Everyday Job Opportunities in Your Community
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Youth who are blind or low vision begin working on their transition to college/ career IEP by their 16th birthday, with goals in postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. Check out Transition from High School to Adult Life for Teenagers Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision for more.
This series focuses on employment—unpacking experiences, skills, and resources youth need for success. You’ll also hear directly from teens and families about how young people who are blind, low vision, or DeafBlind are stepping into the workforce.
The Road to Employment
Finding that first job can feel daunting, but it’s absolutely possible. Tap into supports like your school’s transition to college/career team and vocational rehabilitation. Don’t miss summer employment programs explicitly designed for youth who are blind or low vision.
Simple family steps:
- Chores as practice: Ongoing, meaningful household tasks build responsibility and job skills.
- Volunteer locally: Food banks, rec centers, libraries—all need helping hands.
- Paid gigs: Small businesses often hire teens to stock shelves or greet customers.
- Try microtasks online, such as captioning audio or testing accessible apps, to build digital skills. Use your child’s passions to create opportunities to earn an income.
Getting Started in Your Neighborhood
- Map local resources: List food banks, community centers, pet shelters, small shops—then explore what roles they offer.
- Leverage strengths: Work with your teen’s TVI or O&M (Orientation and Mobility) instructor to identify the tasks and environments where your teen excels.
- Value every role: From folding towels at a pool to organizing library books, every job builds skills and confidence.
- Join peer-led groups: Look for youth employment clubs or online forums where teens share job leads and tips.
- Consider pop-up markets and events: Teens can sell crafts or assist vendors at farmers’ markets and festivals—great for money handling and customer service practice!
According to Life Pathways or Lonely DeadEnds?, teens need hands-on, real-world practice to build the independence they’ll rely on after school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find summer programs? Contact your state’s vocational rehabilitation office or search “summer youth programs blind low vision” online for local listings.
How do I know which jobs suit my teen? Start with their interests—animals, art, technology—and match small tasks in that field. Observe what they enjoy and excel at.