Page 42 - 2022 May Report

May Report 2022
Perkins School report (2)
Over the past year, we have also begun offering learning sessions for employers interested in improving workplace accessibility. Facilitated by Career Launch staff and with program participants or alumni, we demonstrate adaptive technology, such as JAWS screen reader, and foster a supportive learning environment for employers to ask questions. These sessions enable a workplace to make meaningful progress towards accessibility and inclusion by understanding the technology and adaptations available for potential employees, and providing a safe space to learn about the experiences of people with BVI. Because the learnings can extend beyond visual impairment, these sessions can improve the employment landscape for workers and job seekers with BVI or any other differing ability.
As companies shift to offering more opportunities for permanent remote work, inclusive workplaces have become more important than ever. Virtual careers present an exciting opportunity for jobseekers with BVI who often have difficulty accepting in-person positions due to transportation challenges. We see the evolving job market as an opportunity for people with BVI, making Career Launch more relevant than ever.
Johnson Scholarship Foundation has been a tremendous champion of the Career Launch program at Perkins School for the Blind. By addressing the holistic needs of each participant, from job readiness and skill development to career coaching and confidence building, Career Launch at Perkins is preparing young adults with visual impairments for careers, and empowering them to lead meaningful, independent lives. Together, we are also addressing employment barriers by working with employers to help them develop as inclusive employers of persons with visual impairments. The successes of Career Launch participants and business partners, along with the three years of insight and learning from program staff, has the potential to make a scalable, transformative impact on the field of transition programs for young adults of all abilities.
Spring 2022 Cohort
The Spring 2022 cohort ran for eight weeks, beginning in February 2022. Six participants enrolled this spring, ranging in age from 22 to 33, hailing from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Michigan, Montana, and California. Three participants had achieved an Associate’s Degree and three had achieved a Bachelor’s Degree before enrolling in the program.
Given the national nature of the program, live training was held from 11am to 5pm Eastern Time. Asynchronous learning (ex: recorded lessons) and individual work was self-directed, allowing participants to learn at their own pace and practice time management skills.
The Spring 2022 cohort forged an incredible bond early in the program. Participants supported each other by sharing resources and offering their expertise. They were enthusiastic to celebrate each other’s accomplishments and active in using the Google Classroom stream feature to communicate and foster community virtually.
Upon completion of the program, all six participants gained confidence and self-awareness to forge ahead into careers. “The biggest comparison from the beginning of Career Launch to the end of training is the confidence I have now to better show off the strengths I have, how I can improve, and be an asset to companies,” shares participant Sarah.
40