My mom is half blind and wants to work?

Question

My mom recently went half blind, more then half blind actutaly she can't drive, and she needs someone to help her walk outside of the house, and she can only see things a couple inches beyond her face. And she really wants to work..any suggestions?

Answer 1

First, she should get in contact with either a "Low Vision Specialist/Therapist" or an "Orientation and Mobility" instructor. Both of these professionals will help her to learn how to use her available vision to the best of her ability. They will help her learn how to use special devices/tools, different forms of lighting and tactile (touch-based) cues to function as independently as possible both in and out of the home. Additionally, an "Orientation and Mobility" instructor could help her to learn how to navigate her environment easier. They teach people how to use vision canes (white cane with red tip) to get around independently, and they also teach people useful skills like how to ride a bus or go shopping without having to always rely on others. Both of these specialists can also help her to explore career opportunities that she can pursue with her limited vision.

Enough of that...you asked about job opportunities. While, I have a number of friends who are blind or visually impaired, and they have a variety of jobs. One is a social worker. The other is a receptionist. One is an activity director at a community center. And, the other is a history teacher. Once your mom is trained to function in her working environment, she can be quite successful at whatever she chooses to do. She could wash dishes at a restaurant or school. She could stock shelves at a food pantry or thrift store. She could work in the laundry room at a hospital or hotel.

Aside from working for $$$, your mom could volunteer her time at a school, senior center, hospital, etc... even if her task is simply spending time visiting with the students, seniors, or patients, it helps to get her out of the house and feel needed again. If you are still stumped, contact an agency like Goodwill, the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, or an independent living agency that serves the needs of people with disabilities in your area. Hopefully, you will find what you are looking for. Good luck.

Answer 2

In addition to all the helpful things k suggested, your mom can open a rehabilitation case through your state. http://www.ssa.gov/work/ServiceProviders/rehabproviders.html
If she has been defined as legally blind, social security (SSI or SSDI) is pretty much automatic, and qualifies her for rehab, as well as providing income in the mean time. Rehabilitation can range all the way from retraining in alternative techniques for daily living to college, depending on her situation. There are many, many things she can do, it just takes the effort to work within the system!

You might look at these websites for some perspective:
www.nfb.org
www.acb.org

Answer 3

She can get involved with home business opportunity. I would like to pass on the information if that is of interest to her.

Answer 4

she can work on a computer with a work at home opportunity that i have

http://www.bradhasquin.com