The Work Experience (WE) Program was designed to connect clients, who have completed all their rehabilitation training classes including job readiness, with real life work experiences. For some of the clients this may be their first job or their first time working after vision loss. The client is matched with an opportunity based on their skill set and goals. The client is paid a stipend for an 8-to-12-week work experience. During the work experience, the client is provided job coaching by the Lighthouse of Broward’s WE team. The client is also provided support with orientation and mobility, assistive technology needs, and the use of adaptive aids to complete job tasks. All clients gain experience navigating the workplace as an employee with a visual impairment. The ultimate goal is the client offered employment at the end of the work experience.
Testimonials
“Patricia is one of our most recent employment success stories. She came to us as a referral for the work experience wanting to gain access to a job in retail that resembled her previous work with Salvation Army which she lost as a result of having her youngest son hospitalized. During this time, Patricia’s vision loss also increased and her ability to job search and apply became harder and harder. The Lighthouse worked with Patricia to find her a job where her vision was not a limiting factor and she could engage in something she enjoyed.
About a week ago, the assistant store manager at the Burlington where Patricia has been completing a work experience for the past 8 weeks, notified us that although the company is going through some drastic budget cuts, they were highly interested in hiring Patricia because they have noticed great work ethic and passion for work. They reported being very pleased with her personality and interactions with the other employees which they firmly believe is a breath of fresh air for those who have worked at the company for a while and have been affected by the financial lows. Patricia's attitude resembles what Burlington intends for associates to feel and reflect and is what they think is needed at that location at this time to uplift spirits. Patricia has been brought on board as a regular part time associate, proving that even in a highly technical and visual society what matters most is not always having use or access to those skills but being able to inspire others to value what they have, to rejoice at the opportunity of being able to give back and be a part of what life has to offer today.”
“Juan is our most recent employment success story. After completing his work experience at Pacifica Senior Living, Juan was offered a part time position as a laundry room attendant which he declined in search of opportunities within his preferred field, engineering. However, circumstances outside of his control prevented him from pursuing in this path and so Juan found himself back to square one; back at home without a job. Now, because Juan had forged a great bond at Pacifica, his LHOB job coach took the liberty to reach out to the company and explain the circumstance and before the words could be spoken, Juan was being offered his job anew.
The entire staff was so pleased to have him back that all necessary requirements (taking usually up to 2 weeks to complete) were expedited and completed within less than a week. Juan began his first day as an official employee this Wednesday, giving the company now an added layer of diversity and inclusion which could only be achieved because of Juan who from day one showed great appreciation for the opportunity, eagerness to try, to learn, and to show that he belongs. He did not let his language limitations stop him from building friendships with the staff and residents or the intimidating idea of being on his own (dependent on his cane for navigation) at work dictate the outcome of his employment. The job itself is not what he dreamed of but one he is very grateful for; not because it is “all he [or anyone thinks he can do as a blind person” but because he is wanted. The company wants the individual character and person he is and has proven it time and again. He is an asset to them not as a laundry attendant but as an individual who lights up the lives of those who live and work at this senior living facility. We share this story to demonstrate that every human being, no matter the age, language deficits, or disabilities, belongs in their community not behind home doors.”