Job Training and Job Placement Services
VISIONS Department of Workforce Development offers programs and services related to employment and technology, to help prepare legally blind individuals enter or re-enter the workforce. Successful participants have secured jobs in fields including (but not limited to): logistics, food service, customer service, web design, maintenance, social work, and office administration, as well as many remote opportunities.
VISIONS Workforce Program is ranked #1 in job placements for job seekers with visual impairments every year since 2016!
Programs For Adults
Work Readiness Training
Commonly known as “soft skills” training, these workshops are held in both residential and non-residential settings, where job-seekers are trained in best practices for resume-writing, financial literacy, career planning, and additional preparation for the world of work. Job seekers attend networking events, career fairs, and visit employers at their place of business.
Work Experience Training (WET)
Work experience training gives adult job seekers and college students the opportunity to gain current and relevant experience in an actual work setting. These WETs usually last between 8 and 13 weeks, and are at no cost to the employer! WET interns receive a stipend that covers transportation, meals, clothing and other internship related costs.
College-To-Careers Program
VISIONS College to Careers program offers college students intensive group, and one-on-one training, that will enable them to build their job readiness, socialization and employment skills. Program staff identifies a variety of employers who can provide internships to build student’s job skills as well as offer competitive employment for scholars who successfully complete the program.
Computer Literacy
The department offers clients an introduction to keyboarding and to computer applications (Internet, email, word-processing, spreadsheet and database management) on the Windows, MAC and Google platforms. This training is conducted in either group or one-to-one settings for job seekers, college students and seniors.
Vocational Technology Training
Includes advanced training in Microsoft Office products, the MAC operating system and the Google Suite. Advanced training is usually conducted in a one-to-one setting and is customized to the specific needs of the client.
Programs for Youth and Teenagers
VISIONS provides a wealth of opportunities to help teens flourish in high school and make the transition to higher education or employment. All programs are sponsored by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). Most programs are for participants age 14 and older.
Pre-Voc Enrichment Program
The VISIONS Prevoc Enrichment Program (PEP) is a three-part program which prepares students and youth to function more independently in their communities and to eventually enter the workforce. From an early age, children are encouraged to think about what they want to be when they grow up. The same isn’t always true for youth with vision loss. It’s never too early to start thinking and planning. This extended virtual prevocational training will use technology to introduce and reinforce skills needed for future employment and independence. Sessions will include career exploration, resume prep, job seeking, and workplace behavior. A huge part of finding a job starts with honing independence skills such as work appropriate dressing and grooming and learning how to manage money and access community resources.
Snack Bar After School Program – October through June
A work experience training (WET) program for high school students located at VISIONS at Selis Manor. Participants learn how to run a snack bar using a talking cash register, sell a variety of labeled snacks, use a microwave and serve hot beverages. In addition to the work based learning skills, there are rehabilitation lessons too. A Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) provides weekly group sessions on skills such as cleaning, using small appliances, clothing maintenance, personal care and money management. Participants must be able to travel independently or use Access-a-ride paratransit.
Prevocational Day Program at VISIONS at Selis Manor – President’s Week
The focus of prevocational training is career exploration, independence skills (making lunch and personal hygiene), interviewing, volunteering, and creating résumés. There are also sessions with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) including lessons on budgeting and business attire. This session is specifically for participants unable to attend a residential session (i.e. cognitive delay, medical concerns, etc.).
Tween Prevocational training at August family session at VISIONS Center On Blindness (VCB)
The family sessions at VCB are for children with legal blindness and their family including parents, siblings and other significant caregivers in the child’s life. The Pre-Vocational program offers career exploration and the social skills needed to help tweens develop their goals in life.
Prevocational Training at VISIONS Center on Blindness – New York City Department of Education Spring Recess
This residential prevocational program takes place at VISIONS VCB for high school students. The curriculum contains information on interview skills, team building, budgeting, communication, mock interviews and career exploration. There are also sessions with a Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist (CVRT) including lessons on meal management, clothing maintenance, and personal care. A Certified Orientation and Mobility Instructor (O&M) will provide orientation to the dorms and facility. In addition to work skills, the participants take advantage of the 37 acres of VCB with activities such as tandem biking, mini golf and nature walks.
Work Experience Training Program – Year Round
Internships for high school, college and out of school youth are provided at VISIONS at Selis Manor, VISIONS VCB (over age 18), and in a variety of community settings including senior centers, day care, and offices. Participants receive a financial reimbursement to cover the cost of transportation, lunch and other expenses. For summer experiences, participants should attend prevocational training before going to their worksite.
Employers, Help Support Our Job Seekers’ Career Growth!
Benefits of Hiring VISIONS Job Seekers:
- Our job seekers are pre-screened, trained, and offered ongoing support during their employment.
- Your company can become eligible for various employee assistance programs.
- Your company can receive tax incentives and ongoing support for employees we place.
- You will be responsible for creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace!
Other Ways You Can Help if You’re Not Hiring at This Time:
- Provide informational or mock interviews on your industry or specialties to our job seekers.
- Host an intern (free of charge) to help them practice and learn job skills which will assist them in becoming permanently hired.
- Serve as a guest speaker for our Work Readiness Training Program.
Ready to Get Started?
VISIONS Job Training and Job Placement programs are offered at no cost to participants sponsored by the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB). For more information or questions about these programs, contact:
Heather Hanlon
Senior Director of Workforce and Data Analysis
(212) 680-3060
hemeka@visionsvcb.org
Khadija Bari
Director of Job Placement Services
(212) 680-3064
kbari@visionsvcb.org