By Sally Aurisch
BCA is currently working on the “Eye to the Future” project. This work aims to change the perceptions associated with employing people who are blind and vision impaired. The project was made possible through a grant by the National Disability Insurance Agency’s Information Linkages and Capacity Building program.
As part of the project, BCA has created the “Eye to the Future” website (eyetothefuture.com.au) which contains employment related resources, tools and information. We have created a series of short videos showcasing people who are blind or vision impaired who are currently working in a range of industries and environments.
We have also launched the “Eye to the Future” Facebook group, a place where those who are looking for work, looking to change careers, or who are in the workforce can discuss all things employment, sharing their advice and experience. You can join the group and contribute to the discussion by searching “Eye to the Future” on Facebook.
BCA is also working with employers to create paid internships. These internships will enable participants the opportunity to develop their employment skills and demonstrate to employers that hiring people who are blind or vision impaired is a great way to access a largely untapped pool of talent, skills, knowledge and experience. The first two internships, for Vision 2020 and Guide Dogs NSW, were advertised in early March. All of the internships will be advertised on the Eye to the Future Website as they become available, so we encourage you to visit regularly.
The project will conclude later this year when we host an Employment Symposium. We will be inviting recruiters and those with the power to influence hiring practices to join us as we continue to discuss and dispel the myths associated with hiring a person who is blind or vision impaired.
For more information about the project, or if the organisation you work for is interested in creating an internship, please call Naomi Barber on 1800 033 660 or email bca@bca.org.au