How Blind Ambition Empowers the Blind and Low Vision Community to Achieve Their Career Goals

Landing a fulfilling job is a challenge for many people, but for those who are blind or have low vision, the journey can be even more difficult. With limited accessible opportunities and systemic barriers in place, it's no wonder that 75% of people who are blind or have low vision are unemployed.

One organization working to change that is Blind Ambition in the UK, a movement dedicated to supporting the blind and low vision community on their path to employment. Led by the inspiring Seema Flower, Blind Ambition offers training, community-building, and advocacy to break down barriers and open up new career possibilities.

On a recent episode of the Envision Podcast, we had a talk with Seema Flower to explore her story, her work, and her vision for the future. Here’s a look at the incredible insights she shared.

Who is Seema Flower? A Story of Passion and Purpose

Seema Flower is the founder of Blind Ambition and a passionate advocate for accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. But before she became a trailblazer in the blind and low vision community, Seema’s life took a very different path.

Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 9, Seema gradually experienced a loss of vision over the years. Despite this, she built a successful career running a chain of hairdressing salons for 13 years. But in 2015, she sold her business and decided to return to the disability sector.

Her reason? She was driven by the shocking reality that three out of four people with vision loss are unemployed. Seema knew she could use her business experience and lived experience of sight loss to make a difference. And so, Blind Ambition was born.

“I wanted to create a space where people with sight loss could achieve their potential, just like anyone else,” Seema explained on our show.

While Blind Ambition is currently focused on the UK, they are planning to extend their reach. Seema mentioned plans for global expansion in the near future, with a mission to connect with more communities worldwide.

Top 3 Achievements of Blind Ambition (So Far!)

As 2024 comes to a close, Seema reflected on the incredible progress Blind Ambition has made. Here are three achievements she’s most proud of:

1️- Building a Thriving Community – Blind Ambition isn’t just a service provider — it’s a movement. They’ve built a strong network of people with sight loss who share experiences, offer support, and work toward collective success.

2️- Expanding Training Opportunities – Blind Ambition has significantly expanded its training programs for organizations, helping them become more inclusive. As more businesses seek to hire people with disabilities, this training has become essential for creating truly inclusive work environments.

3️- Raising Awareness About Vision Loss – From podcasts to public talks, Seema and Blind Ambition are shining a light on the barriers faced by the blind and low-vision community. Her efforts have helped shift public perception and make accessibility a mainstream conversation.

“We’re not just creating employment opportunities — we’re creating a movement of people who believe in possibility and inclusion,” said Seema.

Towards the Future: What’s Next for Blind Ambition?

The future of Blind Ambition looks bright. According to Seema, one of the most exciting projects for 2025 is the development of a web-based talent pool for people with vision loss. This platform will serve as a one-stop shop for people seeking employment, allowing them to access job listings, connect with potential employers, and showcase their talents.

“We’re building a space where visually impaired people can find career opportunities, training, and community support all in one place,” said Seema.

This initiative aims to bring together multiple organizations in the visual impairment (VI) sector, making it easier for job seekers to find work and for employers to hire from a diverse talent pool.

Through community-building, training, and awareness, Blind Ambition is proving that everyone deserves the chance to achieve their career goals.

To hear Seema’s full story and get inspired by her incredible journey, check out the latest episode of the Envision Podcast. It’s a conversation filled with passion, purpose, and the belief that barriers can and will be broken.