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Blind Leaders Program
Are You Ready to Work?
The LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired Seeks Blind Leaders.The Blind Leaders Program provides an opportunity for blind and visually impaired working-age individuals to gain valuable work experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate emerging blind leaders, strengthen understanding of professionalism and prepare individuals for future employment opportunities.
Throughout the year, the LightHouse offers weekend retreats focusing on leadership and success in the corporate world at our Enchanted Hills Camp and Retreat nestled atop Mount Veeder in the Napa Valley.
Why Participate?
There are several beneficial reasons to participate in the Blind Leaders Program. Individuals who make the commitment to work receive:
- An hourly wage
- Valuable lessons on workplace etiquette and how to dress professionally
- How to efficiently manage job duties and work flow
- How to use high- and low-tech blindness technology to get work done quickly
- How other blind employees currently do their work successfully
- What are the next steps from first job experience to long-term employment
In addition to these concrete skills, all participants will be exposed to many professional networking opportunities both inside and out of the blind community. The Program admits participants four times a year, in two-month work segments. The opportunity to work additional segments is available. A typical work week is 20 hours. The program offers work placements such as: clerical/administrative support; customer service positions at a coffee shop, pizza parlor or retail store; and specialized, community-based work.
As part of his summer project, former Blind Leader Zohar Zimmerman produced a video documenting his tenure in the Blind Leaders Innovation Project. Click on the thumbnail below to watch it!