was creative and exciting.
But something was missing. I wanted work that felt meaningful.
Later I took a marketing job with a counseling center. It was closer to what I wanted, but still not the right fit.
Eventually an opportunity opened at the Department of Services for the Blind as a Rehabilitation Technician. At the time I knew little about vocational rehabilitation. Like many people with disabilities, I was about to learn how powerful vocational rehabilitation services can be when building a career.
Fifteen years later, I help lead programs that serve people who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision across Washington State.
Sometimes the best career paths appear after a detour.
Becoming a Guide for Others
Over time, many people find themselves helping others along the road.
Mentoring is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.
It took time for me to feel confident in both my disability and my career. I still face challenges, but the lessons I learned can help others.
Not everyone needs to become an advocate. But sharing your experiences can help someone else see new possibilities.
When You Need Help Navigating your Career
Even experienced travelers get lost.
If you are struggling to find work, exploring career options, or wondering what steps to take next, your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency can be an important partner in the process.
VR programs help people with disabilities:
- Identify career goals
- Learn job skills
- Use assistive technology
- Gain work experience
- Find and keep employment
The goal is independence.
For many people who are blind or low vision, vocational rehabilitation becomes one of the guides that helps them navigate their career journey.
Your Journey, Your Destination
Every journey is different.
Your path may look nothing like mine – and that is okay.
What matters most is that the path is yours.
You choose the destination.
You plan the route.
You decide when to take a detour.
And only you know when you have arrived.