Probably one of the most interesting parts of our time at Vision
Australia was a conversation with the three person employment team. I am
grateful to Deena, John and Anju for taking the time to explain their role as
employment consultants for the organization.
Unemployment and underemployment are difficult challenges faced by
many people, but especially so for those who are blind or partially sighted.
Many employers are unwilling to take a chance with someone who is not fully
sighted. Another part of the problem is that youngsters coming out of school or
adults who are newly blinded or visually impaired might be unsure of a career
path or perhaps are lacking in skills or confidence to pursue a career goal.
The aim of the employment team is to work with the client to overcome these
hurdles. Clients must be prepared to put in the initial groundwork to be
assured of successful employment.
John put it fairly succinctly when he stated that any business is in
the business of making money. Employers want to hire staff who will enable them
to achieve that goal. Businesses are not
charity organisations and the employment team at Vision Australia aspires to
prepare job candidates to compete on an even footing with other sighted and
able applicants. A key element to achieve an employment goal is that the client
must be motivated to get beyond doing nothing. It is very easy for anyone to
get into the habit of doing nothing when nothing is required of them.
In order to achieve success the different branches of Vision
Australia must work as a team. Before serious training for a career can begin,
the client must possess certain basic skills. Is the individual able to get
himself or herself to and from the work place?
If not, further training with the orientation and mobility instructors
is required. Is the client able to take care of his or her daily needs, such as
dressing appropriately and preparing a lunch to take to work? If not, further
training in daily living skills may be required. Is the client able to handle
efficiently any accommodation tools that might be needed for the job or would
further instruction be needed? Is the
client able to write a resume and present well at an interview? This is where the employment consultants assist.
What I really liked about the proactive stance of the employment
team was their philosophy of early intervention. Again John explained. He said
that the best plan was to work with a student at least a year before that
student was to leave school. That was the time to start developing a career
plan. No employer likes to see a gap in a resume with years of doing nothing.
The team encourages clients to be doing something – if not an actual paid job,
then at least something that might eventually lead to paid full time employment. The client might
pursue volunteer work, further studies or job training or part time work.
I was encouraged by both the enthusiasm and dedication shown by
Deena, John and Anju. Congratulations on the success you are having with your
program. Congratulations also to the
blind and partially sighted clients who have persevered and continue to
persevere with the program and services offered by the employment counselling
teams of Vision Australia. Well done to
you all!
As we were leaving the office, Deena gave
us a DVD about Employment Counselling Services. It is one that I highly
recommend, but unfortunately is only available in PAL, the Australian video
format. The DVD gives a brief glimpse into the working lives of three young
men. Hamish lost his sight in an accident but is now a full time employee of the
ANZ Bank, working as the Global Technology Accessibility Manager. Andrew began to lose his sight when he was
already employed as a butcher with Dench Meat and Chicken. With accommodations
and support from both his employer and Vision Australia, he has been able to
continue working in the same area. Christopher has been blind since birth and
has a fulltime position as a call centre associate with D & B Call Centre.
All three young men are working to their
potential and are excellent role models.
Employment Services at Vision Australia provides advice, training,
support and technology to help blind or visually impaired people to find and
keep a job. You find more information on
the Vision Australia website.
No comments:
Post a Comment