The Carroll Center is dedicated to empowering people with vision loss to achieve the independence and confidence that meaningful employment provides. We recognize the unique challenges individuals who are blind or visually impaired may encounter when seeking work, and we are committed to helping overcome those barriers. Through a comprehensive range of employment services and training programs, we support job seekers at every stage, whether you bring years of experience or are entering the workforce for the first time. Our team helps you build the adaptive skills, strategies, and self-advocacy tools needed to connect with employers and pursue rewarding career opportunities. On-the-job internships are available in a wide variety of industries and businesses, providing opportunities to develop skills and confidence while job searching.

Donna T.

“The Carroll Center has an amazing ability to fit a square blind person into the round peg of life with such dignity that it felt like that’s how it should be.”

Job Market Prep: Search & Soft Skills

Individuals actively seeking part-time or full-time employment (20+ hours per week) can benefit from this four-week training program, designed to build the skills, confidence, and strategies needed to thrive in today’s competitive job market. The program is tailored for those already proficient with technology, such as Microsoft Office, email, and web navigation, and helps participants refine their job search and networking skills. It also guides them in developing compelling professional materials and preparing for interviews with confidence.

Learn more about Job Market Prep: Search & Soft Skills

Job Market Prep: On the Job

Adults gaining independence after vision loss can participate in an eight-week training program to explore work experiences. On-the-job internships allow participants to discover their vocational interests and aptitudes, while job coaches work closely with both clients and partnering businesses. Students typically spend three to four days a week at job sites to build confidence and skills. These internships are unpaid but offer valuable experience.

Learn more about Job Market Prep: On the Job

Screen Reader User Tester Training (SRUTT)

Offering practical, hands-on training, this five-week remote program for adults over the age of 18 enhances skills in professionally assessing and reporting on the accessibility of websites, mobile applications, and PDF documents. The program builds on existing skills and deepens understanding of devices, web browsers, applications, and strategies, with a strong focus on evaluating digital accessibility according to WCAG standards and requirements. Graduates can look forward to per diem work, paid internships, and part-time or full-time employment opportunities.

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Vision Use in Employment (VUE)

This job retention program is designed to assist clients experiencing difficulties on the job due to deteriorating vision or changes in job responsibilities. Changes in vision can lead to frustration, a loss of confidence, and a reduction in work performance. New work tasks or access to changing technologies can also present challenges for individuals with vision problems.

A Functional Vocational Vision Assessment, conducted at the work site or on our campus by a rehabilitation engineer, helps employees, employers, and job seekers recognize the full potential of their vision. Understanding the characteristics of visual changes and learning to use low vision devices and techniques can improve the quality of one’s work performance. Areas assessed include:

• Understanding the functional implications of vision impairment
• Work-site tasks, tools, and modifications
• Exploring vision enhancement devices
• Video magnification reading systems
• Computer technology

Competitive Integrated Employment Checklist

A tool designed to help individuals who are blind or visually impaired determine whether Competitive Integrated Employment is right for them. Created by the Carroll Center for the Blind, it evaluates key skill areas such as independent living, vocational readiness, orientation and mobility, workplace communication, technology proficiency, self-advocacy and self-determination, and executive functioning. It helps identify strengths and areas needing support, guiding individuals toward appropriate employment pathways or alternative options such as Supported Employment. This checklist is only a preview; our complete evaluation covers additional skills detailed in our full version.

Use the Competitive Integrated Employment Checklist to assess your readiness for work