Pre-Employment Program
Blind and partially sighted job seekers face unique challenges in their search for meaningful employment. Funded by United Way Greater Toronto, the BALANCE for Blind Adults Pre-Employment Program seeks to address these challenges in two ways:
- by providing job seekers in the City of Toronto and York and Peel Regions, with a uniquely targeted skills-based program designed to build the capacity and confidence needed to fully explore their employment options, and
- by working with Toronto, York and Peel Region employment service providers to increase their capacity to accommodate clients who are blind or partially sighted.
For Interested Participants
Our five-week training program provides a small-group remote learning environment over Zoom, with several skilled instructors. It explores a variety of topics, including: using assistive technology in the job search process and in the workplace; the opportunities and challenges of remote work; how to start networking; self-advocacy, and much more!
The program will also provide ongoing support as you navigate Toronto/York/Peel employment service providers and employment opportunities. Rather than duplicate existing services, our goal is to complement them, ensuring your unique needs as a person with a visual disability are accommodated, giving you the best chance for success.
Participants are expected to submit an email outlining why they are interested in the program, and can expect skills assessments to take place remotely and/or in-person prior to the program start date. At the end of the five weeks, an option to be connected with a community-based employment service provider is given to every participant.
Program Eligibility
All working age adults with a visual disability who are seeking employment. All skill levels are welcome.
If you are interested in participating in our Pre-employment Training Program, send your statement of interest by email (PEP@balancefba.org) to our Pre-employment Coordinator. Tell us a bit about yourself and your goals. Be as specific as you can. Answer the question: Why do you want to participate in the BALANCE Pre-Employment Program?
If you have any questions or would like to speak directly to our Pre-employment Program Coordinator, you can also call 416-236-1796 ext. 225
For Employment Services Providers
BALANCE for Blind Adults is available to offer support to employment service providers around the needs of blind and partially sighted individuals. Through our United Way GTA funding, we can provide the training and resources needed to address barriers, and show providers how employment supports can be made more accessible, so that persons with visual disabilities can be accommodated.
Our goal is to support existing service providers in their attempts to be more accessible and inclusive, ensuring blind and partially sighted job seekers the best chance for success in finding meaningful employment.
If you have any questions or would like to speak directly to our Pre-employment Program Coordinator, please call 416-236-1796 ext. 225 . You can also reach them via email at PEP@balancefba.org.
Community Partners
