Workforce Development

Whether you are entering or re-entering the workforce with a visual impairment we offer programs to meet your career goals. Working with you to make your goal a reality is the mission of the workforce development team. VIA partners with local community employers who seek skilled, dedicated employees.

YOUR PATHWAY TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT

VIA’s Workforce Development staff is composed of Employment Specialists who work to better prepare individuals with vision loss for job placement. All of our employment-related services are approved and supported by the state’s leading association for the blind, the New York State Commission for the Blind (NYSCB).

Job Retention
Career Exploration
Work Skills Development
Job Placement Services
Tips for the Workplace

Having not worked with visually impaired individuals in a professional capacity prior to this year, we gratefully accepted support from VIA. The organization helped us ensure that our volunteers had the resources to have a valuable volunteer work experience - which resulted in each of the volunteers being hired by Explore & More by the end of the year.

I would give VIA: Visually Impaired Advancement 5 Stars. Honestly, The VIA staff, and John’s job coaches, Carilee and Jeremy, were fantastic! To say I was apprehensive would be an understatement. The ovens, fryers, so many moving parts, I was terrified. Through the coaching he and I both got, it worked out tremendously well! I would have no problems at all hiring more folks who are visually impaired in the future, as long as I knew VIA was on the back end!

Work Experience Training (WET)

VIA offers the opportunity to develop skills in a real-life employment setting that both benefit employees and employers.

VIA is here to help employees prepare for competitive employment in a career that best suits their interests, abilities, and visual accommodations. Whether you’re a high school student who’s exploring options for your future or you’ve been out of the workforce for a period of time, our programs and services will help prepare you for obtaining and retaining employment.

Some topics include:

Understanding & executing job tasks and requirements
Understanding & demonstrating the soft skills for successful employment; such as punctuality, professional communication, and attire
Organizational skills
Resume building and other professional documents
Self-advocacy in the workplace

For employers, WET provides an outstanding opportunity for those looking to develop an accessible workforce team. VIA offers a form of internship that connects enthusiastic participants with companies looking to boost productivity.

Cost Savings:

100% of the wages of workers hired through this VIA program for Work Experience Training are covered by VIA
100% Workers’ Compensation covered by VIA
Certificate of Liability Insurance provided by VIA
Other support & accommodations provided by VIA as needed

Ease of On-boarding:

Ongoing guidance and support from our staff throughout your WET program, including on-boarding, HR issues, and more.

CONTACT US for more information on employment services or employment opportunities.