Navigating Employment

FIRST STEPS

Contact your State agency that provides assistance

Contact your state’s agency that provides assistance to the blind and visually impaired. Open a case with this agency to receive guidance and training needed to learn skills for independent living and career or occupational transitions.

Get paperwork from your doctor

Have your doctor provide the paperwork declaring you legally blind. The designation of legally blind occurs once your vision is 20/200 or worse in both eyes. Make sure the paperwork uses the phrase “legally blind.”

Learn about assistive technology

Learn what assistive technologies are available, such as CCTVs, digital magnifiers for computers, screen readers, etc. If you have a smart phone, learn the accessibility and assistive technology available on that device. Your state agency may provide devices and/or training. There are many videos online that showcase these devices and how to use them.

Assess your disability insurance options

Assess your disability insurance options, including private disability insurance, short and long-term disability, and SSDI.

Learn about transportation and mobility options

Learn the options you have for transportation. Discounted or free of charge transit passes may be available from your local government, which may also offer paratransit services. Consider ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft. Learn to navigate as a passenger or pedestrian.

Establish a support network

Identify and utilize a support network. Family, friends, professional counselors, therapists, and psychologists can all play a role. LHON can be emotionally challenging, and having someone personal and private to talk to can help. Your state agency or local blind support organization may be able to refer you to a counselor specialized in working with people with vision loss. Finding a mentor you can relate to can be helpful in moving forward.

If you are currently employed…

Many people’s initial response to LHON vision loss is to conclude that they can no longer do their current job, so they quit. Before taking this action, consider that it may be better to find a way to continue with an employer who knows and will support you as you work through the transition, than to leave and seek employment with a different employer. Don’t let this decision happen before you’ve pursued all internal options.

ACTIONS TO TAKE

Inform your manager or HR that you have a disability to ensure that the situation is not perceived as a performance issue.

State that you are requesting accommodations.

Request a workplace assessment to determine your needs and potential solutions.

Work with your employer and/or state agency to identify and obtain the accommodations required to perform your job.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

Every person’s situation will be different, and adapting will take time.

What types of training do you need?

Can or should you take some time off? If taking time off, what are the impacts? Explore the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Understand your rights under the ADA and anti-discrimination laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 guarantees reasonable accommodations.

Navigating and obtaining employment has been discussed at past LHON Conferences, and these (YouTube) presentations share some of the most recent information and experiences.

If you are seeking employment

ACTIONS TO TAKE

Think about your career aspirations.

Assess if and how LHON can affect these career aspirations. Use this information to guide your accommodation needs. Articulate why LHON will not be a barrier to your success.