Category: Cram Session
where as blind people are having trouble finding jobs, and whereas sighted people are unaware of what blind people are capable of doing, therefore be it resolved that blind people be made to study at least two years in college or training school. least two years of college or training school.
So, we need compulsory tertiary education, across the board, regardless of means, ability or inclination, but only for blind people?
I'm just not seeing the logic there. Do you mean that tertiary education for blind people should be subsidised? Because the job market is so much narrower? Or that blind people should all be given certain training, in accessible computing methods, etc? Just trying to figure out the point of the suggestion.
I agree with resonant. College may not be for everyone in terms of motivation or ability or financial support. I agree that some kind of training/job find assistance isn't needed, but I don't think sending everyone who i blind off to college for two years is the answer, either.
I agree with erin and motifated...you can't force anyone to do anything sighted or not. if that were the case, i think we'd all still be hauled off to asylums the minute our blindness was diagnosed.
Aah, see, 2 years is not enough, all blind people should be forced to get PHDs, nothing less will do <grin>
the problem I ahve with blind people being "forced" into college is this: I know people who've spent several years in a college, and still have an incredibly difficult time finding a job, including in the areas in which they are trained. You can spend two, four, six, twelve years in college and still not break the "oh, they're blind!" reaction of 99% of potential employers. This is why I went to a very specialized training program in college, and, while I didn't find a JOB in that area, what I learned about myself and about life in that one year is immeasurable. But now, at 22, I am much more open to going back to college to get training in a different area, not because I was TOLD to, but because I WANT to.
Kate
I didn't go to college after school. I went to a blind rehab center and that is enough for me right now.
Troy
Well the sensible thing to do after high school is to:
1. If you are wanting to learn to live on your own to clean, cook, or whhut not try to find a program in your area that can help teach you that kind of stuff. As for me I went to the Post Secondary Program in Austin TX for that and it was a great program.
2. If you already know about how to live on your own and such before you leave home then try to go to college. I mean college isn't for eveyone but hey you got to at least give it a shot to see if it's for you or not. If it is then kudos to ya! I did and I tell ya it did not work out for me.
3. If you aren't going to college and want to search for a job, then try to find a job search program in your area. They have programs like that to where they help blind and/ or visually impaired indiciduals look for jobs. I'm currently recieving help looking for a job. I'm praying it goes as planned.
4. Oh yeah I forgot to mention if you don't have any type of experence for what your interested in. Maybe you could volunteer somewhere and gain experience for the postion your hoping to gain in the enar future at a job. I was told if you do alot of volunteer work it goes a long way if someone is looking at your resume, they''l know know your a real dedicated person and willing to work.
I know alot of people don't like to do volunteer work because they don't get paid but the reason you should do so is for the experience. Remember most employers won't hire you unless you got the experience required for the particular job your wanting. Keep that in mind.
Couldn't have said that better myself. Dragon has the plan!
Troy
I agree with Devine Dragon also. I am currently witha job search agency here as I've applied for jobs and had no luck due to lack of experience, even though I've graduated colledge AKA uni last year, so colledge doesn't always make a difference, and besides, not everyone would want to go, and forcing them to will cause harm rather than good, anyway. So I think volunteering is the main thing if you have no experience, and build up from there.
Cheers Jess.
I like that plan dragon mentioned
I agree Most blind people I know work in shelter shops
That last post is sad. I say, if you're planning on some kind of postsecondary education, and you don't feel you're ready, do something similar to what previous posters have suggested. Each person is different. Noone can be forced to do what people want them to do.
I'm in my first year of college. And honestly, that whole "you're blind" idea from employers really scarces me. I'm hoping that being a theater major in a world of accessible theater will ease my problems.
Good luck with that.
I intend to go to college for my masters in psychology. the blind thing scares me too, but I also plan to study english, so maybe a professor or or something like that will be my backup plan.
The volunteer thing works. Sighted people see it and go "wow!" Anyway, good luck with that masters degree.
David.
Hi, to the person earning a Master's in Psychology good luck. I am a Sociology major just beginning an internship for my major. I have lots of volunteer experience and some paid employment. I'd highly recommend getting an internship in your chosen career fields. I know that mine required one and I was actually glad. I knew that experience counted so I've had lots of volunteer experience as I've already said. You'd be surprised at how potential employers look at that. Also, I've been lucky that a Sociology degree has been a good match for me. It doesn't place as much emphasis on sight as other majors. For any potential college students. you may not wanna hear this, but it's true. It's a really good idea to try to figure out what you want to study ahead of time. Also, sorry, but some majors are not suitable for blind people at this point. You'll be doing yourself a favor if you realize that before you've wasted two years on a program that isn't going to work for you. Also, some majors just have better job potential. I was lucky in that I chose a major that I'll be able to use in my area after I'm done with school. I can't believe that some people out there need to go to an independent-living school. So much of that stuff you can easily learn from friends/family. never be afraid to ask people how to do things. Don't forget that attitude has as much to do with success as anything else. I've had nothing but support from friends/family/professors in my education.
I plan on majoring in music therapy. I start school on the twenty-eighth of this month at the University of Wisconsin fox Valley, and then, hopefully, I will be able to transfer to the University of wisconsin eau claire two years from now. I am excited for the beginning of this new chapter in my life.