The Florida Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (FAER) 2023 Conference featured insightful presentations from the NRTC’s Research Professor and Director, Dr. Michele McDonnall, highlighting positive findings from our research and sharing employment-related resources.
In a keynote presentation, Dr. McDonnall presented data that demonstrated improvements and encouraging findings in employment statistics for people who are blind or have low vision. The session delved into the nuances of various employment types, such as part-time versus full-time and year-round versus part-year employment. Assistive technology’s (AT) significant role in the workplace was also emphasized, highlighting its impact on employment opportunities for people who are blind or have low vision. Findings from our current AT in the Workplace study were featured.
In the closing session, Dr. McDonnall featured NRTC resources aimed at supporting employment for people who are blind or have low vision. Career exploration tools like our 4to24 mobile app and Career Advantage for V.I.P.s were also highlighted. She concluded with reasons to be optimistic about employment for people who are blind or have low vision, including rising labor force participation and employment rates, advances in AT, and increased attention toward digital accessibility.
The NRTC's commitment to enhancing employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or have low vision is evident through its extensive research and resource development. For those seeking more information and resources related to employment, the NRTC and the National Technical Assistance Center on Blindness and Low Vision websites provide valuable insights and tools. These platforms are dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision, educators, and professionals in the field.