Careers That Work With Visually Impaired People
Working with the visually impaired can be a highly challenging and rewarding profession. Those interested in working with the visually impaired can find employment as teachers, especially in the school systems, career coaches, vocational trainers, and social workers. Though these jobs are not typically high-paying--the national average for many jobs working in social services averages between $40,000 and $50,000--the reward of helping others achieve their life and career goals can be enough of an inspiration to compensate.
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Teachers for Visually Impaired
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This important career provides education to those students who are visually impaired. Teachers of the visually impaired (TVIs) must have specialized certification in teaching the visually impaired and training in areas such as Braille instruction, large print and audio materials, adaptive technology, and specialized classroom instruction. This position is a collaborative teaching career with other classroom teachers, school administrators, and parents. Traditionally, there has been a lack of qualified candidates wanting to go into this profession so the demand for teachers is high, especially for school age children. TVIs can find work in both public school systems and private schools for the visually impaired. The average salary ranges from the low $40,000s to the high $50,000s.
Rehabilitation Professional
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One of the most valuables professions for those who work with the visually impaired is vocational rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation counselors work with people who suffer from blindness to help them gain the necessary skills needed to become a productive member of the work force. Jobs titles in this line of work might include rehabilitation counselor, rehabilitation teacher or mobility specialist. Duties for these jobs would include diagnosis and evaluation of patients, daily living instructions, vocational, Braille, and travel training, and the use of specialized tools and adaptive technology. Counselors work with patients on a daily basis to provide the learning and vocational training necessary. Careers can be found in social service agencies at the state, local, and national level and sometimes through private vocational training agencies. The average salary nationally is in mid $50,000s.
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Social Worker
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Those who enter the field of social work are looking to impact and improve people's lives, and social workers are utilized for the visually impaired as well. Most social work with blind people and their families revolves around helping with daily living needs. This might include psychological support to individuals and families, counseling patients on daily living needs and arrangements, and helping secure safe and adequate living conditions, travel needs, and dietary and hygiene arrangements. For example, a social worker might be assigned to help a patient who is visually impaired acquire a seeing-eye dog or get the vocational training they need. Social workers in this field might work for hospitals, nursing facilities, and public health and local, state, and national social services agencies.The average salary ranges from the low $30,000s to the high $50,000s.
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References
- Photo Credit using braille writer image by Kalani from Fotolia.com
