Maggie Groshan
October is Disability Employment Awareness Month, an annual opportunity to recognize the contributions of people with disabilities in the American workforce. Across Wisconsin, people who are blind or low vision are working in both white- and blue-collar jobs. But according to VisionServe Alliance’s Big Data Report on Working Age Adults with Vision Loss, over half of working age adults with vision loss in the state are not working. The report highlights the fact that people with vision loss who are working tend to have better physical and mental health outcomes than those who do not work. Many more people with disabilities could be gaining those benefits and making a positive impact in the workplace by obtaining the professional and daily living skills required to succeed on the job.
“Those of us who are blind or low vision need to develop unique skills as part of the recipe for successful employment,” says Executive Director Denise Jess. “The other key ingredient is for potential employers to understand that we bring incredible problem-solving skills and a strong sense of perseverance to the workplace.”
Everyone needs certain basic skills to hold a job, but people with vision loss need a few specific ones to be successful. In today’s workplace, most jobs require basic computer skills, regardless of industry. Familiarity with access technology and basic keyboard skills are essential. “When you start a job, your boss is likely not going to teach you how to use a computer or how to use access technology,” says Access Technology Specialist Jim Denham. “It’s up to you to have at least a basic understanding, no matter where you’re working.” In addition to using a computer, being able to use access technology on your phone is vital for everything from using a ride share service to letting your boss know you might be late.
Basic braille literacy can also be useful in the workplace. You don’t need to be able to read proficiently, but the ability to label folders and drawers and to read braille room numbers can be valuable. Last year, a study from the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision found that among people who are blind or low vision, those who can read braille are employed at much higher rates than those who cannot.
Council Board Member Maggie Groshan has worked at Kwik Trip in Stoughton for 11 years as a retail helper, which entails cleaning the front and back of the store, washing dishes, helping prepare food, assembling and fixing coffee machines, and helping guests in any way they might need. Maggie says the job can be fast paced, requiring more hands-on tasks than computer work. That means the most important skill in her toolkit is organization. “I make sure that everything is put in the exact right place every time,” Maggie says. “There are designated bins for every piece of kitchen equipment that never change. That way I can quickly find exactly what I’m looking for without having to feel around forever.”
Maggie says having strong self-advocacy skills is also vital to her success. Whenever she gets a new coworker, Maggie will reach out to them to explain her vision loss and tell them how they can work with her so that the store can run efficiently for everyone. “A lot of people haven’t worked with someone who is blind, or even been around someone with vision loss,” Maggie says. “Just talking to them and saying ‘Hey, I need things to be organized in a certain way so that I know where to find them’ goes a long way.”
People who are blind or low vision also need to use a variety of daily living skills at work. Both Jim and Maggie use their white cane and their orientation and mobility skills to move around their workplaces safely.
Workers also need to be aware of how they are presenting themselves. Organizing your closet in a way that makes it easy to distinguish between work clothes and more casual wear can help you look professional in an office setting. “Be comfortable asking your boss and coworkers what other people are wearing every once in a while,” Jim says. “If there is someone around your office that you trust and who is fully sighted, they can help you know whether or not you’re dressing appropriately. Don’t be shy!”
As someone who works both with customers and back in the kitchen, Maggie has to stay clean and presentable no matter what the situation. Because she cannot see if she spilled anything on her uniform, Maggie says she asks her coworkers if there is anything she needs to clean up before talking with a customer. “It’s not easy keeping clean in the kitchen!” Maggie says. “I don’t want to go out onto the main floor covered in powdered sugar. I ask my coworkers if I’m clean and keep a stash of clean aprons on hand that I can switch out when needed.”
To succeed in the workplace, people who are blind or low vision need to utilize both professional and daily living skills every day. If you are interested in assistance in gaining these skills, the Council may be able to help. Find more information about vision services offered by the Council at WCBlind.org/Vision-Services.