Deaf-Blind People in the Work Force

 

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HKNC students who participate in HKNC's vocational training program continue to "wow" employers with their skills and positive work attitudes. HKNC job coaches work with students to teach them tasks required on the job and help develop strategies, such as using pre-written communication cards, that can be used to facilitate communication with non-signing co-workers and supervisors.  When students are ready to return home and find jobs, HKNC helps with resumes, contacting potential employers, and providing someone to accompany students to interviews.

 

One student who wanted to receive training in small engine repair was placed at a local Sears. Her work experience there was so successful that, at the end of her training, she was hired by the company. Another student fulfilled a life-long dream of working with animals by interning as a veterinarian's assistant with a local animal hospital.. When the woman returned home, she was able to get a job working in an animal hospital in her local community.

 

Many individuals who are deaf-blind are gainfully employed in competitive work settings. The range of settings is broad - from retail work, laundry, food service and data entry to teachers, artists, computer technicians and editors, to name a few. Some individuals are self employed, several participate in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP). CLICK HERE to read a report on survey of blind vendors with hearing loss in the Business Enterprise Program (BEP)

 

The following links go to websites of or about workers who are deaf-blind.

Brailler Repair - Frank Levine - Atlanta Braille Repair

Artist  - Carol B. Saylor

Artist - Christian Marcovic - Fuzzy Wuzzy Designs by Deaf-Blind Artist

Artist - Mama Ruth Lowery - Artist in Residence

Author, Scott Stoffel - Hector's Magic

Cabinet maker - Jose Moreno Success Stories: Jose Moreno

Communication Agent - Hospitality Spotlight – Cara Aase

Consultant and Trainer - Jill Gaus

Electrical Engineer, Scott Stoffel - First Deaf-Blind Student To Graduate With Degree in Electrical Engineering

Meet Jose Amaya, former HKNC student, in Overcoming the Odds!   

 

For more information about providing work experience or employment opportunities, contact:

Coordinator of Vocational Services   

Phone: (516) 944-8900 ext 300

 

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Copyright © 2011 Helen Keller National Center. All rights reserved.

Updates: last modified 11/09/2011