- Massachusetts Commission for the Blind
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Before working to Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB), I was another job seeker, regularly connecting with the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Services teams for assistance. I had been pursuing a full-time career in radio for many years but found it challenging to find employers willing to commit to me beyond part-time work, despite my proven skill set. I had managed to secure regular freelance work as a radio and podcast producer, and some success in voiceover, but was still not securing the full-time work I desired. I had participated in a number of MCB-led and partner programs, including the Employment Now Initiative, where I worked for Mass Eye and Ear’s Communications team, developing my transferable skills and forming connections. Post COVID, I eventually discovered MCB was searching for a new Employment Services Specialist and believed it was an opportunity to utilize my past experience to benefit others like me.
Describe your role at the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind.
At time of writing, I have been working as an Employment Services Specialist for about three months. My role has me meeting job seekers who are legally blind across northeastern Massachusetts and Greater Boston, learning about their background and employment goals, and identifying how MCB connections and resources can be leveraged for them to achieve those goals. I also make an effort to expand MCB’s growing roster of employer partners.
Why do you feel your work is important?
I’ve experienced first-hand how job seekers who are blind and have extensive talents can still be turned down for jobs they are more than qualified for, based on a lack of understanding of what is possible. Being that source of knowledge for employers has the potential to result in many workers realizing their goals.
What do you love most about working in this field?
In addition to the knowledge that important work for the community is being done, the constant contact and networking has benefited me personally as someone who is normally introverted.
What experiences while working at Massachusetts Commission for the Blind have most impacted you?
Hearing the gratitude many of the job seekers have for the assistance they receive in their job development has been a pleasant part of the experience.
What’s one of your favorite memories from working with consumers?
Attending a job fair with some of our job seekers, and seeing how far they have come was a very positive memory.
What should people know about vocational rehabilitation?
Though I am not a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor myself, I have seen how critical it is in providing job seekers with the tools they need to succeed in the job market.
How do you spend time outside of work?
I enjoy spending time with friends, listening to podcasts and making my own music.
What three words best describe you?
Adaptable, Resilient, Motivated
Complete this sentence: "I wish that everybody knew..."
I wish that everybody knew how willing and able the visually impaired population is to work.
