The LightHouse Employment Immersion Program has helped dozens of eager-to-work blind and low vision folks find jobs and get hired. At last count, salaries generated by past graduates have exceeded $1,365,000. Graduates from our most recent class tell us that our program is well worth the eight-week investment of time. Read what a few of them had to say.
“Before starting the class I felt frustrated with feelings of being alone, of not knowing anyone else with a disability and not having anyone else to relate to. I was also not aware of what employers and recruiters look for in an applicant. I felt my resume was JUST okay and was not too sure of how to change it or make it better. After being in the class, I definitely feel a lot better and confident about my resume and reassured of my interviewing skills. It was great to have other classmates share the same feeling as it made me feel less alone in my struggles.” — Vanessa Braasch, Richmond, CA
“I loved that I met other people with a visual impairment; I had never had the experience before the class and we became like a family. I also thought the class would be very rigid, and although we learned a lot, I actually found it to be relaxed and supportive. In addition, the class gave me a broader perspective about how to disclose my disability to potential employers. As a result, I feel more comfortable about my visual impairment – there is no reason for me not to apply to jobs when I have an interest. All in all it was a great experience and I am more motivated to gain employment – I am more focused on the possibilities rather than my disability. — Esmeralda Soto-Parraz, Oakland, CA
And finally:
“The class was a wonderful experience – a number of the things we covered really changed my life. [For example,] I used to use my white cane only on occasion… now it has become my “best friend”. With my new comfort level and confidence I have become a real “pro” in travelling and I think I can do anything I set my mind to. It was wonderful being part of a group with so much in common. We were all in the same boat. And we didn’t just talk about blindness. We became friends. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to become employed. Before the class I had little confidence to apply to jobs. Now that I understand myself better I am no longer afraid.” – Nancy Tabori, Menlo Park, CA
Thank you to the Thomas J. Long Foundation for their $10,000 grant to LightHouse’s Employment Immersion Program. Contributions make a difference to the low vision and blind job seekers who take part! 
How to Apply
Are you ready to take the next step to finding that great job? Our next class begins May 6, and you may still have time to enroll. Don’t wait, contact Justine Harris-Richburgh at 415-694-7320 or volunteer@lighthouse-sf.org or Kate Williams at 415-694-7324 or kwilliams@lighthouse-sf.org.
