Category: Jobs and Employment
Recently, I've begun job searching again. Even though I have a BA in Sociology and a certificate to teach English as a Second Language, I'm finding it very difficult to locate a job either in these fields or out of them. Some require experience or credentials that I don't have. Some require vision to one degree or another, mostly in the tasks described in the add. Usually, I can do many but not all of them. Some are easy but too visual to even consider. Some require the employee to have and sometimes to use his/her transportation on the job. Others are simply too far away or consist of things that don't interest me at all, like cold calling. I do enjoy working with my hands and have heard that there are jobs traditionally classified as "blind trades". These include things like basket weaving, broom/brush/mat making and chair caning. Have any of you worked in such fields? If so, where did you llearn your trade? Do you know if any of these are still taught to the blind in America? Did I leave anything similar out or perhaps there's one not classified as such but that might work for me? Since the ones that I've mentioned all involve weaving, can I learn one and then another or is it really best to stick with one? Which will bring in the most money given today's economy? I know many people buy baskets and chairs but I really don't know of many people who use brooms, brushes or mats that aren't artificial. I know that there are basketry guilds in the U.S. and that some offer classes but, as with the other crafts, I'm not sure if there's a special way to teach the blind. Also, are there certain techniques or styles that would be easier for a totally blind individual to do? Btw, I haven't forgotten piano tuning or massage therapy but those usually require extensive training and licensure etc. As a sidenote, is it just me or have teaching, telemarketing and call centre work become the new blind trades? Thanks for your help.
Hi,
Don't limit your self. When you read job ads, challenge yourself to think of how you might solve the transportationa dn other hurdles that might come up, but don't let them stop you.
Getting to work and coming home isn't so much of a problem, though it still is one if I'm relying on something as unstable as paratransit. Still, that can be solved by a carpool. . I'm talking about jobs that require you to travel while you're working. Another issue with traveling is that my mobility skills aren't that good and I'd have to get used to a whole new area etc all the time. The visual things are usually stupid ones, sorting/filing/labeling/shipping packages, reading credit cards, forms or handwritten documents etc. But sometimes, they're huge ones and encompass most of the job. Even if I could do most of the things, the odds are they'll hire someone who can do them all. The same holds true in the food industry, which I've wanted to work in since I was six-years-old. The thing that really really gets to me is the "must have 3-5 years experience" and so on. How are people supposed to get this so-called experience if no one will hire them for entry level positions?
Hi, I know you mentioned massage therapy. I am a massage therapist and my training was only 10 months and taking the state exam is not all that difficult. My rehab paid for the whole program including my table which is expensive. If you want to talk about this, send me a message. Good luck in what ever you choose to do!
Hey it's Steff. I work at Alabama Industries for the blind. They have blind and sighted there. We do brushes, brooms, mops, paper products, ties, pillow cases, kit bags, and JS list bags. I work on maintenance cases and I do a lot of the sewing. I use a surger, programible tacker, streight needler, and a hymner. You get trained. You also get free transpertation to and from work and can eat breakfast and lunch for three dollars a day. You also get insurance by the company. I think it's awesome.
Hi, I have a B.A. in Sociology as well. I have lots of volunteer work, an internship, and am in AmeriCorps, which is like the domestic Peace Corps. I did a concentration in Human Services. You might want to look into doing some volunteer work. This will look good on a resume, give you some new skills, and increase your self esteme. You could also look into an internship. Lots of these are open to college grads. Do you have a business outreach coordinator at your Voc Rehab organization? Could you go back to school and add a concentration to your Sociology degree? At this point, you might want to look at improving your skill set. Besides the above-mentioned possibilities, you might be able to take some computer classes. You are obviously a smart girl, I would really encourage you to build a workable resume, and gain some work experience. I did lots of volunteer work in college, and deliberately chose a major that required an internship. HTH
As far as the transportation-on-the-job issue, see if there's a way to work around that, like meeting clients at the office. Discuss this with your voc rehab counselor if you have one. I just went to a career seminar for an AmeriCorps conference. Lots of stuff qualifies as work experience. As long as the work you did was relevant to the job you're applying for, it doesn't matter if it's paid or not. I'm not saying you should volunteer for your entire life, but it is a foot in the door. I worked with one of my co-workers while she was a volunteer coordinator. Besides the other perks, it's a great way to meet people with similar interests as you, and to make connections.
To The royal princess:
Wow! That really does sound amazing. I was unaware that they actually provided free transportation, though I did know about the benefits etc. do you have to be close to the facility for them to pick you up or can you be farther, like an hour away? What kinds of work do the totally blind people do there and is it all done by machine or is some done by hand? I think I'll just call the one near me and see what we can do about getting me in. If nothing else, I can get trained and work for them and then possibly make and sell some things on the side.
To blw1978:
I'd like to thank you for your input and compliments before continuing. They were very thoughtful. However, I really have no interest in vollunteer work or in unpaid internships. If I've gotta get up to work I want to get paid. I've been a computer user for 13 years and really have no interest in most of the things that they teach in computer class. They're usually either too basic or involve software that I don't use. The only way I'd go back to school is if I got scholarships. I don't do loans. I graduated with a 4.0 gpa, so probably could get one. But if I did go back, I'd get an MA in Hellenic Studies, since that's what truly interests me. That and cooking are pretty much the only ways to get me back in the classroom. Actually, I've wanted to get into the food business in some capacity since I was six-years-old, but was told both by my mother (who worked in catering for many years) and by a chef who taught the blind, that my chances of getting in are very slim because I'm a liability. Even if I took a very minor position, they'd rather hire someone who they felt could do more. Still, I will try at some point, once I feel that I'm financially stable. My self-esteem is fine. Now if only my mobility could catch up. lol
how do you build your experience when they don't give you a job in an entry level?
you can build your experience from volunteer work, or internship or work experience. even though it sounds unappealing for you, you might not liking the idea of working without pay, but, for a blind person, anything that will help their resume and cv to look good is appealing, and it gives you more confident to your pertential employers. also, it will help you to build up some of the other skills which you may not have at the moment, that you might need in the future.
That liability crap... isn't that discrimination?
Like I said, no pay no work. I have had experience in telemarketing, appointment setting, business development and, to a lesser extent, in-person sales. I would like to do some tutoring in English, though some places won't even accept that. It is discrimination but the ADA forces them to lie instead of just telling the truth. So they'd make up some other reason why they didn't hire me.
To Season, thanks for reaffirming my position on internships/volunteer work. I work in the Human Service field, where It's kind of hard to get your foot in the door. I know so many people who graduated from school, and had no experience with Sociology or Human Services. I actually had a voc rehab counselor challenge me on the volunteer issue. I spent one summer out of school, with no work, or job prospects, and it was one of the most miserable times in my life. Sometimes things don't work out like we'd planned. Tifinitsa, would you consider not working with food, if it meant improving your hirability? I can't believe that blind people are still doing stuff like making brooms. I understand college isn't everyone's cup of tea, but c'mon people, it's not the 1800's anymore. Have you considered taking a career-assessment test to re-evaluate your skills and interests? The reason some people are reluctant to hire blind people, is that sometimes, they aren't visible. This is why I've deliberately chosen not to work with blind people. That's fine for those who want to, but there is a whole world of people I could potentially help. You may or may not be discriminated against, but in any case, are you going to wait forever untel you get a food service job? Massage therapy sounds good, if that's what interests you. I don't know about your area, but one of our voc rehab counselors discouraged a friend of mine from pursuing it cause the field in our town was kind of saturated. You have a Bachelor's degree. Now use it honey!!
Oh, of course. I mean, the jobs I'm seeking aren't in food. That's just a dream of mine. I'm so sick of everyone telling me that just because I have a degree, I should take a college job. Suppose, for a moment, that I did find a job in some kind of craft, and that it paid well and that I liked it. Should I just say "oh no, I can't take this because it's beneath me" or "well, I went to college, so this isn't what I should be doing"? I feel just as trapped as the people who didn't go because everyone wants something of me. some want me to be a teacher, others want me to work in an office, others want me to be this great inspiration to blind people everywhere, others want me to become a lawyer and still others want to stick me on the phone in a telemarketing or call centre job. What if I wanted to go to a trade school and learn something like piano tuning, bicycle repair, woodworking, ceramics or whatever? The one thing I'll say is that when I get to Greece, I'll take whatever job is available, and, so long as I have a roof over my head and a steady job, I wouldn't mind vollunteering and helping my country. I just don't want to do it here. Maybe, if I could find a local Greek organisation or something, I might consider working without pay. As for sociology, I'd love to be able to interview people for authors, documentary writers etc, but for some stupid reason, even those jobs require an MA or a PHD or experience. I wanted to lecture on the importance of contraception etc but that requires some kind of degree or training. I even e-mailed a major organisation of sex therapists and educators about it but no one got back to me. Massage therapy doesn't really interest me.
Sorry, I didn't to make you mad. And I know lots of people who have gone to college, and haven't used their degrees in their chosen fields. But as blind people, it's not like we can go out and be pizza truck drivers. Our career fields have to be more tailored in a sense. I suppose if you wanted to learn a craft, you could, but would you find one that pays relatively well? If you want to go to Greece, would a job like piano tuning or ceramics help you? You mentioned in your last post about all things other people wanted you to do. But, what do YOU want to do. Are you interested in crafts because you feel you can't do anything else? Will doing something craft-related be satisfying for you? Why not take a community public speaking class, maybe with a friend, to improve your speaking skills. Maybe you could present on the issues that are important to you. BTW, AmeriCorps pays, I get a monthly stipend, and an education award which I may use in the future to go to grad school. I don't know about Greece, but my sister wanted to Travel to Australia, and she couldn't, cause she couldn't get a student visa, cause she's over 30, and she couldn't get a regular visa cause she doesn't have a trade. My sister traveled to Greece, and she liked the people, but I don't know how they treat blind people. I'm guessing probably okay. But I don't know what kinds of work incentives the country has for those with disabilities, especially foreigners. Do you have some connections there, other than your boyfriend who could maybe help you out when you get there. If your mobility is an issue here, what will it be like in a foreign country that you've presumably never visited. Go for it, if you really want to, but just some things to think about, (which you probably already have). If you want to teach, be a volunteer tutor, Sorry, but that may be the only way you gain experience. Is your heart in doing crafts? If so, then okay. In the end, you gotta do what's right for you, but are you sure that you know what that is?
The major downside with the volunteer-for-experience thing is one must be independently wealthy, or living with parents, or have some other subsidy to make it work. Not all have that. When I lost my consulting business a few years ago, before being hired by my current employer, I saw just how hard this stuff can be; I had a pre-teen daughter and expenses, and if I could have seen, would have gone to the grocery store and worked there awhile. As it was, the Blind Vendors program was relatively easy to break into, but I still had to get federal subsidy to make it; which takes a ton of time if one has just lost their means of income.
I do wish we could find a way to solve this for folks. I mean, I've been back in my profession for several years now, while several sighted friends are out of software dev, and have been for over a year, looking for work. But in a way, I wish we could take an industry and use it for in-between blind folks, who are between jobs or just out of college / their financial suport just ran out as happened to me in the early nineties. It's a problem for which I would love to find a solution, but you human service folks are probably more geared for it as my best efforts are on machines ...
No no. You didn't make me angry. *smile* It's just people in general, and I guess I needed to vent. The trouble is, I honestly don't know what I want to do. I'm looking for a job right now, not a career. I think I'd definitely find a craft satisfying, since I love making things and working with my hands. So even if I was repairing something, that would be fine for me. I'm a very confident speaker. When I was a senior in high school, I was asked to attend some kind of meeting at a local community college. I forget the exact topic, but I think it had to do with special education. Anyway, I went and, when everyone had made their speeches and presentations, I asked if I could do an impromptu one. So I did, for about five minutes, in front of about 450 people. I wasn't even supposed to speak but felt very passionate about what they were saying and wanted to tell the students there to never give up because they were beautiful and to not let anyone hold them down, no matter what disabilities they had. Everyone is disabled in one way or another. It's just that sometimes, we can tell what their disability is, and sometimes we can't. But back to the topic at hand, I went to the site for AmeriCore and they sound interesting. Certainly, what they're doing should be commended and it's amazing. But I'm really not sure that I'm willing to join something where I'll need to stay for a year. The thing about trying out jobs is that if I don't like it after a month or two, I can quit. Here, I can't, not only because of my committment, but because I just can't let those kids down. children are very important to me and I'd hate to upset them. I'm not too sure that I want to move away to a place that I probably won't get to choose, and one where I might not want to live because of a high crime rate etc. I also like having my summers off, or even if I worked in a more regular environment, a two-week holiday and 25 March off. All that said, you've given me some ideas about possibly helping out with kids or seniors in my own neighbourhood. I don't see why I can't work for a few hours a week or even a few hours a day at something where I'd get to help people. As for Greece, I do have several friends there, which really helps. A good friend of spiros told him that I might be able to take a position teaching English to blind children. There's also a government program, strictly for the blind, for switchboard operators. The key to all of this is knowing the language and I'm working on that. and There's even one for crafts for the less abled. Of course, these wouldn't be my first choices, but at least, they're something. But as you know, visas can be a pain, and this is especially true with Greece and America. Greeks find it hard to come here, unless they work in set fields like cooking or music and people from here have a tough time getting a working visa. I could technically apply for Italian citizenship, because my mother was born in Italy, and that would make it much easier, but I don't think that would be right. I don't want to have to owe my allegiance two two countries for which I have no feeling and as someone once said, it's not really fair to use Italy as a stepping stone. It'll also be annoying renouncing both citizenships later on. (I can be a dual citizen of America and Greece, so this is a personal choice.) You're certainly right about mobility. that's why I've given myself two years, or three at the most, before I make the big move. I want to be sure I'm ready on many levels. You're right that I haven't gone yet, so I also intend on visiting, first to see what it's like, and second, to decide on a place to live.
You raised some good points. And yeah, I wasn't independently wealthy, and I did get some government assistance. I can understand how difficult it must have been for you, especially with a young daughter. I too think there needs to be more attention paid to skills for blind folks. If there had been a blind vendor plan in my state, I might have considered it my second summer before I started my volunteer work with victims of domestic violence. I guess one way I looked at it was that since I was receiving financial assistance from the government, I might as well contribute what I could while gining some valuable experience. I know though that people's situations are different, and I'm a firm proponent of the Vocational Rehabilitation system when it is well administered, (which it isn't always is). I can under stand being frustrated with not being able to walk into a grocery store or something and apply, cause I've had that same frustration. I'm glad you are back working in computers, or whatever you do. Even though my job sucks (and I mean really sucks) right now, I am really blessed to have it. I don't know what the answers are for why the unemployment among blind people is so high, but I just plan to beat these statistics, as many others do. BTW, sorry, if my posts have gotten a bit off topic.
robozork, thanks for your input. I totally agree with you on the financial aspect. I mean, I need a job so I could get money, not just so that I could help. Like I said, I don't mind working for a few hours, but getting up at 7 or maybe even earlier in the morning and working till 6 and getting back at maybe 7 or so just for a little monthly stippend is totally not my cup of tea.
Whoa, for someone with a B.A. I have really been a crappy typer. Sorry for all the typos. Btw, I didn't have to move for AmeriCorps, I have a chapter right in my community. You might as well. You have the right idea about working/volunteering. Even if it's a few hours a week, it may help you figure out what you want to do. It's okay if you don't know exactly what you want to do, you can try lots of stuff to help you make up your mind. I personally hate job searching, but if you choose a craft that you know you can bounce around in, that might be okay. While it's okay to have lots of jobs, a lot of employers think it looks bad, cause you could appear disloyal, like if you were to have tons of jobs in the same year that were unrelated. Why not use your time before Greece to really build a good resume. you sound like you'd be a great public speaker, so build upon that if you want. If you wanna teach english, great, get some tutoring. You can do all this and still work if you want.
Did I mention that AmeriCorps is full or part time? And, if you don't want to use your education award for grad school, you can use it for education in a foreign country. So, you could maybe use it for say, a cooking class in Greece, or a language imersion class. It doesn't matter, as long as the program is accredited. I would have loved to have a crappy job just to make money in school. Oh wait, I did, I worked at my school's office for students with disabilities. I spent practically the whole semester running my butt off delivering tests and memmos to different buildings. Oh well, I got lots of exercise, a resume stuffer, and some pocket money.
ooh! Greek language emersion... Now my mouth is watering and my head will be full of dreams tonight. I destroyed old documents and test booklets for workstudy in college. I'll see what I can do around here, though there isn't really that much aside from the sales and office stuff that I talked about way back towards the beginning of the thread. Don't worry. I'm a certified ESL instructor, and sometimes, I honestly wonder what on Earth I'm writing. It's better to brainstorm and get ideas from each other and go a little off-topic than to not say anything useful or have the thread burried because people are are afraid to post.
agree totally with blw1978.
internship/volunteering/work experience nees patient, independent, and some sort of well, financial stability. but, there are some organizations that you can volunteer to work with, and have a free accomadation and food for a certain period of time. i know this fact because, few of my friends have done it and doing it, some even travel abroad to other country, like the UK and Italy for such.
and in the society that we living now, an under graduate degree mean nothing. what employers looking for is experience, and other skills that we can attributes to their organization, either blind or sighted. but of course, in our situation, it is harder than any sighted person, cause we need to constently prove to others that we can do it, even before they give us a chance.
and since you have the advantage of knowing Greeck, you can perhaps find some blind organization there, and try to volunteer yourself in a condition that they provide you with accomadation etc.
you might not liking the idea, but, to be honest, the road is very bumpy to ride. only by the courage of constently trying, rejecting, failling, before you can even see a deem light of success, or even, an opportunity.
There's absolutely no way that I could vollunteer in Greece, unless I had a real job. I have no money and would have no way to live. I need to actually work.
Okay, so do whatever you have to do here, to make work easier in Greece. If you're a certified ESL teacher, call up a library, or other organization and ask about taking on a couple off students. You mentioned in one of your last posts that you would consider teaching English to blind children in Greece. Why blind children? Just curious. Remind us why you are hesitant to leave your city/town? You mentioned something about children. If you are having a hard time finding a job in America, what makes you think you'll have an easier time in Greece? If you have your heart set on a craft, do you have an organization in your community where you could learn one? Have you brought up your travel plans to your voc rehab counselor, if you have one? If you want a job ASAP, you might want to tap into any resources they might have. Don't forget to write a whiz-bang resume/cover letter. Maybe you could work on some short term goalsetting, cause right now, you sound really overwhelmed. Did you ever have a professor or academic advisor in college give you career advice/suggestions? I had several professors comment on different aspects of my dv experience. My internship advisor recommended AmeriCorps, and while it's not my dream job, she took an interest in my well being. I used to have the same attitude with regard to working with pay, then I realized that I was geting more of a boost from focusing more on my major. Think about it, what do you think looks better, a bunch of fast food jobs, or some work experience, that is relevant to what you want to do, but is not paid, or very low paying. It's a question I had to ask myself. Maybe you're applying to the wrong type of job. Personally, I wouldn't really do any filing, unless it was all printed material, that I could scan using a scanner. Really focus on what you're good at. A sighted friend once told me that I offered more brains, than sight. And sorry, but a lot of basic jobs require more sight than brains. You obviously have lots of brains, so pick something that utilizes them. I know you don't want a career, but realistically, that may ultimately choose, and it may eventually be a better fit for you in the long run.
Sorry, maybe I should slow down here, that should have been what you choose.
It's not that I'm specifically looking to teach blind children. That's the job that was offered to me. *smile* That and the telephone job is why I think it would be easier to find work in Greece. I don't want to leave until I'm ready. Right now, I'm not, neither financially nor mobility wise. I don't want to have to leave my boyfriend, my family and my friends just to go to another part of America, though Tarpon Springs Florida would be nice. lol More seriously, I've heard that Florida's blind services aren't that good, so I probably wouldn't do it. I know that there are some craft places near me, and I've heard of some skilled trades that the blind can do, so I'll check those out too. But the New Jersey Comission for the Blind won't pay for me to go to any kind of trade school, since I'm already a college grad. I do have a vocation counselor but he really doesn't do much, and the organisation to which he recommended me also doesn't really do anything. No, I haven't really told him about moving to Greece. If I did, then he probably wouldn't help me at all, cause he'd think I'll be leaving soon anyway. I have a nice resume written, so at least that's something. You're certainly right about me being overwhelmed. My advisors etc basically didn't help me at all, or I might've chosen something different for my major. They were like okay, you wanna do this, that's good. The only thing one said to me was that I'd sooner or later want to get my masters, since it's difficult to find jobs with a BA in sociology that pay a decent amount of money. But by that point, I was either a junior about to enter my senior year or I was a senior and couldn't change my major. I forget which. I'd still take the paid jobs. It's hard enough getting me up in the morning, let alone for a long and stressful day with no monitary reward or one that's so low it's like peanuts. Even if I took a craft position that didn't pay much in the beginning, for some of them at least, I can choose my hours, and for the rest, I could handle it, especially if transportation is provided. I'm better working alone with things than people, even though I'm very good with teaching and helping etc. Sometimes, I just like to do my work, go home and leave it behind me. I like my mother's idea of trying out different kinds of jobs and seeing where I fit. If I'm that worried that they won't hire me cause I've done too many things, I could always not include them on my resume. And it's not like I'll be switching every month. lol
One of my major problems with assessments etc. nowadays is that blind people in America are basically told that phone work is their only option. Well not everyone is good with phone work at all; I'm certainly *NOT!* and although I paid my dues in tech support in the mid to late nineties before I got in to software development, the phone part was my biggest weakness / failure. It's different now when you can just remote into a machine but anyway, most phone jobs pawned off on blind folks are customer service or sales. That requires a specific skill set and specific wiring. If you're really good at explaining things, talking someone through something, etc., you can do it. However, if you're like me, you're likely to want to say 'Scoot over ... I'll fix it', which is what I do with family and friends. All that aside, phone work uses proprietary software that no screen reader could possibly work with because it's not standard at all. There are a few notable exceptions; Freedom Scientific on one of their pages wrote about a company called BForce that uses web-based stuff, and that would work better, but most phone software is so proprietary it requires extensive amounts of extensions written in a screen reader's language and / or Visual Basic, FoxPro or whatever the software is written in, provided it has a DOM / extender, all this effort for a low-end minimum-wage high-turnover job. There's gotta be a better way to get folks employed. As I said, I'm blessed to be employed developing for a company now, especially when even my sighted peers - many of them at least - are jobless.
This is a real problem, I think, and not being addressed. I may have the technical know-how to understand where the software failings tend to be in the phone / support areas, but the larger question can't be fixed by machine. I wouldn't recommend the Vendors program to anyone - most states require extensive training, so if you're just between jobs that's a bad idea. I was fortunate where I live because they didn't require it.
And while I ran places efficiently, I doubt anyone who visited them remembers me as they do other vendors who are a lot more of a sales/marketing type personality. There were other things that were challenges as well, which are not the fault of the Vendors Programs either; you have increased security in government buildings - meaning less of a target audience and far fewer walk-through customers, so your profit margins are pretty slim. I worked it all out in Excel / with formulas and figured out that technically, the threshold just wasn't high enough.
All that being said, if your skills are more aimed at sales or marketing, you could probably be more successful. We just need to somehow create more alternatives, and I yet do not know what that would look like; though I'd give much to see it happen and not waste what happened to me several years ago.
Thank you Ys! That's pretty much what they do at the job clubs and what the comission and everyone says. Phone work, here's this customer service job. I am good at explaining things and teaching. I just don't have the patience and hate repeating myself to sell stuff. So even those of us who can do it don't want to. I seriously think phone positions have become another blind trade. As for software, there's another one out there called Vanilla Soft. It's nice and webbased and allows you to just click on a number and call with skype or another voip service, enter the information and then just move to the next call. They wouldn't pay for training for me in any case, but I did consider the vendor's program for a time. Thanks for pointing out it's short comings. I never thought of those. I've heard that there is someone who started out with a few machines in federal buildings and now has his own business where he sells them to other clients and has them installed in several stores and so on. He's a million heir, believe it or not. But I don't know him personally, since I've only heard of him through a friend. for years, I've wanted to be like my mother, who was very successful in business and owned several in various fields. But after she explained just how much hard work is involved and how much you have to give to it, I gave up on the idea. A little thing on the side is fine. But a full-fledged one just isn't for me. But I agree about there needing to be alternatives. This is truly exasperating and frustrating.
Sorry, you might not want to hear this, but the reason the Voc Rehab is hesitant about paying for a vendor training program, or whatever it is, is because you have a degree. I think State Voc Rehab agencies are leary of plunking down money for blind people that the agency feels it might not get a return on. Think of yourself as an investment. If Voc Rehab offers to pay for something, they want to know that whatever it is, that you're gonna be sufficiently stable enough to be okay. Why would an agency pay for a program that isn't in their best interest. I only brought up Greece, cause maybe the counselor could really help you land a job. Even if it's phone work, will it help you get to Greece faster? If you don't want a career, this is (sorry), a crappy job, that you're probably not gonna like, but will it pay the bills and buy you a plane ticket? I don't know if Voc Rehab paid for any of your schooling, but, if they did, they might want to use your degree. I'm not saying I totally agree with that way of thinking, but I can understand why they feel that way. I understand the phone work thing, cause I do a lot of that at work. But if you look at it as a team effort, and you're a team player, then sometimes it's not so horrible. If you want to get to Greece in a couple of years, then set that as a long-term goal, and write down what it's gonna take to get there. I'm not nuts about leaving my family. But, if I had to in order to better myself, then I would. Research different states if you want, and look at their programs for the blind. Yeah, most jobs with a B.A. in Sociology don't pay a whole lot, But, is it just yourself you have to worry about? Are you responsible with your money? You might just have to work and save money a bit at a time. I have a small savings account, and I'm slowly putting money in there. C'mon, it's not like I have a car payment or kids to worry about. As long as I pay my bills, and I do, then I'm okay, with cash to spare. Even if you had to rely on government assistance, which I know is nobody's favorite thing to do, if you're working, then that's okay. Lots of sighted people get help, and they work, so what's the difference. Of course, if this isn't your situation, then fine, but try not to wait much longer, if you want to be outa here, then get the ball rolling. Even if it's a slow start, you'll feel like you're accomplishing something.
I'm not gonna move out of state just to get a job, unless it's to Astoria NY, which isn't far away at all. Granted, the wether in this part of the country sucks but it's better to be with my bf and family while I can and everyone's either in New York or new Jersey. If worse comes to worst, I'll just take a shitty local one. I'm very responsible with money and don't mind receiving assistance, whether I work or not. i wouldn't do it like that there but here, I'll take whatever I can get. If it pays my bills and puts food on the table, so be it. That said, I think I need a job for my own well being. I mean, having extra money in my pocket is always
a good thing and certainly getting out of the house and socialising couldn't hurt either. As you said, I need to get the ball rolling in some way. Still, if I had to choose one thing above all others that I need to do right now, it's to finish my Greek lessons. That'll open a whole new world for me and alot of doors and opportunities too. There are 105 lessons in all and I'm on 73. I estimated that each lesson takes about two hours altogether. So even if I finish by early next year, that'll be a huge advantage and a wonderful accomplishment. I should also get back on Linkedin and post to those Hellenic groups. Some people there might be able to help me.
Love the Greek lessons idea, but that's not really gonna help you land a local job. You want a crappy job where you live, but in a previous post, you mentioned that they're hard to find. What do you need to do right now, in order to secure a job where you live. Don't want to move to get a job? Why not, lots of people do it? So, let me get this right, you'd rather stay where you are, and not work, even if you can't find a job you want , than to move to another location if it means greater options? So, if you were to do that, how would you be helping your progress to Greece? In my humble oppinion, in a way, you're thinking too long term. It's fine to have a long-term goal, but seriously, you really need to take a step back, put on the brakes, and look at things one at a time? So, what are you willing to do to get a job, any job, in your area? No computer classes? No internship/volunteer work? No filing/labeling stuff (I totally get this one?), Could you take a shot at at a job you've already had? Lots of people do this too. Could you contact a previous employer? My mom did this, and it worked, she was back at work within a week. What sacrifices are you willing to make to get to your ultimate goal of Greece. Most things in life require some sacrifice. And honestly, how do you maintain your self-esteme. Work, as you know it, gives a person dignity. I would hate it to not have something to help me get my butt out of bed in the morning. Not even a boyfriend would give me that kind of feeling. What doors is learning Greek going to do for you in the near future, if you don't have the means to get your butt on a plane? Again, it's a great idea, but maybe you should re-evaluate your priorities a bit here. Now, if you were going to teach Greek in your town, that would be a different story.
absolutely agree with the last poster.
i'm sorry to say, perhaps not , but the idea of blind trades never register in me. there's so much a blind person can offer to the world, there's many successful storries that is successful dispite their disability and their physical condition. being blind doesn't meant to stuck in one place and do the same thing just because everyone in the world doing it.
it is time for you to regulate what you want to achieve in the future. 5 years down the track, 10 years down the track, or, maybe, just, 1 or 2 years down the track.
it is always good to have a short term, mid term, and long term goals, and work upon them.
if you not willing to make sacrifice, this conversation that we have today will be the same in 10 years time. specially with someone that does not really tied in to the world with using new technology, will be even harder.
most job in the world even with customer service, telemarketing, require you to enter some data in to computer, using ms office, or internet explorer. and frankly, most customer service and telemarketing in the world are highly domenate by people from devoloping country, who large company can employ with cheep labour.
look at your resume, ask yourself what you have to offer to the world, to people, and what the world can offer to you. try to dream the least and build from the dream ones you achieve it, instead of draming the big, but never achieve it.
you know what, by you not willing to move away from your bf or family, if there's an opportunity somewhare beyond will reflects to the same on the day you wanting to go to greak.
same thing will happen, and trust me, people are not willing to give someone a chance unless they can prove their independent, mobility, capability, and ability to achieve things. and this require lots of other skills beside the exact skills that they might looking for.
problem solving, motivation, independent as a employee, capable to play as a team member, patient, is some of the very basic but essential skills even the leas of customer service operator should have.
Season, I like your comments about dreaming small, then bigger. There are lots of things I'd like to accomplish, but baby steps are usually the best way to go. Tifanitsa, if you just take little steps, like redo your resume, contact voc rehab, or maybe a potential employer, even small steps to better yourself would help you a lot.
To blw1978:
Right now, I have a stable roof over my head, I have food and I have family. Why should I move to a place where these things aren't that stable and where I don't have the people I love around me? If I'll only be staying there temporarily. Iit just doesn't make sense. True, I can't find work around here right now, but I could put my other ideas of ESL tutoring and crafts into action. There's also that CNIB idea, which is always open to me. It is a bit far, but not impossible, especially if they really do provide transporation. that's less money coming out of my pocket. My previous employer is nowhere to be found. I've looked for jobs that would involve what I've done but many also involve visual elements. also, there are the phone systems, which I never even thought about before reading this thread. I worked from home last time and the software was accessible. I have dignity whether I work or not. I've never understood that idea. As for my bf, he certainly makes me happy and want to get up in the morning. *smile* I know what I'm worth and a job doesn't make me worth any more or any less. It's just a means to an end. I've actually seen translating and tutoring opportunities in Greek that were local. So if nothing else, I could have those doors opened to me.
To season:
I'm not the representative of the blind. I honestly don't care what the world does or what they think of me. I'm not out to impress anyone. I'm out to take care of me. Of course, if I can help people along the way, that's great and I'll do it. I know other blind people have done whatever and I know that I can too. But right now, I want a job, and if I can get one in blind trades, I'm gonna take it. Right now, I am dreaming small. I'm not looking to pack my bags and leave tomorrow. I was just hoping for some simple job advice. I'm not gonna move my whole life around just so I can put a few extra pennies in my pocket. I guess I'll look toward my ESL stuff.
To blw1978:
I have a nice text resume and I've been applying to and looking for local positions. I'm also on several job sites, subscribe to a few job newsletters and also post on Craigslist. So I'm not just sitting here going "help me".
Hi.
I don't want to disapoint you but going in Greece to live i don't think it would be a good idea.
I will tell you what i know about Greece. This is what i heard and what i experienced when i was there so i could be wrong.
First of all mobility in Greece is not easy at all especially in Athens. Maybe in Thesaloniki and other smaller areas could be better.
But in Athens the pavements are full of cars, tables from restaurants etc. Even sighted people have problems crossing the roads because drivers don't stop in the lights.
Now about jobs unfortunately most blind people there are phone operators but only for 15 years. After that they retire. I heard they get good money even more than when they were working but i personally wouldn't want to retire in my 40s. I would get bored at home all day.
I admire a lot how much you love Greece and the Greek calture. There are Greek people who are not as enthusiastic about Greece as you are. But you have to do your research and try and find out if it would be a good idea as a blind person to move there.
I wish you good luck and i hope you find something you will enjoy doing.
Geia sou Niko. Yes, my goal is to stay out of Athens precisely because of the mobility issue. Fortunately, there is a blind school in Thessaloniki, so I'm hoping that's the one that wants me to teach English. If not, I might try one of the islands and a regular school. I'd love to work for 15 years and then be able to retire with good money. However, since I love Ellada, I don't think it would be right to just take like that, so another job would be a must. I don't want to be a burden on the system or to not give back. Also, in Hellas, I have the option of being a musician. I'm sure that within 15 years, I could sharpen my bouzouki skills. lol I thank you for your compliments and I admire you for your courage and honesty. But for me, to be away from Ellas is like missing a part of my very soul. I feel like I'm stuck in the diaspora and it hurts. Every time I hear of something bad happening over there, I feel helpless and isolated and I wouldn't wish that kind of pain on anyone. On the flip side, every time something good happens, I want to celebrate with everyone, and that includes holidays and the like. I was so happy when PASOK won the elections and I thought of how, someday, I'll be able to vote and show my gratitude. My ultimate dream in life is to be a Hellenic citizen, to give to my country and to live the rest of my life there and I can't do that if I'm here. I suppose when you look at it that way, any job, so long as it'll help me, will be a blessing.
if your final goals is to teach in Greece, it is essential for you to start planning and start looking at jobs on that area. experience play a major role, when you talking about applying jobs. i asume you don't have an education degree in hand, which means, working experience is more essential than anything else.
you can try to make contact with the school that favour you, and ask them what sort of chritiria that they are looking for, if, one day, you might want to go there to teach. it might be higher reqquirement that what you thought. a certificate in ESL didn't mean much, there's more skills to that to be a teacher.
I don't have a degree in Education but my TESL/TESOL certificate is recognised internationally and my bf was told that this is all that I'd need. As far as I know, they don't even require a college degree to teach ESL. But I have one, as you said, and my grades were excellent in college so I've got that on my side too. But of course, experience does count and I intend on getting some. I'm not sure if I want to spend the rest of my life teaching but I know it'll get me there and secure me for awhile. The thing is, I can't teach in a public school, only private, parochial and charter. I can also tutor. Perhaps, if things really do go well, I'll do what's called the alternative teacher certification route. Since I have a bachelor's degree, I can apply for the certificate. I'd need to teach and be monitored for a minimum of 600 hours and then I'd have to take a test. Once that's done, it's as good as an education degree and I could teach in public schools. However, I'm not sure if that's accepted in Greece.
I wasn't implying that you were gonna move to Greece immediately. I just wanted you to think about some things. I should have clarified that I thought moving would be an option as a last resort. If you wanna go with the ESL plan, go ahead. But be prepared to start at the bottom. I was talking to my older sister who went to Greece, and she thought it was pretty much like Australia in the visa requirements. She has been to Thesalonici, and told me there wasn't anything there. But, I don't think she was there very long. There is a national clearinghouse for Americans wishing to work/study overseas. I checked it out, and it seems like an okay website. You might want to do the same. This might sound like a dumb question, but do you have good references, and a recommendation letter from previous employers? NO, work doesn't give you any more worth, but I don't know anyone who doesn't feel better about themselves when they they're working? Have you thought about the Peace Corps? If you get some ESL experience, I know one of the options is to teach English. You get a stipend, vacation, have health insurance, and get about $6,000 when you get back. It is a two-year term, but I had a friend who served for I think 2 terms, and he loved it. I haven't ruled out serving myself. Just another option.
May I have that website? It might be of help and it certainly interests me. Maybe, I could get a temporary job in another European country and then move from there? My references aren't on my resume, but I do have "available upon request" on there and they are some very good ones, mostly from college. One of them is the former dean of the college. They're also willing to write recommendation letters. I looked up the peace corps and they send you to all different countries, some of which I'd never choose to live in for any reason, and you have to serve for two years. There are also references to serving your country (America) and helping people understand Americans. I've never had any desire to do anything for America nor have I ever wanted to represent them as I don't consider myself an American, except on paper. I also think that America needs to do more for it's people instead of constantly going abroad, major disasters aside. There's plenty of poverty, sickness, lack of education and family troubles right here. To thaht end, I'd support AmeriCore more. As a sidenote, if I ever did choose to help a country other than Greece, it would definitely be Cyprus. I have a deep respect for them. Also, before anyone says anything, yes, I'd be helping America with one of the blind jobs and I do realise that it's a federal thing. But it's still a regular job and I'm not representing anyone. We're just cooperating together which is totally different.
Does anyone have any knowledge about getting involved in either of these programs? If I missed a link to web sites I appologize; just kinda hit and missed on reading it, and does anyone know how either group deals with married individuals? And, I take it with either of these groups blindness is not an issue?
I just googled them and found the sites.
Here is the site for AmeriCore.
http://www.cityyear.org
And here's the one for the Peace Corps.
http://www.peacecorps.gov/
Good luck and I hope someone here can answer your questions.
another thing you need to consider is visa requirement. even though a country can't deny your entrence because of the disability reason, but they can make it as dificult as they can for you. that would include questions like "how will you getting around from places to places?", which theoriticly mean your mobility and independent, and they will look closely at your financial and medical history, etc etc. remember, you are now talking about going to work abroad, not going for visit itself. if Athens being the capital can't provide you with the quality of blind friendly, i highly doubt that every other town or place will be better than that. by saying that, there's no harm to go to the hard way, overall, blind people in those country have survive, without the enjoyment of benefits like most western country do. besides that, don't be surprise that, when talking about blind friendly, you might most probably find that most non-english speaking country won't have the level of assessability like noth america and australia and NZ does.
there're lots of things you need to consider, and plan it properly. it could take years, but there's no harm to start planing by now, since you are not interested to end up in America forever.
however, my advice, if any, will be start with whatever that could make you there, start by doing something that is related with whatever you big dream you want to achieve. working in a blind trade like foulding cane chair and stuff is great, only if you wanting to work in thos trades for your entire working life.
it won't give you any weight for you to get to Greece.
have refference from your college is good, but how old are they? as far as most employers concern, they won't be interested in looking at someone who is back dated to 3 or 5 years old giving them any good refference. and to be honest, refferences from colleges are good, only as a sub-refference.
there's lots of thing you need to work on, to live your dream. teaching ESL is great idea, but you need to brush up your computer skills as well as other skills. and this require you to make adjustment to new technology. you need to think about pratical side of the ccoint, if you considering to go to Greece for good, not only the theory side of things.
just have a ESL cert mean nothing, beside another cert...
You made some very serious and valid points here. Yes, visa restrictions can be tough and this is something that worries. me. I highly doubt they'd cause me any problems because of my blindness, but as I said, getting a working visa if you come from America can be very difficult. Still, I've got to try. There are also a few blind organisations there, including The Lighthouse of Greece, that I'll contact for help. I certainly hope it doesn't take many years. That would be horrible. My references are at least three years old, though if I could find my old employer, that would be great. I'm not sure what I want to do for the rest of my life, as I've said.. The problem with teaching English in Greece, even in a regular school setting, is that the pay is absolutely horrible. I'll certainly take a position if it's open for me, but I also need to figure out what other things I can do. I don't see how computer skills relate to this. I'll be teaching classes not working in an office. I basically need wordprocessing skills, ocr skills and internet skills, all of which I have. So I should be fine with what I know. Brushing up on my teaching skills and ESL training is another story and I fully intend on doing that.
To the poster who wanted AmeriCorps/Peace Corps info, check out www.peacecorps.gov or just goole peace Corps. Both programs take married individuals. For AmeriCorps, it was relatively easy for me to get a job. You're doing valuable work, and well, for crappy wages, so the employer isn't really losing anything. I learned so much during my term last year. Not so much this year, but it's still money that I am earning, and it's a job per se. Peace Corps will take blind individuals, though if you consider this route, just be really detailed in what you wantt. (this is my plan anyway. I have heard of blind people serving, and I think they were teachers, though with my Human Services experience, I'd probably want to work for an NGO. I'm not sure how flexible the Peace Corps is about letting you serve where you want, but I think there is a blog about this topic on the website. My friend Paul really loved serving. I think he went to Poland. I should also mention Vista as a possible service opportunity. It falls under the same umbrella as AmeriCorps. It is only full time, and instead of direct service, it focuses more on program development/coordination. I would considder this another option. Yes, I'd love a full-time job, but I'm not above getting relevant experience in whatever way I can. Back to the married issue. A couple I know both serve in AmeriCorps, and they love it. They take me to meetings, and we've been on a couple of road trips together. I am blessed to know them, and they have been very supportive. HTH.
Yes, it helps, thanks.
I was reading over the posts in this thread last night, and again, I must thank all of you for your insights. You really gave me a few things to consider. But, barring one post, no one's really answered any of my questions on the blind trades. Are they still taught today and does anyone know where I can learn one? I decided to start in basketry, as I said in another thread, so have been trying to find information about adaptive tech etc. The only classes that I could find for it cost at least over $500, once you include registration, class and lab fee. I e-mailed one of the guilds but they couldn't really help me. I did manage to track down a blind weaver but he hasn't got back to me. He's also quite old and a master of the art, so I'm not holding my breath. I did learn, however, that you can apply the weaving skills learned in one trade when working in another, so this is good. Now that the holidays are over, I'm interested in contacting NIB and seeing if there are any positions open. I like that they include transportation, time off, paid holidays, benefits and cheap breakfasts/lunches. The transportation is particularly important. To Steff, aka The Royal Princess, how easy is it to get in? Do I need to be approved by the New Jersey Commission of the Blind or is NIB an independent agency? Do you need to go through a career assessment or do you just take whatever's open? To all, if you can think of anything else that may interest me, please let me know. Places like The Stattler Center are out, of course, since The Commission won't pay for me to go to them.
so I'm still looking for information on the following trades. I've found videos on a few. I figured it's best to learn more than one so that if I can't make money one way, I can try another trade. I've made soap before, tbut only the quick way, and also subscribed to a soap-making list from about.com. I still have yet to buy my basketry weaving supplies but hope to do so soon, since that can go into all sorts of things, as you'll see in the weaving section. The only problem is that I still haven't found videos etc. that really explain how to do it from a blind point of view. that is, they show how to do it and explain a bit, but without being able to see what the instructor is doing, and having no similar basket in front of me, it's a bit difficult to do with this method. That said, I've got a friend who might be able to help me so that I can at least learn this trade. Broom-making seems very interesting, though I'm not sure how much the tools and supplies cost or if they've changed in the last 100 years or so. The video I found showed a man using tools that one of his relatives had in the early part of the 20th century. the relative was blind and got it from a school. So if I can find something like what he had, it's definitely doable. I put cooking last because, although it's what I love the most, it's the least realistic. I got the popsical stick items idea from some functional but decorative items that Mom has such as a beautiful lamp. They were made by the blind and is very nice. Anyway, if anyone knows where I can get blind-friendly training or advice on any of the below trades, please let me know. If you go to a blind school that teaches some of these, I'd like to contact the school and see if they can give me any suggestions. If not, then I'll be stuck on the phone all day and inside the house instead of outside enjoying the weather and doing something that I'd actually enjoy. If I missed any, please let me know.
Trades
Weaving
various baskets
mats
wicker toats
dog beds
chairs
table tops
pot holders and other fiber items
Other
brooms
brushes
soap
popsical stick items
Professional Trades
bicycle repair
cooking
Well, I found out yesterday that perkins School for the Blind offers a course in seat weaving. So I e-mailed them with questions on that and the other trades. maybe they can help me or point me in the direction of someone who can.
I remember as boys we used to make spears with long shafts, and a pocket knife. To complete the effect, one could do as the northern European Neanderthals did and fire-harden the points.
Many apparently worked their tails off to free the blind from such castes as making brooms, selling Fuller brushes, and selling pencils.
Then again, their may be African Americans who wish to haul about a large shoulder bag and pick cotton in fields. Making said tote bag may be a trade.
Realistically, all this is done in other countries where the standard of living is far lower, and the price per unit is consequently cheaper. That, and said items are often machine-made now.
And lest you believe that hand=-made produces stronger stitching than one or more electric motors, consider the history of the modern fashion industry. It does not predate mechanized sewing. It was brought about because machine-made clothing was so superior in its ability to withstand wear and tear, that potential customers just weren't buying enough clothes to keep the tailors in business.
I certainly applaud them for their efforts and accomplishments, but that doesn't mean that I, as a blind person, shouldn't be able to work in the so-called blind trades if that is what I want to do. There are still some piano tuners and massage therapists around, though admittedly, both of those take a certain amount of schooling. In any case, I can't say anything about clothing, though I do know that hand-made items are extremely expensive. I've found several sites, videos and supply places, all right here in America, for basket weaving, broom making and soap making. some are just for hobbiests but some of these places also sell finished products and some of the video makers either do it for a living or have it as a side job. Then, there are the navajo, who have their own style of basket making. You can't get any more American than that. There are so many varieties, materials, styles and things to learn about in basketry that it's crazy. Plus, the skills there can be used in making other wicker products or in repairing or making seats. Certainly, there are furniture repair shops and I've even seen some that specialise in caning. Broom corn fields can still be found in Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico
and Texas and in some parts of Illinois and dealers and factories can still be found there as well. So apparently, something's going on there. Supplies are a bit difficult to find online, but there's at least one place with everything needed to get started, except the machine that I'm seeking. Soap sites are springing up all over the place, both for those who want to make soap at home either as a hobby or to get away from commercially made products, as well as for those who want to buy finished products that are natural and handmade. There are even classes in all three crafts and fairs where they're sold. So while it's true that the majority of these things are made in big factories, and while many are made abroad, people in this country are also making and selling them. Now if only I could find a teacher or some advice that could help me. I'll be writing to a few supply places and a video maker or two soon. I just want to give Perkins a chance to respond first, since they're potentially the most helpful. thaks for mentioning fuller brushes. I'd never heard of them until now. Apparently, they sold their broom corn equipment and supplies to a blind organisation, though I'm not sure which one.
So, it's been a few months since your first post. How's the Greece plans coming along. Michaels has some cool soap-making stuff. Are you sure you can make a legitimate living off "blind trades? That's not meant to be rude, I've just never met a blind person who practices one.
These are good questions. As for Greece, I'm on Lesson 87 of 105 at the moment. Once I finish, I'll call the blind school and see if they're looking for someone to teach ESL. at the very least, I need to make plans to visit so that I can check out the location and generally see the country. I'll need a sponsor, a working visa and a working permit, along with the ability to prove that I have sufficient funs to live there, so that'll take awhile. as for the blind trades, admittedly, it is a bit difficult, because alot of people are doing things like making baskets and soap. But I've never personally met anyone blind who does these things. That said, I'm sure it can be done with a bit of effort. There is certainly alot to learn in basket weaving and chair caning. A friend who does it told me they take years to master. But I don't see why I can't learn the basics and start selling things at least on a beginner level. The trick is to find the market for them, what website will be the most profitable or what local fairs I can go to to sell my things. That said, I think being blind will actually be an advantage, since I can use that in the promotion of my products.
Okay, so how are you gonna come up with the funds to visit Greece? Do you have any idea on who would be able to sponsor you? Have you had any experience teaching or speaking Greek? So hypothetically, you could be receiving SSI. If this is the case, can you reasonably afford supplies for making soap or baskets, nevermind the transport and business cards ETC to turn a reasonable profit? Can you afford a passport and visa for Greece? if not, what can you do in the forseeable future to raise these funds? You'd have to sell a lot of soap in order to get to Greece!! As far as websites, can you print out a receipt, a label and alll that stuff? How are you gonna differentiate between the dye bottles for your soap? Where are you gonna get basketmaking supplies? Most people I know who make soap and candles, also have regular jobs. Are you gonna travel to Greece on your own? Have you ever flown by yourself? Just some things to think about.
I do a little phone work here and there and am saving from my ssi as well. My family is also willing to help pay for my ticket etc. so that helps alot. My mother might even go with me, just for the first time, though I'm not completely sure on that. I only need the sponsor if I intend on staying and working there. I'm hoping that the blind school will sponsor me. If not, then it'll need to be whichever company, agency, school or person hires me. I speak, read and write Greek every day. I assisted a braille instructor for a time in a volunteer setting. One of the students there was a nonnative English speaker so I aided her in undrstanding the language while she was learning braille. I also help my boyfriend with his English on a daily basis and have seen a marked improvement since we met almost three years ago. But I haven't had any formal teaching position as of now. Thankfully, the materials aren't that expensive, at least, not for the basic things. I've calculated the costs for basket weaving, soap making and broom making, and I can at least buy starter kits, just to learn, at very good prices. The individual materials aren't that expensive either. of course, it all depends on the profit I get from selling. I'll need to work that out. But for now, I need to practise, since I haven't worked in any of these fields, with the exception of a few separate times in soap making at a place for the blind (The Diamond Spring Lodge). If I'm selling online, I won't have transport or business card costs. However, I do have Access Link (paratransit) and friends who can take me to fairs. There's also a company called Vistaprint from which I can order a large amount of business cards for free, or custom ones for a very low price. I've had a passport for several years now. I'm not sure how much the visa costs, but I only need that if I'm planning to stay in the country longer than three months and to work. So if I'm only going for a visit this time, I'll be okay. I know a few people who work with etsy.com, so I'll have to ask them how they do it. I have a printer so can probably just write out the information and print it from the computer. I'm sure there's a program for this. I'll need to label the dyes in braille once I get them. As for selecting and working with dyes, I'll need to figure that out for baskets and soap. For soap, I can easily get natural dyes or I might just make clear glycerine soap with all sorts of different fragrances, oils and ingredients. This, I think, is the most visual of the trades I've chosen. Yet I've heard of at least two schools that teach it to the blind, so it must be posible. As for baskets, most probably will need to be dies, though I can, I'm sure, get away with a small selection of naturally-coloured ones. The problem is that reed doesn't dye very easily and, as with soap, I want to avoid costic or potentially dangerous chemicals. Finding natural dyes for reed isn't easy but it can be done. The advantage there is that I can simply put each basket in the bucket and dye it the desired colour instead of adding multiple colours to a single basket. There are many basketry and chair caning supply places out there. They offer kits, tools, books and videos and several have really good prices. It's a bit more difficult to find supplies for broom making, but I've done that too, and again, the prices were very nice. It also seems to be the easiest of all the trades, though I don't know about the market for it. I'd like to travel there on my own if I can. But if Mom wants, and is able, to come that would be great. It would be incredible is spiros could instead, but he can't take off work. I'm intending on taking a ship rather than flying because I don't like the restrictions and nonsense they place on air passengers today. Now that will be a difficult one, finding a noncruise ship to take me there. It'll also be a bit more expensive. I may be forced to take a place this time around and wait for when I really move there to go by boat. Thanks for posing these difficult and interesting questions. it is extremely important that I consider all aspects of this before I plunge headfirst int it, and that means everything, from moving to workin in the blind trades.
Well, things are finally moving along so I figured I'd update. A good friend of mine loves crafts and already wanted to do soap-making before I brought up the idea of basketry to her. So she bought a soap-making kit with enough materials for two people to use and I got two basketry kits. The plan is to work with them so that we can learn the trades. Once we feel comfortable enough, we'll buy the materials separately and start designing our own products. The broom-making is on hold for now. The supplies and tools, assuming we could find the latter, are extremely expensive. But the first two crafts should keep us busy for awhile. Certainly, it will take years to truly master the art of basket making, but I think we're off to a good start.
I think it's time for another update here. As I said in my last post, my friend Dorian and I bought a basketry and a soap kit. We're very much interested in turning this into a business venture, or at the very least, in selling on Craigslist, EBay or another website. We got to try out the kits and both of us really enjoyed the work. She made the first basket on her own so that she could teach me how to do it the second time around, but I did assist by insuring that the reeds remained submerged in the water. The basket was definitely recognisable and came out nice and tight. Only the bottom isn't really flat. But for a first attempt, both of us found it quite satisfactory. I didn't get to work on mine but we'll do that next time. We then began our soap preparations. I think we had the most fun there. I was able to be of more assistance, since I'd previously made soap, though she did a tiny bit more than I in the first batch. I took over the mixing etc. in the second. The only things that worry me are the pouring of the glycerine into the moulds, adding the correct amount of essential oils and insuring that the colour is true to form and has blended properly with the glycerine. This last may not be as much of a problem with food coloring as with the blocks, but I need to insure that I can do these things on my own incase I have to make and ship batches when Dorian isn't available. Fortunately, I joined the NFB Krafters Korner list and got some ideas from there that I could try next time. In any case, we used a variety of colours from the kit and oils that belonged to Dorian instead of just the fragrance oils that came with the kit. We even had some left over, so on a whim, I took a plastic disposable cup, cut it so that less than a quarter of it was left and added my favourite mixture of clear glycerine and lemon grass. Let me tell you now that it's *not* a good idea to use disposable plastic cups as they melt. But the product actually came out wonderful as did all the others made with the store-bought moulds. We each took two and I took the extra cup one. I gave one to Grandma, one to my boyfriend Spiros and kept one for myself. Dorian kept one for herself and gave one to her boyfriend. Everyone was pleased with the soaps, especially Spiros, who kept marveling at the scent (he took another of the lemongrass ones, only with colour in it) and how long it lasted. Grandma took her's and put it in with her clothing to give them a nice scent. I think she took one that came with the kit rather than an oil.
We intend on buying the more expensive but much tougher and longer lasting silicone moulds, some more colour blocks and a few pounds of glycerine base soon so that we could make more soaps with our own scents. I'm also seeking purely natural coloring so that we could sell these as all natural products, since I know that'll go over big. Dorian's also had the idea of making candles and now she's got me interested in that as well. We're buying from
http://www.brambleberry.com
which sells ingredients for soaps, candles, shampoos, creams and locians. So if these really work out, we can expand our line. I think we'll need to wait a bit on the baskets until we really know what we're doing but we've still got mine to try and then it's off to
http://www.basketweaving.com
or maybe another site, since their shipping is a bit expensive, for some more kits with which to practise.
But for now, we need to calculate the costs of supplies and shipping and handling (both to us and to our customers) in order to determine how much we should charge for these items. I've actually heard that there's a program with SSI for people who wish to start their own businesses. Basically, you send them a plan explaining what you want to do and how much it will cost you to start and to maintain the business, and if they find it acceptible, they give you separate money from your monthly allowence to be used strictly for business operations. If you're not accepted, you could either revise that plan or make an entirely new one. Has anyone ever done this?
I also have another job that I'd like to do, along with the crafts, but this will take awhile as it requires time to learn much less master. As most of you know, I'm very interested in divination, particularly tarot and cartomancy (using regular playing cards), numerology and astrology. My intent is to learn at least tarot and numerology, to go for my first level board certification in tarot and then, if they find my work satisfactory, to begin readings for the public. I take this very seriously and would never charge someone if I honestly felt that I couldn't provide them with something meaningful. While I do want to make money, I don't want to lie to anyone and take advantage of them either. On the other hand, I think this would be an excellent way to get involved with the community and to help those in need. Dorian's actually interested in the divinatory arts as well as the paranormal, (which also interests me), though I'm not sure if she'd like to pursue any of them as a career. But at least I know what I want to do now. For some reason, I think at least one of these, the crafts or the divination, maybe even both, is/are bound to work, even in this crazy economy. Mom's not too thrilled with the crafts idea (I haven't mentioned the other yet) and calls it a pipe dream, but she won't try to stop me either and says that I should do it if I honestly believe in it.
By the way, I'm still looking for a braille tarot deck and also need a good place where I can learn numerology. Any tips would be appreciated. I'm also not sure if there's a certification there, but if so, could you please let me know? Thanks.
I have a Braille Tarot deck Its the Rider-Waite deck. I got it from Maxi Aids.
I just did a search on there and they no longer have it. How long ago was this? Perhaps, they still have some in stock or can help me find them. I know that US Games made two versions, an English and a Spanish with English but I went on their site and couldn't find it so am guessing they were discontinued.
I was rereading an e-mail from the leader of the Krafter's Korner about soap-making that she had sent to me and found all sorts of great ideas on how to cope with a total lack of sight when working in this field. For instance, Brambleberry, the site where I intend on getting my soap and candle-making supplies, sells eye droppers that I can use to measure the amount of essential oil/s that I pour into a given batch. They also have a section, which I still need to read, that explains the proper amounts needed for various combinations of base/oil/colour blocks. She also suggested working on a cookie sheet to avoid making messes on the furnature, but I already work with a tray to keep things sanitary and easy to dispose of after I've finished. She also mentioned sticking a finger in the mould to insure that I don't use too much glycerine base and she discussed a type of candle wax that needs to be warmed but not heated that is very easy to use.
I also found the page from Social Security that explains about the program that I mentioned earlier.
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11017.html
It's called plan for achieving self-support (PASS). If my ideas are accepted, they say that I could use the money for things like Tuition, books, fees and supplies needed for school or training (perhaps in more advanced forms of wicker work like chair caning or books on the various crafts), supplies to get started, equipment/tools and transportation (perhaps to craft fairs where I can sell my products, stores to buy supplies, though I'll mostly be doing that online and perhaps to seminars, workshops or to the house of a tutor/craftsperson willing to teach me). But the process for setting up the plan, filling out the form and especially for creating a business plan, seems extremely difficult. Some of the questions are fine but others leave me shaking my head. For instance, I need to know, among other things, who my customers will be (not sure as they could range from professionals, to regular consumers to stores), what my items and services will cost (that's fine in small batches but how do I calculate it for an amount of customers that is yet unknown), How I am going to pay for these items and services (isn't that what the money is for), and how much I expect to make within the first four years. I have no idea, since I haven't started selling and don't know what the market is like at the moment, much less what it will be like four years from now. This is something about which I intend on asking my friends. On the good side, they do advise people to seek professional help with this. So I've e-mailed both my vocational counselor and the woman who works with the Job Club, for their advice, and hopefully, for their help with filling out these forms and whatnot. I stressed that this was my main goal but also mentioned, as a future interest, working with the divinatory arts. I clearly explained that I wasn't sure if this would qualify for assistance and that I want to focus on the crafts, as these have a much better chance of being accepted. But I wanted to give them a full picture of my goals. I also made clear that I don't mean to become a practitioner of magic, a counselor or a healer of any kind, only a reader. My main interests are tarot, astrology and numerology. There is a course on this at the Stratford Career Institute (a college for distance learning. Judging by their "about" page, they are very reputible and are a member of several respectible organisations. Most of their other courses are mainstream. At any rate, this course is called Astrology/Parapsychology, though it's really focussed on divination as opposed to other areas of parapsychology.
http://www.scitraining.com/Astrology_Parapsychology/Outline
It offers a career diploma in the field that can be used to enhance the credentials of a potential employee or of one starting out in his/her own business. It is, of course, possible to study these sciences on my own, in which case I wouldn't need any monitary aid, except possibly to have some books transcribed into braille. But I feel that having a solid grounding in their history and in how to properly do them is essential if I use them for doing readings for the public. Since my goal is to help rather than to scam or simply make money, I am a bit cautious when it comes to companies which employ such individuals. Perhaps, it would be wiser for me to learn some things on my own first and see how it goes. In any case, I located an excellent free self-taught course in tarot which could help me if I decided against formal schooling.
http://www.learntarot.com
I still intend, as I said here, on getting my certification (ideally at the Certified Professional Tarot Reader (CPTR) level, though the Certified Tarot Reader (CTR) is a nice start and seems more feasible) from the Tarot Certification Board of America prior to going professional. There site is here.
http://www.tarotcertification.org
While some may scoff, this is an actual career path and not one that I've made up. It also seems to be one that can handle the stress of a bad economy, particularly since so many people seek advice and answers at a time like this. There are, if nothing else, companies that do hire in this occupation. I'm not sure if there are any in New Jersey which are hiring for the crafts that interest me, except possibly in a factory setting, and, with the exception of those that make all natural products, most use chemicals or other dangerous elements that would render me unsuitable for the position. That said, I did, in my e-mails, aask them to let me know if they heard of any interesting jobs with the NIB, even though they're quite far away from me. I know that they hire blind people, so that won't be an issue. Of course, factory work isn't the same as artesanship, but it's still something and can bring in some money. I know that they often have many higher level jobs available but the ones that I saw on their site were all manigerial or administrative positions that, like the mainstream ones from other sites, involved experience or degrees that I don't have. Even the ones that weren't were all out of state. I like the benefits and perks of the NIB as described on their Career Opportunities page..
http://agencies.nib.org/careers/careers.htm
"• Choice of medical insurance plans
• Employee pension plan with full vestment in five years
• Flexible work hours
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Disability Insurance
• Life insurance
•
Discounted parking
• Tuition reimbursement
• Casual business attire
• Access to public transportation
• Friendly working environment"
Working with the United States military still makes me a bit uncomfortable, but of course, I didn't mention that in my letters. Besides, it's not like I'm joining them, and there are positions available from a large variety of places, that are federal or that are not related to government at all.
There's been an extremely interesting dialogue going on at the Krafters Korner, begun by me, about starting a business. I learned that state agencies can sometimes help their clients if they wish to go down this path. Alot was said about knowing what I want, learning my trades well before I begin, being good with maths or having someone available who is, insurance, how to sell my products and make them stand out above all the rest and so on. There really is alot that I need to consider.
I was under the impression that when blind schools etc. taught these types of crafts, that the graduates would receive their own equipment and then start their own businesses. And I wondered how this was possible, given all the steps and involvement that it takes to get one off the ground and to maintain it. But then I learned that at least one place in Kansas hired people to do these things. They still exist, though I'm not sure if they still offer the same kinds of employment opportunities, since so much is mechanised or even call centre and other service work these days. But one actually has some of the old crafts! They're an NIB agency, so of course, hire the blind. I'm not sure if they use all modern machinery or still allow some things to be done by hand, but among their several product lines is brooms and brushes. But, of course, they're in New York, and even though they're technically closer to me than the agencies in NJ, paratransit doesn't go out of stte and I wouldn't feel comfortable being dropped off who knows where by bus, unless it was really close to the facility..
So it looks like the business is my only option. I just hope it works out.
Well, I heard back from my vocational counselor and he's interested in helping me in determining which ofmy ideas for a business have the best chances of succeeding! I'll be speaking with him tomorrow. In the meantime, I sent him my idea of temporarily working in a factory until everything is authorised for the business and I can start truly devoting myself to it. So it looks like I just might have a chance after all!
During my conversation with my counselor, he recommended that I call the Blind Crafter's Guild, since they might be able to answer some of my questions on the various crafts that I wish to learn. The number he gave me was 201 997-6155. Immediately after sending him the links for the staffing agencies, I decided to look up the phone number that he gave me. It now belongs to a group called Pathways to Independence.
http://www.pathwaystoindependencenj.org
They work with The New Jersey Commission of the Blind and provide several services, including a crafters program. I spoke with the Crafts Coordinator, Sue Sherry, who explained it to me. Apparently, they don't teach the crafts (contrary to what the page says). But they do help individuals sell their products. Basically, I would make a product and they would come to my home, pick it up and sell it at a craft show. Since I would be under a program, I am not required to declare my earnings, either at the end of a few months or at the end of the year. Some crafters have made as much as $200 in one day. BOf course, none of this is garanteed, but even if I don't make anything, the service is still free. I would be the only one in the program making things like soaps, so this might give me a good head start. It really is the perfect way for me to test the waters and to see how my products will sell before starting my own business. Unfortunately, she doesn't know of anyone who works in basketry/wicker work or broom-making, so I'm still seeking mentors there. This particular organisation serves all of New Jersey. There may also be similar ones for other states. It's worth checking out for those of you who are interested in making and selling crafts, even if you just want to make some pocket money.
Well, I'm back to square one, it seems. I'm trying to find schools for the blind which still teach trades, like chair caning, rug hooking or basket/mat, broom,/brush, soap, and/or candle making. But all I
keep finding are historical references to schools which either no longer teach them or which are now closed. I did hear back from the Perkin's School, and they still teach chair caning, but I'd need to be approved by the New Jersey Commission to learn from them and I'd probably need to go there, all of which I can't imagine happening. So I'm also seeking someone blind within New Jersey, with whom I could meet to learn these things. Alternatively, if there's someone sighted who would be willing to work with me over Skype so that he/she could see what I'm doing over a webcam and instruct me in that way, that would be very helpful. I found a master chair caner, who at the time of the article written about him (2006) was 80-years-old. He's quite famous and has been working in the field for at least 70 years, now 74 if he's still living. Of course, he can't teach me over a computer, but perhaps, I could ask him some basic questions.
While I said in this thread that I wouldn't accept an unpaid internship or volunteer position, I wouldd agree to be an apprentice, since I would actually be learning while working. This is very different from doing an unpaid job which takes very little effort to learn and which is basically something to fill my resume/cv. Of course, job training is totally different and I'd obviously be willing to do that, particularly in factory work. As for crafts, I'm not even sure if apprenticeships exist within the ones that interest me, but should the opportunity present itself to me, I'd take it.
Okay, here we go with a new angle. I recently found a listing of all the blind schools in America.
http://sdsbvi.northern.edu/wwwresources/list.htm
It's slightly out of date but not so much that it's unusable. At any rate, my plan is to see which schools, if any, still teach the so-called blind trades and to find out if they would be willing to help me learn them. At the very least, they might be able to give me tips or offer advice on which books, materials or methods of production I can use as a beginner and a totally blind crafter. I would love it if I could listen in on their classes or have a teacher tutor me one on one, all for a reasonable fee, of course. But I doubt that I'll get that lucky. So I plan on writing a generic letter and sending it to the schools which mention such courses on their pages as well as those that don't, because they may teach them but not consider them worth advertising.
To make things easier, if anyone of you have gone to any of these schools, could you please let me know if they still offer these courses? If they definitely don't, then there's no sense in me troubling them and myself. Of course, if you went to a school that's not on this list, and it's still around, let me know as well. Thanks.
After reading this article, I think it's safe to scratch brush making from the list of crafts that I'd like to do.
http://www.leopardmag.co.uk/feats/130/welcome-demise-of-the-brush-shop
Not only is it terribly dangerous but it's also not something to do in the home. I am very lucky that there is now a melt and pour method of soap making or that would be another one that I would seriously have to consider either forgetting or doing with extreme caution because of the costic lye. As it is, it's a very pleasant craft, and one that I've actually done so I'm talking from experience. I just haven't done it completely on my own. As I've already said, even candle making is now safer if I use the wax that doesn't need to be fully heated. Broom making seems relatively easy, though I do need to watch myself with the hammer and the needle used for sewing the top layer of corn. Basket weaving, mat making and other wicker work still seem to be the safest and the easiest crafts for me to do alone. There is bead making too but I need to learn what colours go with what and would need to be able to properly sort them in order to make sense of it. Besides, there are way too many jewellery makers out there these days. I'd still be interested in learning what other trades exist. incase there's another easy one that I've overlooked, or even a more difficult one that might bring in good money. The frustrating thing is that I have to learn everything on my own and can't simply go for a school. There is, of course, piano tuning school, but that costs thousands of dollars, takes several years and I'm not even sure how much business they have today with so many people turning to keyboards and electric pianos. I might be able to ask the Krafter's Korner about rug hooking. Many of them are into sewing and I bet a few have done this as well.
Anyway, I was given the e-mail of a master broom maker and intend on sending him a few questions today. He's not blind but I'm sure that he could still help me. I also need to send that letter off to those schools. While I wait for replies, though, I think I'll look at the information on
http://www.brambleberry.com
for soaps and candles and on a few basketry sites. It looks like this is one of those things that If I sit here and wait, nothing will get done. So I might as well start educating myself and then deal with the issues when I find them and get the advice on adaptations as it comes. Dorian is still willing to work with me, but she has a seasonal position right now, so won't be available until after the holidays. We plan on meeting as soon as possible to make more things and then I'll contact Pathways to Independence and see if they can sell them for us. I think this is the best way to move forward.
I know this is not related to the topic, but since I mentioned it I might as well update you. On 7 November, at 11:34 PM, I finished lesson 105 of 105 from my Greek course at
http://www.kypros.org
I'll just do a quick review of these lessons and once I finish that, I'm heading straight to the FSI course!
http://fsi-language-courses.org/Content.php?page=Greek
which is alot more difficult but is far more advanced than the first. Right now, the Greek economy is a complete and utter mess and even sighted people can't find work. So it'll be awhile before I can go there to live. In the meantime, I've got my crafts, lessons, and hopefully a backup job at some point, to keep me occupied. *smile*
After taking some time off from the project, I finally finished reviewing all of those schools. Many didn't specifically state what they teach. Only a tiny handful seemed like they might be helpful, but one makes up for all of them. It's the New York Institute for Special Education.
http://www.nyise.org
I couldn't help but be impressed at their enormous history section, archives and program. If anyone can help me on my quest, I'm sure they can. I think it would be great to visit them sometime, just so check out their museum and rich history.
Another school which seriously impressed me is the California School for the Blind.
http://www.csb-cde.ca.gov
While I doubt that they teach the trades which I want to learn, their academic program appears to be exceptional and they also have a very rich history.
At any rate, the generic letter will most likely go out tomorrow. I've already spoken with my friend and we're making plans to buy some more materials for soaps and candles and get together soon. So, once again, things are moving along nicely.
Wow! I struck gold! I just heard back from that broom maker and not only is he an expert in that field but he also does wood working, weaving of fibers, reed and cane, plus spinning, dying and soap making! And his ability to describe things is wonderful! I bet I can learn tons from him, including things on wicker work, which I'm anxious to start. He was honest and said that it won't make me rich but it can definitely bring in an income. He explained all about how to make brooms, with and without specialised tools, told me about where to get my supplies and even gave me some general tips on broom care. This is so so cool!
So, here's another job-related note. I e-mailed the craftsman/broom maker with a few more questions about his other crafts but haven't heard from him since then. So I'm not sure what's going on. I'll need to try again, perhaps tomorrow. I also haven't heard back from any of the schools, even though I wrote to them in December and made sure that all of the e-mails went through. This wasn't exactly encouraging. I'm now considering trying a few centers for the blind.
That said, I've finally made some headway in learning via other means. It seems that there are a few basket weavers on the NFB Krafters Korner list, and they're planning a phone class, which I will be attending. To Joyce is currently taking some classes in chair caning in Connecticut as part of what appears to be a sheltered workshop. I'm hoping that she'll teach us once she's mastered the basics. While I don't intend on working in such an environment,, except possibly for training, since their wages are very low, the skills that she will hopefully be teaching us are transferable.
Today, I found an absolutely huge list of stores which cater exclusively to chair caning as well as some general furniture stores which offer it as a service. Some even mention basket weaving!
http://www.lookooh.com/C/Caning+Furniture.html
There are several stores in New Jersey and alot more in New York. So it seems that, if I learn this trade, I can work in an established setting, thereby avoiding the hassle of starting my own business. While I may do this in the future, I'd rather learn the basics and work for a master before venturing out on my own, at least for these advanced crafts. I could always make the soaps, candles, and baskets, if my job doesn't sell the latter, on the side and sell them through Pathways.
The one problem, of course, is finding classes. While I could easily sell my own work in certain crafts as a student/beginner, I highly doubt that a business will hire me for something as delicate, advanced and costly as caning without formal training. The only place that I could find in NJ which offers this is Peter Valley Crafts Center.
http://www.petersvalley.org/index.htm
Currently, they do not have any caning classes listed, but they do have basket weaving. I'm hoping that I may be able to take a one on one class in the former, but their classes, in general, are far too expensive for me to pay for on my own, so I'm assuming that these will cost even more. I'm sure that I need to contact my counselor on this, but am keeping my fingers crossed that the Commission can help me. Since we're already considering supported employment, we might be able to work something out. Best of all, the place with which I'm hoping to connect is the same one that will be taking my other craft work, Pathways to Independence! But I need to contact said counselor about all of this, as I've only spoken with Sally, who heads the job club etc. and she doesn't have the power to okay things that my counselor does. In any case, it looks like the long journey is finally baring fruit.
I seriously hope you're checking into real data on markets:
Who's going to buy your product? I don't mean the one-time customer, but steady buyers? Are you going to be able to offer it at a competitive price and live?
Frankly, I can appreciate your wanting to do what would be considered a blue-collar job. I busted my hump in college assembling bookshelves, carting supplies and the like on an indoor construction site. However, you really have to consider markets, and real data on real supply chain consumers, not anecdote of what you hear people say they 'would buy if they could'.
You've probably heard or seen the illustration of the $50 golf ball: A premium golf ball, meant to improve the player's performance, but at the end of the day, it's just a golf ball that can get lost in the bushes, and costs $50! How many of those are really going to sell?
What I do wish is that there were a way blind people could get involved in the new eco-friendly, green products market. I know several sighted people who went to wind turbine school and are now working. If there was a way to create a niche for which a group of people, say the blind in this instance, was particularly suited, and was in high demand, it may not pay like a white collar job, but it would be steady.
Something akin to the dark room jobs of the 1980s and before.
Stereotypes and ideals aside, you gotta eat. I learned that the hard way when I lost my consulting business in 05.
If some of these agencies are worth the money the rest of us keep shoveling out to 'em at our kid's college fund expense, they'll unf**k themselves and figure out a way to cash in on this new green products. This isn't a fad, it's become a necessity. The slogans will go away, but renewable devices / lower power usage will not.
Were I you, that's what I'd be striving at, not some form of art like caning or weaving that is mass-produced by machine, and the output of machined work is much more durable.
The advantage, in chair caning at least, is that I would be working with a store which is already established and which has customers. I'm not sure how the market is for new chairs but most of these stores mention repairing and some deal exclusively with antiques. So it seems that there are alot of people out there with moderately old to vintage chairs out there who need them repaired or at least refreshed in some way. So it seems that I've found a winner in the trades.
Now as far as my baskets, soaps, candles and the like, that I can't say. But even there, for what I plan on doing in the short term, I won't be losing out, since I'll be selling through Pathways, which is tax exempt, since they work with the Commission of the Blind. The only thing I don't know is if I need to get my own insurance when selling through them or if they take care of that. If it's the former, I might want to focus on the soaps and baskets, since candles could be a fire hazard and may cost more to insure due to the posibility of customers having accidents etc. But if I were really serious about handmade items, I would learn things like sewing, crocheting and other yarn work. Those are certainly not a dime a dozen like soaps and they definitely cost more, since they involve alot of labour..
To be honest, right now, I'm certainly not rich but I'm not afraid of being kicked out in the street and/or not having food either. I'm interested in green products as well, since I buy them exclusively when it comes to household cleaners, laundry detergent and personal care products. I also like organic and free range food, which I buy as much as possible. I never thought of working in that field. I wonder if there are any blue collar jobs there? But I'm guessing that, as with most factory work, the jobs would require vision to osome degree. Still, if I'm wrong, that would be nice to know. I'd rather make my own things than work in a factory, but I'd certainly never refuse the latter if it were relatively safe. It beats phone/computer work any day, unless we're talking easy stuff like posting Craigslist ads or doing surveys.
I hope you're right. A store with a market is likely to at least be steady. But the antiques market is boutique by any standards, and most of the population doesn't participate.
However, if it results in a living wage for you and you're willing to live with the results, who cares? I question your reliance on any form of government agency. Their lack of innovative solutions garners less respect than did Private Pyle's laziness with the Gunner Sergeant Hartman.
Your best resource is, always has been, and always will be, your own wits. Once some budget-savvy conservative types see just how much money gets thrown out the window for so little return with these agencies, they'll have their way with 'em and shut 'em down. Not because they dislike you, or me, or anyone else that's blind, but to a budget-savvy individual in an economy that's lean and mean, feeding these places is like filling a gas tank after you shot a couple holes in it first.
Everyone knows phone work is being outsourced left and right. It's not marketable: phone centers open and close like daisies in summertime. I was impressed with the people I know who went into Turbine school, retrained (using a grant), and are working again. What we need, is an innovative solution for us.
Anyone at any form of agency for the blind or research institute for the blind that isn't a complete numbnuts (or female equivalent) would be working towards this type of innovation. I, for one, would gladly fund that with my tax dollars.
Public money will not always be available. When Social Security first came in in the 1930s for people over 65, most people didn't live much past 65. We can't count on there being any form of permanent assistance for us, especially the incredibly miniscule population of blind people.
I would need to check out the market to see how much of caning relies on antique products and how much of it involves making new ones. Still, the large amount of stores seem to be a good indication that the business itself is thriving. The amount in New York alone was staggering.
It's only those who are heartless, selfish or who simply don't care about others who would completely close down agencies or stop giving assistance to those who need it. Hopefully, they won't get in power. Mind you, cutting back on things that are truly unnecessary or wasteful is never a bad idea. But taking from children, the elderly or the disabled is never good. That said, it never hurt to save and to look for alternatives for the longrun.
Opa!!! Shawn, the broom-maker got back in touch with me today, and is willing to teach me over Skype! The fee is cheap enough that I almost fell off the chair and he wants to include information on our training for a book. I told him to go right ahead. Now, I just need to choose a craft, buy the supplies, set a time/date and we're off! I'm so excited right now! Now my dreams can finally become reality. I think I'll start with basketry and chair caning. They're related and I can probably work on something like the small foot stool that this one store sells and on a simple coiled basket. In the summer, we can attempt broom-making, though for now at least, that one will have to be a hobby. While I do intend on selling the brooms with Pathways, I want to focus on the basketry and caning, since there are stores for these and I want to work my way into an apprenticeship. But broom-making will be tried and I would love to work more on soap-making, since I enjoy it so much. Those are easy to make and can be sold via Pathways very quickly, since I've already done it before and just need help with doing it completely on my own.
AI sent a few links with several options for basket weaving to Shawn a few days ago, and this morning, I received an e-mail from him. He's looking over them to see where we can start. But he'd like to begin with making footstools, which is completely fine with me, as the job I'm likely to find with an employer would be in chair caning. He'll send me the supplies, as I'm having difficulty finding them on my own. I only found one kit for a footstool. Then, he said, we can move onto basketry. He's never worked in that field, but I'm sure with his expertese and experience, we'll do fine. Of course, I'll also continue the work in caning, as it will be my primary occupation, but being able to sell some baskets on the side couldn't hurt. Then, there's the broom making in the summer, which is sure to be a treat!
I'm so excited! I'll keep you guys up to date with my progress. In order to make things easier, I'll separate the threads into ones devoted to specific crafts. So keep a look-out for one on chair caning and/or footstool-making soon!
I truly wasn't expecting to be writing in this thread again, as I wanted to make separate ones according to craft, but I found something totally amazing! These are all freely available books online about basketry, caning and more, though the first two are the primary focus.
http://basketmakers.com/topics/publications/etexts.htm
I chose three books that seemed the most promising so that I could decide on which to use first. This one looks to be a gold mine for all sorts of crafts. Note that the description is on the first page and they take you to the book in various formats. I chose plain text because it was easiest, so am linking directly to that.
http://books.google.com/books?pg=PA5&id=Q-hnfXlHmOoC&output=text
"The Handicraft Book
COMPRISING METHODS OF TEACHING CORD AND RAFFIA CONSTRUCTIVE WORK, WEAVING, BASKETRY AND CHAIR CANING IN GRADED SCHOOLS
By Anne Lowden Jessup, Annie Elizabeth Logue. Includes basic instruction on raffia crafting, knotting, looping, basketry and chair caning.
Single, Double & Triple Knots
Single Knot Mesh
Chain Stitch
Loop Stitch
Corkscrew Bar
Double Loop Stitch
See-Saw Knot
Spiral Chain
Twine Bag
Shopping Bag
Square Picture Frame
Napkin Ring
Round Picture Frame
Sailor Knot
Bow Knot
Flat or Reef Knot
Fisherman's Knot
Bowline Knot
Weaver's Knot
Square Knot
Military Knot
Bannister Bar
Bag Made Of Solomon's Knots
Hammock
Round & Square Boxes
Woven Bag
Bookmarks
Mat Of Circular Weaving
Braided Mat
Braided Raffia Basket
Braided Raffia Hat
Flat Reed Basket
Reed Mat
Coiled Basket
Round Reed Basket
Indian Basket
Rug Weaving
Chair Caning"
Imagine all the things that I could make and sell from this one book alone! I've glanced at many of the projects and they are described wonderfully. I'd still like some help to insure that I'm doing things correctly in the beginning, but I think I'll be fine once I understand the basics. That said, I might want to flip over to the chair caning section, as Shawn wants to start there, and since this is a basic introduction, we can literally be on the same page with instructions instead of him having to figure out how to explain things to me. From there, we can work on our own ideas, or he might incorporate his own teaching style with these projects.
Another good book seems to be Basketry and Weaving in The School, which I got to via another link on the first page. I believe it was the Internet Archive one. But this is the one for the book. This book is all on one page.
http://www.archive.org/stream/basketryweavingi00pasc/basketryweavingi00pasc_djvu.txt
As with the previous book, this one is extremely well-written, with easy to follow instructions. While it's emphasis is on teacher's, it's not difficult at all for an individual to use at home. The good thing is that it's entirely devoted to basketry, so it most likely goes beyond the basics and into more advanced topics.
The last of the three is "Practical Basketry" by Anna Gill. I'm providing the text link, but I believe the pdf/visual one can be found on the same page.
http://books.google.com/books?pg=PR11&id=dzwKAAAAIAAJ&output=text
After reading through some of it, I can immediately tell that this is not a book that I can use alone, as it relies heavily on diagrams. But it looks like an excellent one for Shawn to use with me, since he can see them, and it also provides a nice introduction as to what tools I need. It says that I have to get pruning shears, an awl, pliers, a galvanized tub and bucket, a measuring stick or rule, and a knife. If I ever intend on dying the reed, I'll also need rubber gloves and large earthen pots. They mentioned "rubber fingers" being used right after listing the knife and I have no idea what they mean there. At any rate, most of the tools, along with a few others, are offered in one of the basic tool kits at one of my favourite basketry sites (see below), so I can start with that one and get the more elaborate one as I progress. I also learned how long to soak each type of reed according to it's size, measured by numbers i.e. reed no. 1 or 2 etc. Most important of all, I know what to do for my first project! Obviously, no basket can be built with a poor bottom, and they say that the way to avoid this is to start by making mats. This leaves me with the option of either buying a kit such as the place mat one and/or the serving tray one at
http://www.basketweaving.com
or of simply buying the reed and fashioning my own mats for practise. that The first book actually has an excellent description of how to make mats, and right after that, a basket!
There was also a whole article on chair caning but I seem to have misplaced it, and it's getting very late. More reading tomorrow!
I just called my new counselor and he's amazing! I explained my situation. Far from trying to direct me away from my dream of being a craftswoman, he encouraged it! He even told me that I could make a decent living of it and was at The Commission when they used to offer such things. He's going to try and contact someone who used to work there or to find someone from whom I could learn! He didn't even object when I brought up possibly going to the Center for the Blind in North Carolina, where they actually teach all of these crafts. Yes people, I found a school! Can you tell that I'm excited? I need to calm down, really. I can't wait to hear from him. Here's the page where they describe what they teach. If anyone has gone there, I would love it if you could share your experiences with me.
http://www.theblindcenter.org/Clients.html
If none of that works out, he's totally fine with me learning from Shawn. So either way, I'm in business!
I spoke with my counselor maybe two or three weeks ago and he still hadn't heard anything. So today, I decided to call the Center for the Blind in North Carolina in order to see whether they're residential or not. Unfortunately, like the Diamond Spring Lodge here in New Jersey, they're a day program and a community, rather than a state-run organisation. So they're out. I then went back on the net to see if other places offered such classes. I did a search for residential blind center crafts, which gave me several results, most from various state Commissions for the Blind. But none seemed as heavily into them as the one in NC and most were just a class, or a few at best, for fun. None offered them for work, as the NJ Commission used to do. One mentioned industrial arts, so I did a similar search replacing crafts with that and found more places. But apparently, the modern use of industrial arts is different from what I was expecting. They all mentioned power tools and wood shop. While that's interesting, I actually prefer manual tools and am not sure if I want to enter that field of making wooden items, though I'm certainly not ruling it out. I then searched for "manual trades" blind center, but that gave me nothing useful. This is so frustrating! Now I have to call Yorkville Caning and see if, maybe, they'll take me on as an apprentice, even though I don't know anything! If not, then I have a few other stores to try.
Well, it's been about two years since I began this thread, and we've had quite a discussion, touching on several topics. As I said previously, my main goal is to work for a furniture store, specifically in chair caning, and to sell baskets and soaps on the side. Of course, my problem has always been finding a teacher. That changed when Cathryn Peters, best known as The Wicker Woman, said that she'd try to help me in my search. This was a real honour for me, as she's quite famous. Her site is here.
http://www.wickerwoman.com/
Last week, she reposted the post that I made to the Facebook Basket Weavers group to another group there, known as the SeatWeaver's Guild. A man there, named James Boerman, then posted about a place called SAGE Elder Care.
http://www.sagenj.org/
As the name implies, this is a facility which deals with several aspects of caring for the elderly, including Meals on Wheels. More importantly, for my purposes, they have a chair caning workshop! All who work there are volunteers. Customers bring in their chairs and they fix them, with all the proceeds going towards SAGE. At any rate, I was told to contact a woman named Marsha, which I did by e-mail. I explained to her that I was totally blind and told her of my quest to find a teacher. In no more than an hour, she phoned me and expressed her willingness to teach me, along with Bruce, another volunteer. She said that she'd never heard of stores which catered exclusively to caning, and I filled her in on a few that I found, including one owned and operated by a blind chair caner! On the up side, she also told me that work had been slow during the summer, but as soon as they put an add in the Star Ledger (a local newspaper), the chairs seemed to spring up overnight. On average, each chair costs between $120 to $150 to recane. But one woman brought in two chairs that, due to their complexity and the extreme amount of work needed to fix them, will cost her $1200 (twelve hundred dollars) each! So if I don't get hired by a store, I may buy chairs from Ebay or other places, refurbish them and resell them or see about starting my own business. That out of the way, we made an appointment for this passed Monday.
When I told Mom, she immediately dismissed my interests as nonsense and said that it was all up to me to take care of things. Since we've discussed my independence, I think it's worth noting that I had never ridden alone with Access Link (paratransit) and had never called them on my own to arrange an appointment. But I was so determined that I made the call and scheduled a ride for that Monday. The program runs from 9 AM to 12 PM, so I knew that I needed time to get there, as it's a 37 minute trip without traffic or other pick-ups. The best time slots that I could get were 9:09 to 9:49 for home pick-up and 11:51 to 12:30 for SAGE pick-up. Mom was out of her mind with worry that the driver would drop me off in the middle of nowhere, that no one would be there to pick me up or to wait with me to go home etc. I told Marsha, and she assured me that she would be there for both. My boyfriend Spiros is usually here on Sundays, so we went to the store and I picked up some cold cuts, from which I made myself a sandwitch, in order to be prepared for the next day..
On Monday, we got up at 7, as he needed to leave to go to work. Surprisingly, I actually felt energetic, despite not sleeping well the previous night. I took my shower and was ready far ahead of schedule. The bus came at a reasonable time, but we had to pick someone else up and drop him off. The driver was well-spoken, funny and immediately put me at ease with his mannerisms. Once we were a few minutes away, I called Marsha, and sure enough, she was right there when we pulled up. I used the facilities, called Mom to assure her that I was safe, and then we went to the workshop. Bruce wasn't there that day, so it was a one-on-one lesson with Marsha. She came up with an ingenius plan to teach me the layout of the place, which is quite cluttered. She drew it on my hand with her finger as she explained it to me. Then, it happened. I saw my first caned chair! I'd actually seen one before, but was unaware it was caned. For those who have never seen such a thing, let me try to explain. The weaving feels so intricate that you could never really tell the patterns by touch alone, unless you knew the craft. If you don't try to look for one and just touch the seat, it will feel something like Swiss cheese, with many small holes, spaced close together. There are two types, hand-caning, which I'll be doing, and machine caning. When a chair has had its' cane removed, it's easy to tell which is needed. Hand-caning uses holes, in the front and the back of the chair, whereas machine-caning uses grooves. The former also utilises something called binder, which is put around the edges of the weaving. It's not strictly necessary but makes the chair look pretty. Then, she showed me two other weaving styles, called rush and splint weaving. Like caning, each gets their name from the materials used to weave the seat. The first is rush and the second is splint ash. Those look far easier than caning and the patterns are recognisable by touch. She doesn't do those, but another volunteer does, so I'm hoping to learn them in the future. She also doesn't do basketry, but perhaps someone else there can help me. I didn't ask yet.
After introducing me to a few people, Marsha said "and now I'll introduce you to your chair" which made me laugh. I'm very lucky, in that the pattern is extremely simple and easy for a beginner. There are seven steps to caning, and right now, I'm still on the first one, where I cane from front to back. This involves first finding the middle holes in both the front and the back and pulling the cane through them. Then, it's simply a matter of going through all the other holes, either from left to right or right to left, depending on where you start. The process is extremely relaxing and I could definitely see myself doing this as a career. The only thing that I'll need to get used to is standing on my feet all day. One of the funny things about cane is that, since it's such a thin and pliable material, it tends to twist. The first piece was fine but the second seemed to have a mind of its' own and really made me chuckle as I kept streightening it out. For once in my life, I was also glad to have sweaty hands, as the cane needs to be kept wet while you're working with it. There are so many different patterns to learn and I'm intrigued with the idea that, once I finish, my seat will look just like the one that I saw! I can't figure out how those holes get there and can't wait to learn more!
All too soon, it was time to go. They actually came on time, so I didn't even need to bring a lunch. The second driver didn't speak much, as he was apparently still learning English. But he did his job well and I got home safely. I tried to schedule an appointment for today, but the times that Access Link had were totally ridiculous and would never have worked out with the limited time for working. Sage is closed this Monday, but I'll be going back on Wednesday. I was told that the New Jersey Commission for the Blind might be willing to pay for transportation, since this is ultimately for a career goal. So I intend on calling my counselor to see if they would be able to pay for something other than Access Link so that I don't miss days in the future.
As a sidenote, even though she's still not thrilled about seatweaving, Mom finally broke down and said she was extremely proud of me for doing all of this on my own. The hug she gave me went streight to my soul and made me feel more proud of myself than I have in a very long time. Marsha found a place, in Road Island, which teaches seatweaving to the blind, and said she'll call them to see if there are any special tricks to the trade for us. All in all, I couldn't be happier right now! If anyone is interested, I'll start a separate thread about my work and share my progress and what I learn after each trip. That one will be less descriptive on the personal end and more geared towards the trade.
Sounds like you have been down a long trying road, but have had the determination and strength to succeed in obtaining your goals, both in showing your mom your independent streak and getting into the work you really want to do. Good job!
Awe, thanks! You just put a huge smile on my face. It's definitely been long and trying, as you said, but it's totally worth it!
Sounds like you found both a training facility plus a viable market. That's what it takes: someplace to learn the craft, and when in business for yourself, a place that will take your product, with hopefully not too much fishing to get customers.
Congrats on your having made it work.
I haven't posted here in awhile. I wound up going to Sage until June or so. My boyfriend Spiros was taking me on Mondays and I was trying my luck with Access Link on Wednesdays. But the latter was so unreliable, as far as times, that I grew less and less willing to take them. The program is from 9 to 12, which is how long the workshop itself is open. One time, they picked me up at 8:20, which was fine. But then, they picked up two people and dropped off one. By the time I got there, it was 9:45! Another time, they wanted to pick me up at either 6 something or 10:30! Uh, no. I can't do either, thanks. Another day, they were going to pick me up from Sage at 1:45. And they won't let me schedule a time, even though I would be going once, or even twice a week! I have to take 30 trips to the same place in order for them to give me a time slot. Even when Spiros took me, it would take 20 to 30 minutes to get there, more if there was heavy traffic. So it's not as if this place is in the next town.
This summer, Spiros was unable to continue taking me, and I had almost finished my chair. In fact, I only have one more small thing to do on it and it's done. Best of all, they're giving it to me! In any case, being that it was the summer, the workload was very low, so there wasn't much for me to do, and both of my teachers had different schedules. Now that the autumn is here, I'm hoping to try and start going again. But it's really disheartening when it comes to transportation, and there's no place near me which teaches caning. Plus, I love the atmosphere at Sage.
Regardless, I'm still looking for some craft ideas that I can do at home. Now that the weather is cooling, soaps are a good idea. So I plan on buying some supplies for the job and seeing about selling with Pathways. But surely, there must be other things that I can do as well. Suggestions?