Orientation to Work (Ages 15-21)
Overview
Helen Keller Services for the Blind’s 12-week summer program gives visually impaired young people a taste of the world of work.
Our placement specialists work one-on-one with students, ages 15-21, helping them to find internships that match their interests; coaching them through applications and interviews; and providing on-site support when they’re on the job. Students learn firsthand what it takes to work in a given field on a day-to-day basis, building marketable skills and enhancing their resumes in the process.
We have placed students in internships in a variety of industries and settings, ranging from retail and food services to data entry and local government.
Students have the opportunity to:
- Get real world experience through a part-time summer internship.
- Develop interviewing skills.
- Explore their strengths and weaknesses.
- Try out assistive aids and devices.
- Work closely with professionals who specialize in helping people with vision loss to compete and succeed in the job market and in the workplace.
On-the-Job Support
When reporting to a work site, each student is accompanied by a placement specialist, who provides guidance and identifies accommodations and adaptive equipment that might be helpful on the job. Once the student is ready to work independently, the placement specialist will take a step back, giving him or her the chance to get the full employee experience.
Admissions
The Orientation to Work program is open to New York City and Long Island residents who are between the ages of 15 and 21, and are legally blind. Services are free if your child meets the eligibility requirements and participates in a NYS Commission for the Blind rehabilitation program. Certain optical aids and adaptive equipment are provided based on economic need.
Contact us for more informationSuccess Story
Video & Transcript
Emmanuel’s Story: Getting in the Mix
Emmanuel’s internship in audio production took him behind the scenes in the music industry.
Go to Emmanuel's Story Go to All HKSB Success Stories