With the right accommodations, people who are blind or have low vision can pursue many of the same careers as people with full vision. Advances in technology, workplace accommodations, and adaptive tools have made it possible for people with vision loss to succeed in a wide range of professions, from education and healthcare to technology, business, and the arts.
Despite these opportunities, misconceptions about blindness and employment continue to create barriers. As a result, many people who are blind or have low vision remain unemployed or outside the workforce.
According to research published in 2019 that examined several national surveys, approximately 44% of people who are blind or have low vision were employed, while about 10% were unemployed. A substantial number were not participating in the labor force at all.
Understanding available career options, workplace accommodations, and employment resources can help people with vision loss pursue meaningful and successful careers.
What Jobs Are Available to Blind People?
With some exceptions—such as occupations that require a person to drive or have certain levels of visual ability—people who are blind or have low vision can work in many of the same fields as sighted people.
There is no single category of “jobs for blind people.” Instead, career choices can be based on a person’s interests, skills, education, experience, and professional goals.
People who are blind or have low vision can work in the private or public sector, pursue careers with nonprofit or for-profit organizations, or become self-employed entrepreneurs.
Some career options include:
- Professional careers: Lawyers, architects, consultants, and agents
- Arts and creative careers: Actors, painters, singers, musicians, writers, and photographers
- Education careers: Teachers, professors, counselors, historians, and education specialists
- Business careers: Financial analysts, marketing professionals, human resources managers, and business owners
- Technology careers: Software developers, programmers, engineers, and technology specialists
- Science careers: Data analysts, physicists, laboratory technicians, and researchers
- Healthcare and human services careers: Nurses, social workers, counselors, therapists, and physicians
This list is not exhaustive. The best career for a person who is blind or has low vision depends on their individual abilities, interests, qualifications, and the accessibility of the workplace.
How Can Blind People Find Jobs?
People who are blind or have low vision can use many of the same job-search strategies as other job seekers. At the same time, specialized employment services and networking opportunities can provide additional support.
Here are several strategies that may help:
Consider Job Shadowing, Volunteering, or Internships
If you are interested in a particular career but aren’t sure what working in that field would be like, consider job shadowing, volunteering, or completing an internship. These experiences can help you learn about a workplace, develop skills, build professional connections, and determine whether a career is a good fit.
Explore Local Employment Resources
Local organizations, vocational rehabilitation agencies, and community programs may connect job seekers with employers. These services can be especially helpful for people who are blind or have low vision and need assistance identifying accessible employment opportunities.
Research Employers That Support Workers With Disabilities
Some employers have experience hiring people with disabilities and providing reasonable workplace accommodations. Researching an employer’s accessibility practices and disability-inclusion policies can help you identify organizations that are prepared to support employees with vision loss.
Build a Professional Network
Networking can be an effective way to discover job opportunities that may not be widely advertised. Friends, classmates, former coworkers, instructors, professional organizations, and other contacts may know about potential openings or employers looking for candidates with your skills.
Let people in your professional network know what type of work you are seeking. A recommendation or introduction can sometimes open the door to an opportunity you might not have found through a traditional job search.
Workplace Accommodations for Blind Employees
Technology and reasonable workplace accommodations can make it possible for many people with vision loss to perform their jobs effectively.
Depending on the person’s needs and the type of job, accommodations may include screen readers, screen magnification software, accessible computer programs, Braille displays, modified equipment, accessible documents, or changes to the physical workspace.
The appropriate accommodation will vary from person to person. An accommodation should address the employee’s specific limitations while allowing them to perform the essential functions of their position.
Finding the Right Career With Vision Loss
Being blind or having low vision does not mean you are limited to a particular type of career. With appropriate education, training, technology, accommodations, and employment support, people with vision loss can pursue careers across many industries.
The most important consideration is finding work that matches your interests, skills, experience, and professional goals while identifying the tools and accommodations you may need to succeed.