Empowering Careers with Dr. Michele McDonnall: Education, Employment, and Assistive Tech in the Blind & Low Vision Community

In the latest episode of The Envision Podcast, Bhagya from Envision interviews Dr. Michele McDonnall, the Director of the National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision (NRTC). Dr. McDonnall, a seasoned researcher with over two decades of experience, discusses critical topics like the impact of education, employment barriers, and the role of assistive technology in the workplace. Throughout the conversation, they explore how other assistive technologies can empower individuals who are blind or have low vision.

In this blog, we’ll highlight some of the key takeaways from the podcast, focusing on the importance of higher education, the challenges faced by people with vision loss in the workforce, and the future of assistive technologies. If you're interested in learning more, we highly recommend listening to the full episode here.

Education’s Role in Employment for People with Vision Loss

Dr. McDonnall emphasizes the strong connection between education and employment outcomes for people who are blind or have low vision. Studies show that higher educational levels are directly linked to better employment opportunities and increased earnings. However, even with education, individuals with vision loss still face unique challenges that their sighted peers may not encounter.

It’s crucial for educators, parents, and professionals working with people who are blind or have low vision to encourage post-secondary education. The NRTC has developed several resources to help guide students through this process, including the Transition Activity Calendar and the 4to24 App, which offer practical steps for preparing for college and career success.

Barriers to Employment and the Importance of Assistive Technology

Finding employment is often a significant challenge for people who are blind or have low vision. Dr. McDonnall’s research categorizes these barriers into internal and external factors. Internal barriers might include a lack of specific skills, a gap in self-confidence, or difficulties in showcasing abilities. External factors can include employer attitudes, inaccessible work environments, and inadequate transportation options.

In particular, Dr. McDonnall highlights how the attitudes of employers can be a major obstacle. Implicit bias often leads to misconceptions about the abilities of employees with vision loss. However, one promising finding from the podcast is that short, one-hour meetings with vocational rehabilitation (VR) professionals have been shown to significantly reduce these biases. When VR professionals who are blind themselves are part of the discussion, the impact on employer attitudes is even greater.

Another key factor that can help people with vision loss succeed in the workplace is access to assistive technology. Devices like screen readers and wearable technologies such as the Envision Glasses play a crucial role in enabling independence and improving job performance. Dr. McDonnall's studies found that the majority of employed people with vision loss use assistive technology at work, with screen readers being the most common. For those interested in exploring more, the NRTC provides extensive resources, such as the Finding Services Video for people who need support in identifying assistive technology solutions.

The Future of Assistive Technology and Wearables in the Workplace

The conversation also explores the growing role of wearable assistive technologies in the workplace. While adoption of devices like Envision Glasses is still relatively new, interest is growing. According to Dr. McDonnall’s research, nearly 30% of participants in her studies expressed interest in adopting wearable devices for work. This suggests a bright future for wearables in the assistive technology space, particularly as these devices become more affordable and user-friendly.

One challenge that remains is the need for more training on how to effectively use these devices. For instance, 60% of users in her study mentioned that they would benefit from additional training on wearable technology. To address this gap, Envision is continually working to improve the ease of use and functionality of the Envision Glasses, making them more intuitive for users.

The Role of Mentorship and Resources for Career Success

For people who are blind or have low vision, career mentorship can be a critical element of success. Dr. McDonnall's current study is focused on identifying the factors that contribute to effective career mentorship. Some questions being explored include whether it's more important for mentors to share a vision loss experience or work in the same professional field.

If you're interested in participating in this ongoing research, you can learn more about the mentoring survey or sign up to be notified of future opportunities via the NRTC’s participant registry.

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode

The conversation with Dr. McDonnall provides invaluable insights into the current landscape of education, employment, and assistive technology for people who are blind or have low vision. Whether you are an educator, employer, or someone navigating the world of employment with vision loss, this episode is packed with useful information and resources.

To learn more, listen to the full podcast episode here.