My vision loss occurred 2.5 years ago when I was 48. If I was your age I’d probably try to go back to work, but at this point i have no plans to. Like you mentioned public transportation in my area is non existent and taking Uber round trip would be outrageously expensive. However, I would like to mention this as a positive note: my last job was working at Lowe’s Home Improvement. I was there almost 2 years and missed probably 6-8 weeks of work over different periods due to eye infections which ultimately led to my vision loss. They were AMAZING about working with me when I had to decrease my hours and made it very clear they would accommodate me as much as possible. There was never a question of them letting me go even though I missed so much time. I don’t know if I would have had the same experience at any store but I was impressed. After the last infections put me at legally blind, of course I had to leave. I found Lowe’s to be challenging visually as mine worsened, but their treatment of me was far superior to how I was treated under similar circumstances while working for a large hospital. Go figure. Don’t give up! Any employer would be lucky to have you. :-)
Hey Cayla! This is a great video and topic. I think you were absolutely correct, the majority of people do not have a clue what it’s like to have vision loss and many of the struggles that we have as visually impaired individuals. This is the main reason why I will never look for a traditional job ever again, I’ve had way too many bad experiences with a couple jobs I have had since my vision became much worse, people are so rude and ignorant. I wish you the absolute best with your jobIf someone disrespects you, they certainly do not deserve having you as part of their team. There’s always going to be a different company out there who would love to have you, we just need to find them! Great video
Thank you Matt! Maybe you should do a video on your channel about your bad experiences with employers. And thank you. I actually just started an internship about a month ago, and they were really excited to bring me on board and it has been great so far.
Cayla with a C good morning! That is very exciting, congratulations! I have certainly had a few bad experiences with employers, but let’s be honest, maybe I am just a bad employee. LOL. But no, there were certainly some very rude discriminatory comments made to me as a result of low vision. Either way, thanks for the great video, I definitely think this is something that should be discussed. Thank you for the video series! I’m excited to see the next iteration. Have a nice day,
Blind to Billionaire thank you! I’m sure you are not a bad employee. I would be interested in hearing about your experiences. I seriously think you should make a video about it
I really appreciate all the details you dived into on this . I'm struggling finding work right now . My father ,who was also my boss ,recently died 2 months ago. Since then I've been struggling and battling depression . For the loss of my father but also my loss of purpose. Having consistent work makes everybody feel great. Not having it , while having an eye disease does that complete opposite. I really appreciate the contents of this video and will use it to help me get back on my feet . Love from LA
I am a much older person than you. Almost retirement age, before I started going blind. So, I have not looked for work. But I think I would tell a prospective employer up front that I had visual issues so it may save any ignorance on their behalf. The Americans with Disabilities Act is supposed to protect us, but I can see where it wouldn’t. I am so sorry you had such issues. It really makes me sad that such a lovely, intelligent person could be treated any differently than anyone else, sighted or not. Thank you for sharing.
You make such a great comment! I agree. I want to add on top that I simply pray God brings you to the right job at the right time. Great video and great advice shared. Thanks Cayla!
There is definitely a great job for you out there somewhere. There are so many blind and vision impaired people that have so much talent and so much to offer it’s a shame that so many employers are missing out through the shortsightedness.
I am so sorry Cayla that you have had such a hard time with work. People can be cruel and ridiculously rotten. I guess be thankful you did not work with any of these past people or companies. Somebody out there would LOVE to have you as an employee. May God provide you!
Wow, your stories are shocking, Cayla. You talk about everything so eloquently and calmly, (as you do in all of your videos) but I can imagine how awful it must have been for you at the time. I have had similar experiences. I once went to an interview where I had to prepare a 20 minute presentation about my career, achievements and skills which made me right for the job and following a long list of me reeling off all of the things I was proudest of, they asked me three questions all of which were about my sight. It made me feel as though I could have achieved anything in the world, but all people would ever care about was the fact I couldn't see. Not only is it discrimination, but these things are crippling to a young person's self-esteem, confidence and hope for a successful, happy future. Nobody deserves that. xxx
Hi Fern! Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video. I’m sorry to hear you have had similar experiences. You are so right. I feel as if I have many accomplishments and things I am proud of that people simply look right past and only focus on my blindness. And I totally agree these things can really affect someone’s self-confidence and hope for the future
As an able bodied person thank you so much for sharing your story I am an entrepreneur building businesses and my girl Nina Pop Williams has me considering how I can be more inclusive to the deaf community, and within 2 days of us talking i met a woman who was legally blind asking about work opportunities. These conversations lead me here to learn how i can do my part to help more people in general including the disabled community 😍 thank you again love!
So.....many......interviews!!!!! After 5 years I have a good job, just hope the rehire me for next year. If not, I've got a year of experience to convince people I'm capable.
I can definitely relate to being on a million interviews. I’m glad you got a job. I think getting the first one is the hardest part, and then you have that under your belt as leverage for someone else to hire you
Wow, Cayla, listening to you is like listening to my own experiences, inner thoughts, and history. Sometimes, hiding visual impediments up front is a good strategy, but as we get a little older, we strategize differently. I would love to have a group of us visually impaired people (VIPs) collaborate on something that would help people worldwide.
Oh my gosh you are the first person that I can relate to. I graduated in May with my bachelors in criminal justice, but I can't find any work! On top of that all the jobs are in Los Angeles, I live 2 hours away by train. On top of that sometimes I just lack the confidence to even apply because of the discrimination of interviewers. Thank you for this video. It made me feel better knowing I'm not the only one struggling with these issues.
Thank you for the great insight. My husband has RP and is losing periferal. I want to be educated as much as possible so I can help him as best I can once he becomes legally blind ✌🏽
so sorry to hear this. My own mom had a very narrow view of what type of jobs I could get - such as minimum wage jobs - even though I'd graduated with a Bachlor's degree in Journalism. very frustrating.
Cayla, this video I so relate to I know exactly what you were trying to say been there done that. I do have some positive stories to share with you as well and I want to make a video so that I can share with everyone. So once I get the video made and posted, I will come back to your video and my post to your video here and let you know that it is up and ready for you to see.
I listened to this video with great interest and empathy. If I applied for those same jobs and interviewed with the same people, I would have gotten the same sorry excuses, provided I even got as far as you did with my qualifications or lack there of. I sometimes wonder if Blind and visually impaired people tend to be too tolerant when it comes to discrimination. I'm certainly guilty of it because after all, what can we do about it? I really respect and admire your persistence, resilience, and courage to pursue employment despite all the disappointment we must anticipate. And thank you so much for sharing personal experiences that you probably prefer to erase from memory. Mariko
Thank you for this very nice comment. And I do agree that sometimes we can be too tolerant. Most of the time I feel like I should do something and want to do something but I just don’t know where to start
At my current employment, im at a credit union, i told them upfront and got the job. It took me a year after graduating too get a entry level teller position. I now do NOT tell future employers about my vision. Learned my lesson after blatantly being discriminated against. My vision is 20/200 , so my vision does affect me, but i still can do the job with some aids. Im really good at my current job but also looking for a better opportunity at the moment.
Hello Cayla. I cannot believe how similar our experiences have been. Without a doubt one of the most profound and touching videos I have ever seeing. I also work in the social service field and like you, I went through a los of situations in which getting a job was up the hill and I was victim of discrimination multiple times. I sill in shock how similar your story and my story are. I hope your video brings a lot of awareness and help people to understand that we, people with visual disabilities can do a good job and be an important member to any agency or company. I will be waiting for the second part of this video. 👍
Hi Rafael and thank you for these kind words. I’m so glad you liked the video. It’s really a shame that you and I have had such similar experiences in the social service sector. That is the one place where you think discrimination wouldn’t be as bad. Are you currently working in the field? I would love to know what you do
Cayla with a C Hello Cayla. I currently work in a community health center as a care coordinator. I am a member of an interdisciplinary team to assist people with a variety of health and social issues. My job is to connect patients with different agencies and programs that can help them. Also, I provide updated information about social service programs to the medical assistants at the clinic so they can assist patients too. I help my team gathering statistical information about several health issues that are commonly found among the patients receiving services in our clinic. Basically that is a brief description of what I do in my job. After several years working in a human service agency now I have the opportunity of working in one of the largest health care providers in the state. I feel fortunate having this job but believe me it was very difficult getting the job and the experiences I went through before getting this position. I am from Puerto Rico and I came to USA in 2005. Since them I have been working in different agencies, doing different things but always related to human service, mental health and substance use. Thanks for replying. I will be waiting for your next video. 🙏
Rafael Toro VIP wow that sounds like an awesome job. I’m so glad you have a job in your field that you like, although I’m sure you went through a lot to get there
Wow, I'm sory to hear that this kind of crap still goes on today. I can't count the times I've gotten the job, then told them about about my visual impairment, and then watch them do the dance around. I don't know what state you live in. But, here in Alabama, I know a lit of people in your line of work that work for the state. As VR counselors, job coaches, or in home counselors that go into people's home's and show them devices that help them around the house. And, the state pays for the driver when needed. Check in to it. There may be the same thing in your area aswell. Good Luck Cayla. I sure hope you don't have to keep dealing with this kind of crap.
Girl, the struggle is so real! My current job didn’t know I was blind when I applied, even though I thought they did, because it was a question on the application since I work for the government, and it’s in my HR profile, which goes from one part of the government to the other with me. Now I feel so out of place because I feel like there’s so much that I’m not able to do that wasn’t in the job description. But they can’t on hire me, and finding another job is super difficult. And it does suck, never knowing if it was because you were blind.
I am an individual tax advisory specialist for the Internal Revenue Service. I already worked for the IRS, and they really needed someone. So they just straight up offered me the job. And then I was like OK, well I’m blind, so should I bring my equipment from this job or do you order me new equipment, since it’s the same government organization. So she knew. She said there was one thing at the job I couldn’t do. One thing. Not the case. Plus since I work with the general public now instead of taking phone calls, everybody and their mom wants to ask about my blindness. Drives me nuts. I’m like… Weren’t we here to talk about your taxes?
Hi Cayla I had to hide my vision loss my whole life. It was horrible trying to fake it, so scare someone would find out. I got fired from my job of 15 years because they found out I was legally blind. Discrimination seems to be something that comes with having a disability. Great video, but disturbing that this is what you experienced working and looking for work. This makes me so angry. I fought for my job only to be told that I would probably have to stand in the corner during my shift. You seem to be a very bright and intelligent person. My god no wonder most of us with visual loss want to run to an island and hide. Society is not kind to us. We are human we have feelings. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. Just know that you are not alone with this. We all have had to deal with this. Thanks for sharing. I'll be awaiting your next video. Have a great day and for all those who discriminate us remember what comes around goes around.
Hi Michelle and thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I can’t believe you were fired from your job after they found out you were legally blind. Obviously you can do the job if you had been for 15 years, so I don’t know how in the world they could’ve justified that. I’m so sorry that happened to you
There are many obstacles when we are finding jobs. Moreover, when you are working in certain fields, you can be hurt by people without moral values. I’ve been yelled by sighted coworkers calling me blind which really hurts.
At the job I work at now when I did an interview I told him them I was hearing impaired and visually impaired. Luckily the lady that I talked to was so nice and she didn't care about my disabilities, but when I started to work there everyone else didn’t like me they put me at the register 🤦🏻♀️ and they say stuff like "please keep an eye out for lines" I say "sure I'll try when my sight gets better". I really try my best at the job no one helps the nice Manger left. So now I'm always getting discriminated. They make me climb ladder in a dark storage room to get boxes by my self. And when I try to call for help to count cents or change they complain knowing I have a hard time seeing where I leave a coin and I take longer. And customer don't always put money in your hands so it makes me confused where to look. A lot of customers love me I like the job but there are different areas in the job I can work for. But they make me stay and I know why. They want me to quit and feel frustrated. It really is hard to find a new job especially when you have visual impairment especially hearing.
That’s so frustrating. I’m sorry to hear that. That is a sad reality we face that even if we manage to get hired a lot of times coworkers aren’t very accommodating. I hope it gets better
It was great listening to you. I have lost vision to 30% in left eye and on top of that i have retinitis pigmentosa(night blindness). I have suffered and struggled a lot and when i look back of even think of my journey its like nightmare. But now im an admin of three big companies and a warehouse but still everyday is new struggle. My trick is that i don't expect mercy or anything from anyone or to expect that someone understand. I make room for myself all i did is to be fearless, bold and confident and get treated as i treat the others. Thats a quick summary , you are legend and have a blessed life. P.S try to change environment where you can fit in just like i left my country to fit in, there is always a way around or out of the box.😊☺️
@@CaylawithaC I know what that's like. I also got told I should be on disability. I figure I need to make my own buisness if I'm every going to have an income.
This sounds super stressful lol. I am planning to go to my local bureau for blindness and visual services for vocational rehabilitation and counselling and I have no idea what to expect. The idea of trying to work with a visual impairment (and disclosing it) gives me so much anxiety!
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it is very stressful. But working with vocational rehabilitation should help. It may take a little while to find your footing but pretty soon you will figure out what works best for you and how to navigate it. I wish you the best of luck ❤️
I'm 28, legally blind. Im not open about it anymore. Too many times job offers or stages of recruitment process turning sour after I disclosed it. So I tell them after they offer me a job. Fuck them. I've already considered whether I can cope with the job prior to applying. I don't need someone else with no understanding of my sight to decide what I can cope with. Edit Just watched your video you're like me. Every single job I've had has not provided me with ANY form of accommodation. Worked on a hospital ward, they didn't give a shit, worked in a restaurant, the told me not to bother serving food or handling the till, just go to the back and wash up as I wasn't "safe" to do anything else. And then they had the cheek to print out the shifts on a piece of paper with tiny writing and put it on the wall about a foot higher than my head so I couldn't read it, and then said it was my duty to check the rota every time I'm in work in case they've changed my shifts around and didn't have to tell me. The fucking cheek! At my current job in sheltered housing there is a tiny and I mean tiny little laptop, same as those ones with the penguin and ends in x, can't remember the name right now. And I have to read in the tiniest writing times people have moved in their homes. I said there's no way I can see that at all sorry they said we can't enlarge, and it's your job you have to do it. So I get my camera, get it close to the screen, zoom in, take a picture, then open that picture and zoom it in as close as possible, then squint to try and see it. It takes me fucking ages. I stopped taking morning shifts and did afternoons instead just so I can avoid that task that is a pain in the ass for a normal person t do. I get so sick and tired of the bs from employers. I did work in a kennels for work experience and really liked that. However. You don't really need to see for that kind of work. The job options are already limited for the VI we don't need arsey employers making it more challenging. Then you have other people judging you for being lay and not having found a job yet. And then you have dickhead relatives that like to tell you that you can do anything if you try hard enough, it's all in the mind, just push through, there are completely blind people that can achieve loads. Of fuck off. Just fuck off with your BMW. Why don't you try getting a bus to work but struggle to tell the difference between a bus and a lorry and you can't tell. Yes, the sight impaired are just laaaazy and work shy. Of course!!! Society hates the disabled. Because we're just lazy benefit scroungers faking it. You wouldn't believe I come from a Right wing, tory, middle class family. I can't be, that though. The right wing hate people that aren't them. Sorry for the rant. It's not an issue that's discussed enough and it's a very real one. Grinds my gears. The wealthiest evade taxes and break the law and people shrug yet the disabled trying to find honest work but haven't yet get crucified for being a drain to society.
I totally agree with you. Like you, I know what job I can and can’t do, I don’t need someone else to decide that for me. I also agree that so many people think we are lazy if we don’t have a job but they don’t realize The struggles we face. I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences. That’s really awful that all of those jobs wouldn’t provide simple accommodations
@@CaylawithaC thanks so much for replying. Funnily enough, I have a job interview for a job that pays 15 pounds an hour in 3 days and I'm pretty confident I'll get it. Il update you
Hi there nice video and I am totally blind I'm currently looking for a job myself but I will take your advice and if I get a job and I have the chance of getting a better one I will highly remember your advice of not quitting beforehand
This, that too in country like USA! IN India, there seems to be mixed kind of situation. So far, my college campus placements couldn't get me a job but the experience wasn't particularly bad as it was on campus placement process. The private sector is definitely brootal compared to public sector though. I disclose it if they have a field for it in the application form. For the most part of time, in the interviews they get to know about myvisual impairment any way.
Who need to read the fire protocols during an actual fire LOL, that’s so true. That’s crazy though that she said you couldn’t get a job because you couldn’t have your purse in the classroom. Like you said, you could’ve put your magnifier somewhere else. And that’s terrible that the lady at the other daycare told you to put in your two weeks notice and then didn’t call you back and then gave the job to someone else after offering it to you. Good thing I didn’t put anything if you notice yet. It must’ve been hard working 3 to 12 midnight since it would be going home in the dark.
Seriously! Both of those ladies were terrible. And yes I hated getting off work at midnight. I took a cab home from work and was always really anxious about doing that so late at night, and I also hated walking into my apartment that late and in the dark
I don’t blame you, I would’ve hated that too. Darkness is never helpful for anyone but if specially visually wise. I commend you for putting up with it for that long.
I am dating a visually impaired women. Thank you sooo much for your feedback! wow so mind and eye blowing. Great video and tips to give the girl I am dating as I am helping her to seek employment. Thank you!
The only full-time job I ever had was due to the fact that I went through a special program at Goodwill industries for people with disabilities. Companies were recruited to be a part of the program and agreed in advance to at least let us have a 12 week internship working for them. We were all hired by the companies, but something like that would never happen if it wasn’t for this program.
I can’t work anymore. My visual disability is caused by an autoimmune disease. However, I get discriminated against far too often. I’ve been followed and questioned at grocery stores. I get to hear rude comments from other customers and employees at stores. Dr offices have refused to help me with paperwork when they don’t have large print available. They’ve told me to have someone help me and reschedule my appointment or to find another dr.
I'm visually impaired with crossed eyes, I got hired but they fired me not because of my abilities, it's just because of my disability as a visually impaired couple weeks ago. The supervisor hired me after my interview, I did not hid my visually impaired, I volunteered opened about it during interview, and the supervisor said that no problem because he can just give me tasks that I can do but I had to passed the exam first before started to work. So, I passed the exam, worked good in there, but after 2 weeks, after my work time, I got a surprised meeting with my supervisor and manager, the meeting was uncomfortable with me because the manager complained about my eyes, then I had to explained about my eyes to him, and my supervisor told him that I was a great worker, so the meeting ended. Then after 20 minutes or so when I got home, the manager texted me, he asked me to call him on the phone, then I called, then he fired me on the phone because he can't just accept my eyes, he just said that I can't go back to work there anymore starting that day. It felts so much pain for me, because it's not my fault why I got this eyes situation, but people loved to punished us because we are diffirent for them. We just want to live a normal life just like the others, but a lot of people can't give it to us. Now, I'm just trying to make money in youtube as a vlogger even though it's too hard to earn money from it, specially when you don't have millions of views.
Thank you for sharing your insight. I am also high functioning legally blind person and your struggles mirror much of mine. I am creating a portfolio for work from home after COVID and am going to reference you. Please let me know where I can support your channel. Thanks
I still can't find a job. Anyone have links or resource that can help me find jobs? I have progressive keratoconus and im legally blind because of it Can't keep or land a job because of lack of vision
Cayla - if you felt these employees have been discriminatory towards you, I am assuming you took action? Otherwise, they would simply continue to do so, if they are not challenged.
Low-Vision UK - Terry's View you are very right. Unfortunately I did not take action because at the time people in my life were very dismissive of these experiences. It’s difficult to take action without support and without anyone validating that you actually did experience discrimination. Everyone just kind of shrugged and was like oh well and nobody around me took it seriously
Honestly im in real bad times myself ive been dealing with waves of depression even before i graduated high school and even now. the only thing that really helps is my volenteering in town cause im doing something. What still surprises me is how many call me lazy. But when they hear about how many jobs i apply for and how long ive been doing it for they just think things like you said oh hes bad at interviews or his resume sucks. Well i show them my resume they are usually very impressed with it and it isnt interviews because im just not getting any. So many people just think im not trying hard enough and i always tell myself that till the point im just depressed again and not doing anything. I cycle in and out of finding jobs for that only reason, depression. I mean im 25 and people are starting to really question why ive never been employed before. But the other thing is that none of the retail jobs around me offer anything that would be enough to support me its all 16 dollars an hour working only once 2 times a week. Then i get the why dont you work 2 jobs or 3 but none of the places would play ball with the other scheduals so getting a second job would mean losing the first one. Getting a retail job to me just feels like giving up or a complete waste of time because theres no future working there. I just get people who say things online like i dont care if your disabled even if you could only move one finger you can work and dont need assisted living. Its honestly to the point where i have decided, not to have kids because it would be irresponsible of me to put kids through the same thing im going through. I dont even know if going through an agency is going to help at all i already hate the one im with they just call to check in and list jobs online then take credit for it when you get any job even if its not from them theres little to no assistance, anything they offer is through the government anyway so i can personally bypass them all together. People say i have a defeatest attitude when i tell them all the troubles im having finding a job. I've honestly never heard something worse or more dismissive then that. (Your the problem not society not anyone else its you period.)
Honestly it just feels good knowing someone who is going through the same things i am. atleast similar ones and i hope you have good luck in the future with everything.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I definitely understand though. It can be so frustrating, especially when people don’t understand and simply think you are just lazy or in adequate. That’s great that you volunteer. It certainly helps me feel productive and fulfilled, and who knows maybe it could lead to a job someday or it’s at least something else you can put on your resume. Just know you’re not alone in this and try to keep your head up. I wish you the best and hope you find something soon ❤️
In the uk we get free public transport if we registered as legally partially sighted / legally blind even then every job that interests me in military or police and I am not able to do any off them. The only job I could even try do is teaching and even then I would hate that job after like 1 year
That’s awesome. I think they have similar programs in the US where you can get free or discounted public transportation. The problem is that there isn’t public transportation in a lot of areas
I have another question. I have a state ID and all the job applications keep asking if I have a drivers license. I check no. Then it kicks me out of the application. Have you ever had this issue? I get that question even on jobs where driving isn’t required.
Very good point. Yes I have dealt with this a lot and think it’s absolutely ridiculous and discriminatory to put that on applications when driving isn’t a requirement of the job. I usually just check yes and then address it later on in the process.
I have multiple disabilities as well as being VI. As they are ones that sighted people can easily see, I had to disclose my disabilities on the application form. I had a few interviews and was always questioned about my disabilities and not my abilities. One even asked me 'why should we employ someone of YOUR KIND?' That brings me to the main point of this comment. Many non disabled people find it hard to believe things like this go on and think I was making things up. Have you had people not believe you?
Wow I can’t believe they said that to you. How awful. And yes, a lot of people are very dismissive that these situations happen. I talk a little bit about that in part 2. People seem to automatically think that the employer was in the right and we must have just misunderstood them
Thank you for this video. I’ve been looking for a job for six years. Now I’m on the self employment track. Do you think self-employment can be a good thing?
Honestly have had the same things happen to me. Was kinda traumatizing cos the excuses are ridiculous. Have even had mentors at jobs go out of their way to put me in situations they know i can;t handle in order to point out to their superiors how i cant do the job. The safety excuse is a huge go to it seems, and if you push further you need to take it to court and prove that you are not at risk, and neither are your care receivers. I've in fact had to look at completely different careers (restaurant supervisor, HR, Social Media coordinator) and start from really low wages in order to find work. Had managed to find long term work, but the unethical nature, working conditions, and screwed up policies eventually take its toll on you. So it now feels like you can't do the work you want to do, but you have the choice to work for real low wages, or scummy companies.
You Make some really good points here. And I can’t believe that your mentors actually did that. That’s so awful. Sometimes I just can’t wrap my head around how terrible some people can be
Hi as a fellow Visually impaired person have you ever thought about entering the world of music as one area in which VIPs have an advantage as music is purely audible and any visually impaired person experiences the world in a purely audible capacity levelling the playing field thanks for the video
I think we who are visual impaired work harder than the ones who are sighted because all we want is to demonstrate that we are effective and capable. I work in a restaurant and although I am working with men, I consider that I do a better job than them, and they are sighted.
That second story is so ridiculous, and so illegal. They probably got away with it because there was nothing in writing. That’s awful. Glad you didn’t put your two weeks in.
😮 #Wow I have worked with the public, although I am #Permanently #Blind & #Disabled, but I don't recommend it for I actually had people ask me what is wrong with me.
This comment might be all over the place because the pure irradiation running through me is so frustrating. Our backgrounds are completely different but stories are basically the same when it comes to the job hunt. I got rejected for jobs I was highly qualified for and I can only assume it was because of my vision. I never try to hide the fact that I am blind (I always have my white cane in hand). I applied for a dog walking job which required me to have travel (my vocational agents idea) got hired and had to freaking quit because I obviously couldn’t drive to all the places the dogs were and they would. I have not worked since HS and it’s so frustrating. All I want to do is work but it’s so freaking hard because no one wants to hire me. Where I’m from driving is always an essential part of a job requirements which is Ugh. Living with disabilities doesn’t mean we aren’t able to work or that we are a liability and we shouldn’t have to settle for a random job that we don’t want. The equal opportunity jobs are completely BS as well because they do disarcionate as well.
Hi cayla! I am legally blind as well and like you, I wanted to work with kids and I had applied for a job at a daycare for a TA (teacher’s assistant). I went to the interview and was told to get all the necessary forms completed. The next week , the assistant director calls me and says well are you going to be able to see the kids on the playground? I think your a lovely lady but I don’t think this is a good fit for you. Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY upset & duscouraged.
I’m sorry that happened to you. Seeing the kids on the playground was one of my fears and reasons why I turned down the position with the three-year-olds, but everyone’s vision is different and there are some people who are visually impaired that would be able to see them. I imagine daycares are probably the hardest jobs for visually impaired people to get because people are so concerned about the safety of small children and just don’t trust us
Cayla with a C right and also like you . I was also told to hint that I was visually impaired but not flat out say oh yeah, i am legally blind. You know you could have reported that daycare to the EEOC. (Equal employment Oppurtunity Comission). You could have filed a complaint for that company.
I am also legally blind and can relate a lot to this video. I can’t drive so I have to look for jobs close to my community. I had to turn down jobs because I was not able to meet the requirements of the job. I live in Atlanta it someone knows a company or community that can help me find a job please comment
Sorry, this is really long My mom got hired part time, and was scheduled to work this week. She told her boss that she's legally blind. She can do everything anybody can, and the lady fired her. My mom has cataracts, tunnel vision, and has had multiple surgeries. But she can do everything just fine. She graduated as a paralegal, and has been trained by the VA center for the blind. She's seen people that are completely blind that are able to fix computers and wood carving.
reinard joseph I actually haven’t disclosed where I live. But in general I think these are pretty common experiences for visually impaired and disabled people, although it will probably very from city to city, state to state, and not all work fields or agencies are the same
Do you live in ontario because theres and educational assistant to help special needs kids and autistic kids listed on indeed under the visually impared tab
My name is Kayla as well. I’m going to school to get my Masters in Public Health. I want to be a health educator. I also want to grow my UA-cam channel.
@@CaylawithaC Thank you so much. I’ve learned that I need to start applying before I graduate. I was lucky to be able to get a job at a clinic after I graduated with my Spanish degree. They were very cool.
If I was you I would have recorded the interview? I am legally blind. I have had other types of jobs in my lifetime. Before 2001 when I was in high school in 1994 and 1995 I was a passenger assistant for a subcontracted company called MManTec. At that time I was not in a wheelchair. My vocational tracker in Hight School helped me get that job. I worked there for 6 months and one day they said that I drove a jetway which I never did. They told me that I was a safety hazard. Unfortunately, I have had vocational rehabilitation for the blind in SLC UT has got me jobs working for Disabled Sweatshops where I was paid sub-minim-wage. I wish those jobs paid PWD real living wages or those jobs would be illegal? Those types of jobs may be a job that someone who may not be able to work in a regular work setting but they still should pay PWD real wages? Some people may really have real disabilities and want to put what they can into society but no one should be paid below the minimum wage. This really hurts PWD and makes it so people can't reach goals in their life and doesn't better PWD. Can you or do you have a video on this subject of paying PWD below the minimum wage?
@@CaylawithaC I was talking about this video with my soul Mom. She suggested that maybe you could work from home. There's gotta be job opportunities in USA where you can work from your house. Maybe you already do that. But that's my thought. If public transport is a big issue, we gotta find jobs online, somehow, somewhere.
Dal Cecil Runo i’ve actually had a lot of people suggest working from home, but honestly I would hate that. I already spend so much time at home. I like to get out of the house and be around people
@@CaylawithaC oh, I see. I'm the opposite. I would die to work from home and never deal with people in person again. That's why I'm a writer, working on someday becoming a full time author, so all my interactions are from a safe distance. I'm very much an introvert.
Hey there really awesome video. I deffinately understand why u hide your visually impaired i do the same its realy hard but can't hide it to be honest. You video is realy awesome and i may not as Smart as you but i do my best. I realy like the fact u never give up you realy inspire mee. I know i have to try hard but it seems so imposible and i know how mean people can be but you are realy awesome u have inspired me to do better
The background check as a way to get a person out of the room and avoid giving them the job... must be a thing. Im trans and had someone do the same thing to me. They were onboarding me, taking tax information, so I told them my name is probably changing, Im trans. Awkward silence. I get a background check. Never hear from them. When I called they had a bunch of excuses for why the different positions they had to fill were suddenly not available.
My vision loss occurred 2.5 years ago when I was 48. If I was your age I’d probably try to go back to work, but at this point i have no plans to. Like you mentioned public transportation in my area is non existent and taking Uber round trip would be outrageously expensive. However, I would like to mention this as a positive note: my last job was working at Lowe’s Home Improvement. I was there almost 2 years and missed probably 6-8 weeks of work over different periods due to eye infections which ultimately led to my vision loss. They were AMAZING about working with me when I had to decrease my hours and made it very clear they would accommodate me as much as possible. There was never a question of them letting me go even though I missed so much time. I don’t know if I would have had the same experience at any store but I was impressed. After the last infections put me at legally blind, of course I had to leave. I found Lowe’s to be challenging visually as mine worsened, but their treatment of me was far superior to how I was treated under similar circumstances while working for a large hospital. Go figure. Don’t give up! Any employer would be lucky to have you. :-)
Thank you! And thanks for sharing. It’s always nice to hear stories of employers treating people well
Hey Cayla! This is a great video and topic. I think you were absolutely correct, the majority of people do not have a clue what it’s like to have vision loss and many of the struggles that we have as visually impaired individuals. This is the main reason why I will never look for a traditional job ever again, I’ve had way too many bad experiences with a couple jobs I have had since my vision became much worse, people are so rude and ignorant. I wish you the absolute best with your jobIf someone disrespects you, they certainly do not deserve having you as part of their team. There’s always going to be a different company out there who would love to have you, we just need to find them! Great video
Thank you Matt! Maybe you should do a video on your channel about your bad experiences with employers. And thank you. I actually just started an internship about a month ago, and they were really excited to bring me on board and it has been great so far.
Cayla with a C good morning! That is very exciting, congratulations! I have certainly had a few bad experiences with employers, but let’s be honest, maybe I am just a bad employee. LOL. But no, there were certainly some very rude discriminatory comments made to me as a result of low vision. Either way, thanks for the great video, I definitely think this is something that should be discussed. Thank you for the video series! I’m excited to see the next iteration. Have a nice day,
Blind to Billionaire thank you! I’m sure you are not a bad employee. I would be interested in hearing about your experiences. I seriously think you should make a video about it
Cayla with a C Thanks Cayla! I will put that into my list of video ideas, thank you for the suggestion! Have a nice weekend
I really appreciate all the details you dived into on this . I'm struggling finding work right now . My father ,who was also my boss ,recently died 2 months ago. Since then I've been struggling and battling depression . For the loss of my father but also my loss of purpose. Having consistent work makes everybody feel great. Not having it , while having an eye disease does that complete opposite. I really appreciate the contents of this video and will use it to help me get back on my feet . Love from LA
I’m so sorry. That sounds really difficult. Sending you hugs
I am a much older person than you. Almost retirement age, before I started going blind. So, I have not looked for work. But I think I would tell a prospective employer up front that I had visual issues so it may save any ignorance on their behalf. The Americans with Disabilities Act is supposed to protect us, but I can see where it wouldn’t. I am so sorry you had such issues. It really makes me sad that such a lovely, intelligent person could be treated any differently than anyone else, sighted or not. Thank you for sharing.
You make such a great comment! I agree. I want to add on top that I simply pray God brings you to the right job at the right time. Great video and great advice shared. Thanks Cayla!
Thank you. I really appreciate your kind words. And I am upfront with employers now and I think it has gone a lot better
Jannell Meagher thank you so much!
There is definitely a great job for you out there somewhere. There are so many blind and vision impaired people that have so much talent and so much to offer it’s a shame that so many employers are missing out through the shortsightedness.
Thank you for these kind words❤️
I am so sorry Cayla that you have had such a hard time with work. People can be cruel and ridiculously rotten. I guess be thankful you did not work with any of these past people or companies. Somebody out there would LOVE to have you as an employee. May God provide you!
Thank you! I agree these people would have been horrible to work with
Wow, your stories are shocking, Cayla. You talk about everything so eloquently and calmly, (as you do in all of your videos) but I can imagine how awful it must have been for you at the time. I have had similar experiences. I once went to an interview where I had to prepare a 20 minute presentation about my career, achievements and skills which made me right for the job and following a long list of me reeling off all of the things I was proudest of, they asked me three questions all of which were about my sight. It made me feel as though I could have achieved anything in the world, but all people would ever care about was the fact I couldn't see. Not only is it discrimination, but these things are crippling to a young person's self-esteem, confidence and hope for a successful, happy future. Nobody deserves that. xxx
Hi Fern! Thank you! I’m glad you liked the video. I’m sorry to hear you have had similar experiences. You are so right. I feel as if I have many accomplishments and things I am proud of that people simply look right past and only focus on my blindness. And I totally agree these things can really affect someone’s self-confidence and hope for the future
As an able bodied person thank you so much for sharing your story I am an entrepreneur building businesses and my girl Nina Pop Williams has me considering how I can be more inclusive to the deaf community, and within 2 days of us talking i met a woman who was legally blind asking about work opportunities. These conversations lead me here to learn how i can do my part to help more people in general including the disabled community 😍 thank you again love!
That’s really awesome! I’m so glad you found my video. And thank you so much for your commitment to inclusivity
Great video. I look forward to the second part. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
Thank you Ashley! ❤️
this world is very shallow, you come across like such a bright, intelligent person anyone would be crazy not to hand you a job!
Aw thank you! That is so sweet❤️
So.....many......interviews!!!!! After 5 years I have a good job, just hope the rehire me for next year. If not, I've got a year of experience to convince people I'm capable.
I can definitely relate to being on a million interviews. I’m glad you got a job. I think getting the first one is the hardest part, and then you have that under your belt as leverage for someone else to hire you
Wow, Cayla, listening to you is like listening to my own experiences, inner thoughts, and history. Sometimes, hiding visual impediments up front is a good strategy, but as we get a little older, we strategize differently. I would love to have a group of us visually impaired people (VIPs) collaborate on something that would help people worldwide.
Oh my gosh you are the first person that I can relate to. I graduated in May with my bachelors in criminal justice, but I can't find any work! On top of that all the jobs are in Los Angeles, I live 2 hours away by train. On top of that sometimes I just lack the confidence to even apply because of the discrimination of interviewers.
Thank you for this video. It made me feel better knowing I'm not the only one struggling with these issues.
I am so inspired by how hardworking you are. Also your positive attitude as well.
Justina Grillo thank you!!
Thank you for the great insight. My husband has RP and is losing periferal. I want to be educated as much as possible so I can help him as best I can once he becomes legally blind ✌🏽
That’s really great that you are trying to educate yourself in preparation for the future. I wish you both the best ❤️
so sorry to hear this. My own mom had a very narrow view of what type of jobs I could get - such as minimum wage jobs - even though I'd graduated with a Bachlor's degree in Journalism. very frustrating.
Kristina Arntz I can definitely relate to that. I have had many issues with my own family on this topic as well
Cayla, this video I so relate to I know exactly what you were trying to say been there done that.
I do have some positive stories to share with you as well and I want to make a video so that I can share with everyone. So once I get the video made and posted, I will come back to your video and my post to your video here and let you know that it is up and ready for you to see.
I listened to this video with great interest and empathy. If I applied for those same jobs and interviewed with the same people, I would have gotten the same sorry excuses, provided I even got as far as you did with my qualifications or lack there of. I sometimes wonder if Blind and visually impaired people tend to be too tolerant when it comes to discrimination. I'm certainly guilty of it because after all, what can we do about it? I really respect and admire your persistence, resilience, and courage to pursue employment despite all the disappointment we must anticipate. And thank you so much for sharing personal experiences that you probably prefer to erase from memory. Mariko
Thank you for this very nice comment. And I do agree that sometimes we can be too tolerant. Most of the time I feel like I should do something and want to do something but I just don’t know where to start
Who pulls the fire drill protocol binder when there's an actual fire!!?? 😂😂
I just can’t get over how dumb that was. And she thinks that I would be a safety hazard…
At my current employment, im at a credit union, i told them upfront and got the job. It took me a year after graduating too get a entry level teller position. I now do NOT tell future employers about my vision. Learned my lesson after blatantly being discriminated against. My vision is 20/200 , so my vision does affect me, but i still can do the job with some aids. Im really good at my current job but also looking for a better opportunity at the moment.
I’m glad you got a job and wish you luck in finding a better one
I have been waiting for this special moment the whole week. I really love the way you are. I just want to meet you, hug you and thank you.
Aw this is one of the sweetest comments I have ever gotten!! You made my day ❤️
Cayla with a C you make my day every time I hear you talking. Thanks for being a blessing for all of us.
I feel like everyone sided especially with your family tends to think getting a job is the easiest thing in the world. Especially for people like us.
I agree. They have no idea how hard it is
When in fact it’s a lot harder.
Hello Cayla. I cannot believe how similar our experiences have been. Without a doubt one of the most profound and touching videos I have ever seeing. I also work in the social service field and like you, I went through a los of situations in which getting a job was up the hill and I was victim of discrimination multiple times. I sill in shock how similar your story and my story are. I hope your video brings a lot of awareness and help people to understand that we, people with visual disabilities can do a good job and be an important member to any agency or company. I will be waiting for the second part of this video. 👍
Hi Rafael and thank you for these kind words. I’m so glad you liked the video. It’s really a shame that you and I have had such similar experiences in the social service sector. That is the one place where you think discrimination wouldn’t be as bad. Are you currently working in the field? I would love to know what you do
Cayla with a C Hello Cayla. I currently work in a community health center as a care coordinator. I am a member of an interdisciplinary team to assist people with a variety of health and social issues. My job is to connect patients with different agencies and programs that can help them. Also, I provide updated information about social service programs to the medical assistants at the clinic so they can assist patients too. I help my team gathering statistical information about several health issues that are commonly found among the patients receiving services in our clinic. Basically that is a brief description of what I do in my job. After several years working in a human service agency now I have the opportunity of working in one of the largest health care providers in the state. I feel fortunate having this job but believe me it was very difficult getting the job and the experiences I went through before getting this position. I am from Puerto Rico and I came to USA in 2005. Since them I have been working in different agencies, doing different things but always related to human service, mental health and substance use. Thanks for replying. I will be waiting for your next video. 🙏
Rafael Toro VIP wow that sounds like an awesome job. I’m so glad you have a job in your field that you like, although I’m sure you went through a lot to get there
Wow, I'm sory to hear that this kind of crap still goes on today. I can't count the times I've gotten the job, then told them about about my visual impairment, and then watch them do the dance around. I don't know what state you live in. But, here in Alabama, I know a lit of people in your line of work that work for the state. As VR counselors, job coaches, or in home counselors that go into people's home's and show them devices that help them around the house. And, the state pays for the driver when needed. Check in to it. There may be the same thing in your area aswell. Good Luck Cayla. I sure hope you don't have to keep dealing with this kind of crap.
Thank you. That’s really interesting that they will pay for a driver. I will definitely have to look into that
Girl, the struggle is so real! My current job didn’t know I was blind when I applied, even though I thought they did, because it was a question on the application since I work for the government, and it’s in my HR profile, which goes from one part of the government to the other with me. Now I feel so out of place because I feel like there’s so much that I’m not able to do that wasn’t in the job description. But they can’t on hire me, and finding another job is super difficult. And it does suck, never knowing if it was because you were blind.
Annie B Videos oh wow. What job are you doing? And was your blindness addressed in the interview?
I am an individual tax advisory specialist for the Internal Revenue Service. I already worked for the IRS, and they really needed someone. So they just straight up offered me the job. And then I was like OK, well I’m blind, so should I bring my equipment from this job or do you order me new equipment, since it’s the same government organization. So she knew. She said there was one thing at the job I couldn’t do. One thing. Not the case. Plus since I work with the general public now instead of taking phone calls, everybody and their mom wants to ask about my blindness. Drives me nuts. I’m like… Weren’t we here to talk about your taxes?
Hi Cayla I had to hide my vision loss my whole life. It was horrible trying to fake it, so scare someone would find out. I got fired from my job of 15 years because they found out I was legally blind. Discrimination seems to be something that comes with having a disability. Great video, but disturbing that this is what you experienced working and looking for work. This makes me so angry. I fought for my job only to be told that I would probably have to stand in the corner during my shift. You seem to be a very bright and intelligent person. My god no wonder most of us with visual loss want to run to an island and hide. Society is not kind to us. We are human we have feelings. I'm so sorry that you had to go through that. Just know that you are not alone with this. We all have had to deal with this. Thanks for sharing. I'll be awaiting your next video. Have a great day and for all those who discriminate us remember what comes around goes around.
Hi Michelle and thank you so much for this thoughtful comment. I can’t believe you were fired from your job after they found out you were legally blind. Obviously you can do the job if you had been for 15 years, so I don’t know how in the world they could’ve justified that. I’m so sorry that happened to you
There are many obstacles when we are finding jobs. Moreover, when you are working in certain fields, you can be hurt by people without moral values. I’ve been yelled by sighted coworkers calling me blind which really hurts.
Somebody will be lucky to have you as a employee. You are worth it!!
l Wallace l thank you so much! That’s very kind of you to say
At the job I work at now when I did an interview I told him them I was hearing impaired and visually impaired. Luckily the lady that I talked to was so nice and she didn't care about my disabilities, but when I started to work there everyone else didn’t like me they put me at the register 🤦🏻♀️ and they say stuff like "please keep an eye out for lines" I say "sure I'll try when my sight gets better". I really try my best at the job no one helps the nice Manger left. So now I'm always getting discriminated. They make me climb ladder in a dark storage room to get boxes by my self. And when I try to call for help to count cents or change they complain knowing I have a hard time seeing where I leave a coin and I take longer. And customer don't always put money in your hands so it makes me confused where to look. A lot of customers love me I like the job but there are different areas in the job I can work for. But they make me stay and I know why. They want me to quit and feel frustrated. It really is hard to find a new job especially when you have visual impairment especially hearing.
That’s so frustrating. I’m sorry to hear that. That is a sad reality we face that even if we manage to get hired a lot of times coworkers aren’t very accommodating. I hope it gets better
Cayla with a C I really do too 🙏🏼
It was great listening to you. I have lost vision to 30% in left eye and on top of that i have retinitis pigmentosa(night blindness). I have suffered and struggled a lot and when i look back of even think of my journey its like nightmare. But now im an admin of three big companies and a warehouse but still everyday is new struggle. My trick is that i don't expect mercy or anything from anyone or to expect that someone understand. I make room for myself all i did is to be fearless, bold and confident and get treated as i treat the others. Thats a quick summary , you are legend and have a blessed life. P.S try to change environment where you can fit in just like i left my country to fit in, there is always a way around or out of the box.😊☺️
That’s really awesome that you found success
the most common one I've heard is an "insurance risk".
Yes, I’ve been told before that I would be a liability
@@CaylawithaC I know what that's like. I also got told I should be on disability. I figure I need to make my own buisness if I'm every going to have an income.
This sounds super stressful lol. I am planning to go to my local bureau for blindness and visual services for vocational rehabilitation and counselling and I have no idea what to expect. The idea of trying to work with a visual impairment (and disclosing it) gives me so much anxiety!
I’m not going to sugarcoat it, it is very stressful. But working with vocational rehabilitation should help. It may take a little while to find your footing but pretty soon you will figure out what works best for you and how to navigate it. I wish you the best of luck ❤️
@@CaylawithaC Thanks! Im super nervous but I have to at least try.
I'm 28, legally blind. Im not open about it anymore. Too many times job offers or stages of recruitment process turning sour after I disclosed it. So I tell them after they offer me a job. Fuck them. I've already considered whether I can cope with the job prior to applying. I don't need someone else with no understanding of my sight to decide what I can cope with.
Edit
Just watched your video you're like me. Every single job I've had has not provided me with ANY form of accommodation. Worked on a hospital ward, they didn't give a shit, worked in a restaurant, the told me not to bother serving food or handling the till, just go to the back and wash up as I wasn't "safe" to do anything else. And then they had the cheek to print out the shifts on a piece of paper with tiny writing and put it on the wall about a foot higher than my head so I couldn't read it, and then said it was my duty to check the rota every time I'm in work in case they've changed my shifts around and didn't have to tell me. The fucking cheek! At my current job in sheltered housing there is a tiny and I mean tiny little laptop, same as those ones with the penguin and ends in x, can't remember the name right now. And I have to read in the tiniest writing times people have moved in their homes. I said there's no way I can see that at all sorry they said we can't enlarge, and it's your job you have to do it. So I get my camera, get it close to the screen, zoom in, take a picture, then open that picture and zoom it in as close as possible, then squint to try and see it. It takes me fucking ages. I stopped taking morning shifts and did afternoons instead just so I can avoid that task that is a pain in the ass for a normal person t do. I get so sick and tired of the bs from employers. I did work in a kennels for work experience and really liked that. However. You don't really need to see for that kind of work. The job options are already limited for the VI we don't need arsey employers making it more challenging. Then you have other people judging you for being lay and not having found a job yet. And then you have dickhead relatives that like to tell you that you can do anything if you try hard enough, it's all in the mind, just push through, there are completely blind people that can achieve loads. Of fuck off. Just fuck off with your BMW. Why don't you try getting a bus to work but struggle to tell the difference between a bus and a lorry and you can't tell. Yes, the sight impaired are just laaaazy and work shy. Of course!!! Society hates the disabled. Because we're just lazy benefit scroungers faking it. You wouldn't believe I come from a Right wing, tory, middle class family. I can't be, that though. The right wing hate people that aren't them. Sorry for the rant. It's not an issue that's discussed enough and it's a very real one. Grinds my gears. The wealthiest evade taxes and break the law and people shrug yet the disabled trying to find honest work but haven't yet get crucified for being a drain to society.
I totally agree with you. Like you, I know what job I can and can’t do, I don’t need someone else to decide that for me. I also agree that so many people think we are lazy if we don’t have a job but they don’t realize The struggles we face. I’m really sorry to hear about your experiences. That’s really awful that all of those jobs wouldn’t provide simple accommodations
@@CaylawithaC thanks so much for replying. Funnily enough, I have a job interview for a job that pays 15 pounds an hour in 3 days and I'm pretty confident I'll get it. Il update you
Hi there nice video and I am totally blind I'm currently looking for a job myself but I will take your advice and if I get a job and I have the chance of getting a better one I will highly remember your advice of not quitting beforehand
Thank you! And yes I think that’s an important take away. Good luck with the job search!
thank you🙂
This, that too in country like USA!
IN India, there seems to be mixed kind of situation. So far, my college campus placements couldn't get me a job but the experience wasn't particularly bad as it was on campus placement process. The private sector is definitely brootal compared to public sector though.
I disclose it if they have a field for it in the application form. For the most part of time, in the interviews they get to know about myvisual impairment any way.
I am doing a business and didn't ever appear in a job interview. But I faced discrimination while I was in my graduation and post graduation
I’m sorry to hear that. Luckily I haven’t faced much discrimination in academia
Who need to read the fire protocols during an actual fire LOL, that’s so true. That’s crazy though that she said you couldn’t get a job because you couldn’t have your purse in the classroom. Like you said, you could’ve put your magnifier somewhere else. And that’s terrible that the lady at the other daycare told you to put in your two weeks notice and then didn’t call you back and then gave the job to someone else after offering it to you. Good thing I didn’t put anything if you notice yet. It must’ve been hard working 3 to 12 midnight since it would be going home in the dark.
Seriously! Both of those ladies were terrible. And yes I hated getting off work at midnight. I took a cab home from work and was always really anxious about doing that so late at night, and I also hated walking into my apartment that late and in the dark
I don’t blame you, I would’ve hated that too. Darkness is never helpful for anyone but if specially visually wise. I commend you for putting up with it for that long.
I am dating a visually impaired women. Thank you sooo much for your feedback! wow so mind and eye blowing. Great video and tips to give the girl I am dating as I am helping her to seek employment. Thank you!
The only full-time job I ever had was due to the fact that I went through a special program at Goodwill industries for people with disabilities. Companies were recruited to be a part of the program and agreed in advance to at least let us have a 12 week internship working for them. We were all hired by the companies, but something like that would never happen if it wasn’t for this program.
I’ve heard about Goodwill doing that and I think that’s great. However it’s very sad that this is some people’s only option
I can’t work anymore. My visual disability is caused by an autoimmune disease. However, I get discriminated against far too often. I’ve been followed and questioned at grocery stores. I get to hear rude comments from other customers and employees at stores. Dr offices have refused to help me with paperwork when they don’t have large print available. They’ve told me to have someone help me and reschedule my appointment or to find another dr.
I’m so sorry to hear you have to deal with all of that. Society can really be terrible sometimes
I'm visually impaired with crossed eyes, I got hired but they fired me not because of my abilities, it's just because of my disability as a visually impaired couple weeks ago. The supervisor hired me after my interview, I did not hid my visually impaired, I volunteered opened about it during interview, and the supervisor said that no problem because he can just give me tasks that I can do but I had to passed the exam first before started to work. So, I passed the exam, worked good in there, but after 2 weeks, after my work time, I got a surprised meeting with my supervisor and manager, the meeting was uncomfortable with me because the manager complained about my eyes, then I had to explained about my eyes to him, and my supervisor told him that I was a great worker, so the meeting ended. Then after 20 minutes or so when I got home, the manager texted me, he asked me to call him on the phone, then I called, then he fired me on the phone because he can't just accept my eyes, he just said that I can't go back to work there anymore starting that day. It felts so much pain for me, because it's not my fault why I got this eyes situation, but people loved to punished us because we are diffirent for them. We just want to live a normal life just like the others, but a lot of people can't give it to us. Now, I'm just trying to make money in youtube as a vlogger even though it's too hard to earn money from it, specially when you don't have millions of views.
I’m so sorry to hear that. That’s really terrible
Hey Cayla,
I am from Computer science background
Things are 80 percent accessoble
Got a job in campus placements.
That’s great to hear! Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much... my partner is newly blind and feels absolutely lost
I’m sorry to hear that. But there is hope. I actually just landed my dream job. Video coming soon
Great job girl. We have a very similar background!
Thank you! What is your background in?
I feel u, I deal with the same things that u do. Hang in there kid
Thank you. It’s always good to know I’m not alone
Mine said they went with someone else then I got a notification the next day saying they were still interviewing for the same job.
I did the process of The Vocational Rehabilitation
Thank you for sharing your insight. I am also high functioning legally blind person and your struggles mirror much of mine. I am creating a portfolio for work from home after COVID and am going to reference you. Please let me know where I can support your channel. Thanks
I still can't find a job.
Anyone have links or resource that can help me find jobs?
I have progressive keratoconus and im legally blind because of it
Can't keep or land a job because of lack of vision
my brother should watch this.
Cayla - if you felt these employees have been discriminatory towards you, I am assuming you took action? Otherwise, they would simply continue to do so, if they are not challenged.
Low-Vision UK - Terry's View you are very right. Unfortunately I did not take action because at the time people in my life were very dismissive of these experiences. It’s difficult to take action without support and without anyone validating that you actually did experience discrimination. Everyone just kind of shrugged and was like oh well and nobody around me took it seriously
Honestly im in real bad times myself ive been dealing with waves of depression even before i graduated high school and even now. the only thing that really helps is my volenteering in town cause im doing something. What still surprises me is how many call me lazy. But when they hear about how many jobs i apply for and how long ive been doing it for they just think things like you said oh hes bad at interviews or his resume sucks. Well i show them my resume they are usually very impressed with it and it isnt interviews because im just not getting any. So many people just think im not trying hard enough and i always tell myself that till the point im just depressed again and not doing anything. I cycle in and out of finding jobs for that only reason, depression. I mean im 25 and people are starting to really question why ive never been employed before. But the other thing is that none of the retail jobs around me offer anything that would be enough to support me its all 16 dollars an hour working only once 2 times a week. Then i get the why dont you work 2 jobs or 3 but none of the places would play ball with the other scheduals so getting a second job would mean losing the first one. Getting a retail job to me just feels like giving up or a complete waste of time because theres no future working there. I just get people who say things online like i dont care if your disabled even if you could only move one finger you can work and dont need assisted living. Its honestly to the point where i have decided, not to have kids because it would be irresponsible of me to put kids through the same thing im going through. I dont even know if going through an agency is going to help at all i already hate the one im with they just call to check in and list jobs online then take credit for it when you get any job even if its not from them theres little to no assistance, anything they offer is through the government anyway so i can personally bypass them all together. People say i have a defeatest attitude when i tell them all the troubles im having finding a job. I've honestly never heard something worse or more dismissive then that. (Your the problem not society not anyone else its you period.)
Honestly it just feels good knowing someone who is going through the same things i am. atleast similar ones and i hope you have good luck in the future with everything.
I’m so sorry to hear that. I definitely understand though. It can be so frustrating, especially when people don’t understand and simply think you are just lazy or in adequate. That’s great that you volunteer. It certainly helps me feel productive and fulfilled, and who knows maybe it could lead to a job someday or it’s at least something else you can put on your resume. Just know you’re not alone in this and try to keep your head up. I wish you the best and hope you find something soon ❤️
In the uk we get free public transport if we registered as legally partially sighted / legally blind even then every job that interests me in military or police and I am not able to do any off them. The only job I could even try do is teaching and even then I would hate that job after like 1 year
That’s awesome. I think they have similar programs in the US where you can get free or discounted public transportation. The problem is that there isn’t public transportation in a lot of areas
I have another question. I have a state ID and all the job applications keep asking if I have a drivers license. I check no. Then it kicks me out of the application. Have you ever had this issue? I get that question even on jobs where driving isn’t required.
Very good point. Yes I have dealt with this a lot and think it’s absolutely ridiculous and discriminatory to put that on applications when driving isn’t a requirement of the job. I usually just check yes and then address it later on in the process.
So relatable 🙌
I’m glad you can relate. Well I mean not really since this is kind of a crappy thing to relate to lol
I have multiple disabilities as well as being VI. As they are ones that sighted people can easily see, I had to disclose my disabilities on the application form. I had a few interviews and was always questioned about my disabilities and not my abilities. One even asked me 'why should we employ someone of YOUR KIND?'
That brings me to the main point of this comment. Many non disabled people find it hard to believe things like this go on and think I was making things up. Have you had people not believe you?
Wow I can’t believe they said that to you. How awful. And yes, a lot of people are very dismissive that these situations happen. I talk a little bit about that in part 2. People seem to automatically think that the employer was in the right and we must have just misunderstood them
Thank you for this video. I’ve been looking for a job for six years. Now I’m on the self employment track. Do you think self-employment can be a good thing?
Thanks Amanda! I do think self-employment can be a good thing and is a way around a lot of these challenges
Honestly have had the same things happen to me. Was kinda traumatizing cos the excuses are ridiculous. Have even had mentors at jobs go out of their way to put me in situations they know i can;t handle in order to point out to their superiors how i cant do the job. The safety excuse is a huge go to it seems, and if you push further you need to take it to court and prove that you are not at risk, and neither are your care receivers. I've in fact had to look at completely different careers (restaurant supervisor, HR, Social Media coordinator) and start from really low wages in order to find work. Had managed to find long term work, but the unethical nature, working conditions, and screwed up policies eventually take its toll on you. So it now feels like you can't do the work you want to do, but you have the choice to work for real low wages, or scummy companies.
You Make some really good points here. And I can’t believe that your mentors actually did that. That’s so awful. Sometimes I just can’t wrap my head around how terrible some people can be
I literally relate to this whole video... It's so frustrating😠😠
I’m glad you can relate, but also sorry that you have had these same frustrating experiences
Hi as a fellow Visually impaired person have you ever thought about entering the world of music as one area in which VIPs have an advantage as music is purely audible and any visually impaired person experiences the world in a purely audible capacity levelling the playing field thanks for the video
I think we who are visual impaired work harder than the ones who are sighted because all we want is to demonstrate that we are effective and capable. I work in a restaurant and although I am working with men, I consider that I do a better job than them, and they are sighted.
I totally agree 110%!! I talk a little bit about that in part 2
That second story is so ridiculous, and so illegal. They probably got away with it because there was nothing in writing. That’s awful. Glad you didn’t put your two weeks in.
😮 #Wow I have worked with the public, although I am #Permanently #Blind & #Disabled, but I don't recommend it for I actually had people ask me what is wrong with me.
Hi I have a question for you do you ever find the places you have visited beer people working on them discriminate you more than normal places of work
Jake Murray Music i’m sorry but I’m not sure I understand what you are asking
This comment might be all over the place because the pure irradiation running through me is so frustrating.
Our backgrounds are completely different but stories are basically the same when it comes to the job hunt. I got rejected for jobs I was highly qualified for and I can only assume it was because of my vision. I never try to hide the fact that I am blind (I always have my white cane in hand). I applied for a dog walking job which required me to have travel (my vocational agents idea) got hired and had to freaking quit because I obviously couldn’t drive to all the places the dogs were and they would. I have not worked since HS and it’s so frustrating. All I want to do is work but it’s so freaking hard because no one wants to hire me. Where I’m from driving is always an essential part of a job requirements which is Ugh.
Living with disabilities doesn’t mean we aren’t able to work or that we are a liability and we shouldn’t have to settle for a random job that we don’t want. The equal opportunity jobs are completely BS as well because they do disarcionate as well.
I’m sorry you’ve had these experiences. I definitely understand how frustrating it is
Very good point about having it in writing.
Im so sorry that human garbage exists 😒
Thank you ❤️
Hi cayla! I am legally blind as well and like you, I wanted to work with kids and I had applied for a job at a daycare for a TA (teacher’s assistant). I went to the interview and was told to get all the necessary forms completed. The next week , the assistant director calls me and says well are you going to be able to see the kids on the playground? I think your a lovely lady but I don’t think this is a good fit for you. Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY upset & duscouraged.
I’m sorry that happened to you. Seeing the kids on the playground was one of my fears and reasons why I turned down the position with the three-year-olds, but everyone’s vision is different and there are some people who are visually impaired that would be able to see them. I imagine daycares are probably the hardest jobs for visually impaired people to get because people are so concerned about the safety of small children and just don’t trust us
Cayla with a C right and also like you . I was also told to hint that I was visually impaired but not flat out say oh yeah, i am legally blind. You know you could have reported that daycare to the EEOC. (Equal employment Oppurtunity Comission). You could have filed a complaint for that company.
I am also legally blind and can relate a lot to this video. I can’t drive so I have to look for jobs close to my community. I had to turn down jobs because I was not able to meet the requirements of the job. I live in Atlanta it someone knows a company or community that can help me find a job please comment
I’m sorry you’ve experienced these same struggles. I hope you can find something soon
Hi I am from Scotland and I am blind I think this channell is great
Thank you so much!
Sorry, this is really long
My mom got hired part time, and was scheduled to work this week. She told her boss that she's legally blind. She can do everything anybody can, and the lady fired her. My mom has cataracts, tunnel vision, and has had multiple surgeries. But she can do everything just fine. She graduated as a paralegal, and has been trained by the VA center for the blind. She's seen people that are completely blind that are able to fix computers and wood carving.
Oh no. I’m really sorry to hear that. That sounds very illegal if they fired her directly after she told them she was legally blind
Which city or state do you live in?
Does this apply to every state in the US?
reinard joseph I actually haven’t disclosed where I live. But in general I think these are pretty common experiences for visually impaired and disabled people, although it will probably very from city to city, state to state, and not all work fields or agencies are the same
Do you live in ontario because theres and educational assistant to help special needs kids and autistic kids listed on indeed under the visually impared tab
I do not live there, but that sounds like a great job and I appreciate you thinking of me
Well if people aren't gunna give us a fair shot. we need to think of each other.
Thank you!!
My name is Kayla as well. I’m going to school to get my Masters in Public Health. I want to be a health educator. I also want to grow my UA-cam channel.
Hi Kayla! That’s awesome. I wish you the best of luck
@@CaylawithaC Thank you so much. I’ve learned that I need to start applying before I graduate. I was lucky to be able to get a job at a clinic after I graduated with my Spanish degree. They were very cool.
Nice its very good
If I was you I would have recorded the interview? I am legally blind. I have had other types of jobs in my lifetime. Before 2001 when I was in high school in 1994 and 1995 I was a passenger assistant for a subcontracted company called MManTec. At that time I was not in a wheelchair. My vocational tracker in Hight School helped me get that job. I worked there for 6 months and one day they said that I drove a jetway which I never did. They told me that I was a safety hazard. Unfortunately, I have had vocational rehabilitation for the blind in SLC UT has got me jobs working for Disabled Sweatshops where I was paid sub-minim-wage. I wish those jobs paid PWD real living wages or those jobs would be illegal? Those types of jobs may be a job that someone who may not be able to work in a regular work setting but they still should pay PWD real wages? Some people may really have real disabilities and want to put what they can into society but no one should be paid below the minimum wage. This really hurts PWD and makes it so people can't reach goals in their life and doesn't better PWD. Can you or do you have a video on this subject of paying PWD below the minimum wage?
We are capable.
Blind people should have legal rights to move into larger cities with transport and rent based on income. I know, I'm dreaming too much, but...
That actually makes a lot of sense
@@CaylawithaC I was talking about this video with my soul Mom. She suggested that maybe you could work from home. There's gotta be job opportunities in USA where you can work from your house. Maybe you already do that. But that's my thought. If public transport is a big issue, we gotta find jobs online, somehow, somewhere.
Dal Cecil Runo i’ve actually had a lot of people suggest working from home, but honestly I would hate that. I already spend so much time at home. I like to get out of the house and be around people
@@CaylawithaC oh, I see. I'm the opposite. I would die to work from home and never deal with people in person again. That's why I'm a writer, working on someday becoming a full time author, so all my interactions are from a safe distance. I'm very much an introvert.
Hey there really awesome video. I deffinately understand why u hide your visually impaired i do the same its realy hard but can't hide it to be honest. You video is realy awesome and i may not as Smart as you but i do my best. I realy like the fact u never give up you realy inspire mee. I know i have to try hard but it seems so imposible and i know how mean people can be but you are realy awesome u have inspired me to do better
Aw thank you! That is so nice.
Wow i love you so much you are so positive
Aw thank you so much!
The background check as a way to get a person out of the room and avoid giving them the job... must be a thing. Im trans and had someone do the same thing to me. They were onboarding me, taking tax information, so I told them my name is probably changing, Im trans. Awkward silence. I get a background check. Never hear from them. When I called they had a bunch of excuses for why the different positions they had to fill were suddenly not available.
Wow that’s terrible. I’m so sorry
So I shouldn't interview at daycares...got it.
😂😂😂
We don’t allow purses in the classroom? OK lady. Ugh. People.
Annie B Videos right! I still can’t believe she actually said that
Cayla Cayla RARARA greetings
I find you cute .. I wish if we could be friends .. Can we talk??
🚻 loosing vision