Updated at: 04-03-2023 - By: Eden Wise

Overview

Opportunities for the blind labor force to grow are increasing and should continue to do so. That’s because advancements in technology and shifting attitudes are creating more and more employment opportunities for people with visual impairments. The American Foundation for the Blind has even compiled a list of more than 300 successful professions for people with visual impairments.

While the sheer number of people with visual impairments is impressive, what’s even more so is the range and “coolness” of the careers available to them. You may be familiar with the work of blind musicians like Andrea Bocelli and Stevie Wonder. Of course, you probably also know that Christine Ha, a chef who is legally blind, won the third season of Master Chef on television. Did you know that some visually impaired people are also accomplished in fields such as photography, architecture, ballet, law, medicine, nursing, and many others?

Indeed, this is the case. So, instead of idly wondering if blind people can find work, just remember that they can. Think ahead and decide what kinds of work you’d like to do. The next step is to look into accessible tools and services that might assist you in reaching your objective.

The article provides a list of occupations that put the author’s special skills to good use. You will gain an understanding of the difficulties blind people may encounter when seeking employment as well as the solutions available to them. In addition, you will acquire knowledge of the laws that shield those with visual impairments and the assistive technologies that can be used to your advantage in the workplace.

Jobs For Blind People top career

Jobs for blind people top career

Network engineer

Network engineer

Network engineers (also known as computer network architects) need to be able to visualize intricate networks and routers in their heads, even if they are physically located in another part of the world. People who are blind or visually impaired often excel at this kind of mental visualization.

As a professional in this field, your networking projects could range from designing internal links between offices to building out an entire cloud network. A bachelor’s degree in CS or networking is a good place to start. Furthermore, some professionals in this field hold a Master of Business Administration degree.

Physical therapist

Envision yourself aiding those whose lives have been impacted by pain or limited mobility due to illness or injury. You’d get to interact with people of all ages in this line of work, and there are lots of subfields to explore.

More people will need physical therapy services through 2030 as a result of rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and age-related ailments that cause pain and mobility issues.

Occupational therapist

Have occupational therapists or occupational therapy assistants helped you in any way on your path to independence? Do you wish to assist others in becoming more self-reliant so that they, too, may enjoy a rich and fulfilling life, despite the limitations that their disability or chronic illness imposes? You can gain valuable insight into your clients’ struggles by drawing on your own experiences with barriers to independent living.

Marketing specialist

Would you be interested in advising businesses on how to increase sales of their products and services? You can help shape sales strategies and promotional campaigns by conducting research, interviewing potential customers, and analyzing the resulting data. The employment outlook is also promising, with a projected 22 percent increase in available positions in this industry by the year 2030.

Additionally, the market of people who are blind or visually impaired is huge and largely untapped. More than 26.9 million people in the United States have some degree of vision impairment. As the baby boomer generation ages, there will be more potential customers who could benefit from a blind person’s perspective.

Financial advisor

Financial advisor

Among the fields that are accessible to the visually impaired, the financial sector stands out as a promising option. If you wanted to help people with their personal finances, you could find work as a financial advisor.

This could be a great job for you if you are a people person with excellent communication skills.

Your primary duty will be to study the markets so you are familiar with the goods and services that can be purchased. Clients can choose between long-term and short-term investments with your help.

This is a common field of employment for the visually impaired, but it requires a bachelor’s degree in business or economics to break into the banking sector. A business, tax, insurance, or accounting concentration is available later on. This is also a top pick when it comes to accessible workplaces that require little to no standing.

Software developer

The development of applications software is another field that welcomes blind workers in the IT sector. Blind people make up about one percent of the software development workforce, according to a survey by Stack Overflow.

People who are visually impaired now have the ability to code and complete the other tasks necessary for app and computer program development thanks to technologies such as screen-reading software and other adaptive technologies.

Developers who specialize in application software create software for use on computers. The type of software you develop can shift based on the business you’re employed by. There are many different types of software development, including game design, client-specific software development, commercial software development, and internal software development.

A bachelor’s degree in software engineering is generally required to enter the field. However, a background in engineering or computer science might be useful as well.

Speech-language pathologist

Complexity and necessity characterize communication, an integral part of every day. It can be more challenging to express oneself when one has a disability. You can help others who are going through tough times by sharing the good qualities and skills you’ve developed through your own experiences.

Assessing, diagnosing, and treating individuals to prevent communication disorders are all part of your job as a speech-language pathologist. You may be interacting with people of varying ages, from toddlers to retirees. You can find jobs as a speech-language pathologist in a variety of settings, including hospitals and private practices, as well as educational institutions.

One of the best paying and most promising fields for the totally blind is that of speech language pathologist. The need is great because an increasing number of people are having trouble communicating because of conditions such as stroke or dementia.

A master’s degree in speech-language pathology is typically required for employment in this field, in addition to a bachelor’s degree in a relevant area.

Massage therapist

Massage therapist

Working as a massage therapist can be satisfying if you have a genuine interest in people’s health and happiness. Your heightened awareness of subtle bodily sensations will serve you well as a massage therapist if you have a visual impairment such as blindness.

Working as a massage therapist can lead to jobs in health clubs, spas, or even self-employment. As a result, you can set your own hours and work from wherever you like. You can focus on one body system or technique, or on a specific clientele like athletes or kids. Aromatherapy, deep tissue massage, and structural integrative massage therapy are just a few of the many subspecialties available in the field of massage.

Massage therapists are required to complete coursework in body mechanics, ethics, anatomy, and physiology as part of a certificate or diploma program.

Teachers and professors

Those who are visually impaired often pursue careers in the academic world. Most teaching is done orally in classes and seminars, while any paperwork can be handled by aides or automated. Keep in mind Helen Keller, an Alabama-born deaf-blind educator from the early twentieth century.

Attorneys, judges, and politicians

These tasks do not necessitate sight, like many others, because there is a system in place to guide the worker. And if that isn’t enough, there’s always braille as an alternative to written language.

Life coaches, authors, and motivational speakers

Most life coaches and motivational speakers, like psychologists and other counselors, get their ideas from their own experiences and the strong desire to help others. Good people skills and the ability to communicate effectively are the most important qualifications for this position.

Researchers, engineers, and scientists

Those who are blind and have a desire to better the lives of the visually impaired frequently take this path. The blind engineer who created the text-to-speech tool in Android phones, called TalkBack, did so because he wanted to ensure that everyone, regardless of their visual impairment, had equal access to mobile communication.

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

Jobs For Blind People can also be found in plentiful supply in the healthcare sector. Working as a physical therapist gives you the chance to help people who are suffering from injuries or illnesses that have limited their mobility.

Working as a physical therapist would give you exposure to patients of all ages. Your special set of skills and qualities can help patients deal with their suffering and be motivated to move forward with their lives.

It’s one of the best jobs for the blind because it’s inspiring and pays well. One can specialize in many different areas within this field.

Over the next decade, demand for physical therapists is expected to increase, leading to a 21% rise in job openings. There will be a significant need for physical therapists, suggesting that the field is attractive as an occupation. A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree is necessary for licensure as a physical therapist.

Fitness trainer

Do you value your body and find pleasure in working it? If you have a genuine interest in fitness and enjoy helping others achieve their fitness goals, you may consider becoming a personal trainer.

Endorphins, a feel-good hormone produced by the body during exercise, boost positivity and general well-being. Thus, a job as a fitness trainer is ideal for blind people because it encourages them to keep a positive outlook on life while also helping others to achieve their full potential.

You can work for a gym, or you can build your own clientele and run your own personal training business. You get to set your own hours and choose your own clients, giving you a lot of freedom. You can focus on being an inspiration to the blind community and a role model for people of all abilities when it comes to physical activity.

Certified personal trainers are preferred when hiring for open positions. A diploma from an accredited high school or its equivalent is also helpful in this field for the visually impaired.

Counselor

A career in counseling would be a good fit for someone who is highly empathetic and who wants to use their strong communication skills to help others. As a counselor, you’ll help people through tough times by offering them emotional support and guiding them through the process of adaptation and recovery.

Because of their unique perspective and enhanced listening abilities, this is one of the top careers for the visually impaired. The counseling profession requires a master’s degree in the field, whether it be counseling or psychotherapy.

FAQs

How do blind people make money?

Jobs that are commonly thought of as ones that “blind people can do” are not inherently bad. Blind people can be successful in a variety of fields, including those requiring manual dexterity like medical transcription, piano tuning, social work, packaging and piece work, computer programming, and law.

Is it hard for a blind person to get a job?

In reality, people with visual impairments can perform virtually any task. Career Connect, a service provided by the American Printing House for the Blind, reports that people with visual impairments are employed in a wide range of fields.

Can blind people hold a good job?

Sure thing! Recent technological developments have paved the way for blind people to participate in the workforce in a wider variety of fields. To make employees’ time spent at the office easier, many businesses and organizations have become more flexible and conscientious. There are many ways in which blind people can contribute to a business or nonprofit.

Conclusion

It’s difficult enough to look for work without having to deal with the added pressure of a disability. We hope that by providing concrete examples of what people with visual impairments are capable of, we have dispelled some of the myths that surround blind employment.