Eye Health Week 2018 Blogs – Day 2
As part of national eye health week Beacon is publishing blogs all week about eye health and what it means to different people. Today we focus on Ben Byrne who discusses barriers and support for those living with sight loss, and other disabilities, who are seeking work.
Finding work can be daunting at the best of time. Spare a thought for those striving to climb back on to on the career ladder with a visual impairment.
Despite it being 2018, there is still a stigma linked to those with a visual impairment.
A common misconception is that people with a visual impairment have a need for a guide dog. Statistically, only 4% of those with a sever visual impairment see very little to next to nothing. Currently there are approximately 5,000 guide dogs in service- the demand for which is rapidly rising. The majority of those registered with a visual impairment have enough sight to live an active life without the need for a guide dog.
Beacon is working tirelessly to break down these stereotypes by working with individuals starting at a foundation level. Breaking down internal barriers, building confidence and identify what makes them ‘tick.’
Beacon’s three work programmes are unique. We take the time to understand each individual. Together we develop a tailored action and development plan to work towards. Each programme encapsulates everything from basic employment skills, professional training and development, to enhanced life skills and independence courses.
Participants enrolled on our programmes can expect a personal service with a dedicated employment advisor to guide them through their journey. Exciting courses and advice await each person. These include, but are not limited to, CV writing, cookery courses, sporting activities, interview techniques, application/ job searching support, and expert mentoring. With IT and technology being one of the fastest growing sectors, Beacon is proud of its bespoke IT training packages which introduces people with a visual impairment to adaptive software that can enhance their IT experience and ensure they are at the forefront of this ever-changing industry.
Beacon is working with over 260 individuals across three employment projects. Beacon’s employment project’s stretch across the Black Country and Staffordshire including the outer reaches of East Staffordshire. Building Better Opportunities Evolve participant Len says; “Having been recently diagnosed with an eye condition my confidence took a massive knock. I didn’t know where to turn for support. Thankfully, I was signposted to Beacon and was welcomed like family. My advisor, Mark, has boosted my confidence and self-esteem. I am actively searching for work and developing my skills at the same time. I cannot thank the team at Beacon enough.”
If you have a visual impairment and live in Staffordshire, or the surrounding areas, and are looking to develop your skills to move closer to employment then get in touch and see how we can help you.
email: evolve@beaconvision.org