10 Jobs for People who are Blind or Visually Impaired
Navigating the job market with a visual impairment can be challenging. However, with more inclusive workplaces and advancements in adaptive technologies, individuals with visual impairments now have more access to a broader range of career opportunities. At Nexus, we believe that people with disabilities can thrive and reach their full potential, that’s why we’re here to provide all the necessary support to help them find the right job that aligns with their goals and skills.
Here, we have listed down some of the best jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired, focusing on careers that leverage strengths beyond sight.
Disclaimer: This list is by no means exhaustive, and there are countless other career paths that might suit your interests and abilities. Please reach out to your employment coach to work out what is suitable for your individual situation and preferences.
1. Transcriptionist
The job of a transcriptionist involves listening to audio recordings or live proceedings and transcribing them into written documents. Many individuals who are visually impaired can excel in this field with the help of technology such as Braille displays, using their auditory skills to convert spoken words into accurate, well-formatted documents. Transcriptionists are often tasked with this job in various industries, including law firms and courtrooms, hospitals, academic and research institutions, media companies, government agencies, and insurance firms.
Requirements: Depending on your chosen specialisation, you may be required to pass relevant online courses or acquire certifications (e.g., a Medical Audio-Transcription Certificate or a Certificate of Transcription – Medical/Legal/General)
Average Salary Range: $60,903 to $69,961 per year
2. Customer Service Representative
Working as a customer service representative involves handling customer inquiries, solving problems, and assisting with administrative tasks. Their day-to-day tasks mostly include communicating directly with customers through phone calls or emails. With the help of screen readers and adaptive software, people who are blind or visually impaired can use their communication and organisational skills to handle customer concerns and provide exceptional service.
Requirements: Skills in MS Office, adept written and oral communication skills
Average Salary Range: $57,941 to $70,840 per year
3. Massage Therapist
A massage therapist uses touch, pressure, and movement to manage physical injuries, relieve body pain and tension, and promote overall wellbeing. For people who are blind, touch is a language. Working as a massage therapist is one of the ideal jobs for people who are blind, as the role allows them to leverage their heightened sensory awareness. With training, they can deliver therapeutic massages customised to the individual needs of each client.
Requirements: Certificate IV in Massage Therapy (HLT42015), Diploma of Remedial Massage (HLT52015)
Average Salary Range: $70,000 to $121,351
4. Musician
Many blind or visually impaired individuals have found great success in music, such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Noboyuki Tsuji. A music career is not only limited to performing and playing instruments on stage. It can also involve working in the studio as a studio engineer or composer, or in a classroom as a music teacher. With braille music technologies, individuals who are blind can read, compose, and perform music with ease and engage deeply with their craft.
Requirements: While formal qualifications are not required, a university or Vocational Education Training (VET) course in music may be useful
Average Salary Range: $69,164 to $81,752 per year
5. Writer
Adaptive tools like Braille keyboards and displays, speech-to-text software, and text-to-speech systems can help individuals who are visually impaired craft content and share their stories with their readers. As a writer, you can choose which field you want to write and work for, such as editorials, media, advertising, marketing, or book publishing. It is also one of the popular remote or freelance jobs, which gives you the freedom to work from anywhere and set your own schedule.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in English, Communications, Journalism, or other related fields
Average Salary Range: $85,086 to $147,963 per year
6. Financial Advisor
Financial advisors work with clients to achieve their financial goals and assist in creating investment strategies and savings plans. In this role, you must be able to understand and analyse market trends to provide effective financial advice. Individuals with strong analytical and communication skills can excel in this field by providing personalised, insightful advice.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce, Bachelor of Business majoring in financial planning, or other related fields, qualification from Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA)
Average Salary Range: $92,872 to $145,000 per year
7. Software Developer
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs, websites, mobile apps, or software tools using code and programming languages. Screen readers, Braille sheets, tactile maps, and other adaptive technologies help developers read and write code effectively without relying heavily on sight, opening more jobs for the vision-impaired.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Technology, or related fields
Average Salary Range: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
8. Researcher
Researchers are often employed in media, government laboratories, specialist research organisations, universities, chemical companies, and consultancies. With a focus on detail and critical thinking, individuals who are visually impaired can excel in roles that involve data analysis, academic research, or conducting interviews.
Requirements: Bachelor’s Degree in the field of study of your choice
Average Salary Range: $90,000 to $110,000 per year
9. Counsellor
Counsellors offer guidance to individuals, couples, families, and groups dealing with a wide range of emotional and psychological problems. Their goal is to help clients overcome their challenges by offering suggestions and implementing programmes that can help them make effective decisions to change their attitudes and behaviours. Empathy, active listening, and communication are essential in this role—skills that people who are blind or visually impaired often excel in.
Requirements: Diploma of Counselling (CHC51015), Bachelor of Counselling, or Bachelor of Community Services with a counselling major
Average Salary Range: $48,518 to $90,000 per year
10. Foreign Language Translator or Interpreter
Translators and interpreters convert written or spoken content from one language to another while ensuring the original meaning is retained. Translators work primarily with written text, while interpreters focus on spoken language. People with a good knowledge of at least two languages and strong listening and linguistic skills can find this role rewarding.
Requirements: Certification from the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI)
Average Salary Range: $107,835 to $107,835 per year
Jobs That May Pose Challenges for People Who Are Blind & Visually Impaired
While there are many opportunities available for people with visual impairments, some jobs may pose challenges due to their heavy reliance on sight. Additionally, these roles may not be fully adaptable to current technologies that can help people who are blind navigate the job.
- Electrician
- Firefighter
- Doctor
- Public vehicle driver
- Engineer
- Military or navy
Remember that though these fields may not be the most accessible, there are plenty of jobs for the vision impaired to explore.
Tips for Finding the Right Job
Searching for the right job involves understanding what your strengths are and which situations pose the most challenges to you. With these tips, you can better filter your options and understand what you need in a work environment.
- Identify your strengths and interests. Don’t focus on your limitations; rather, amplify the skills that you already have. Craft an outstanding resume that focuses on your strengths and previous accomplishments.
- Learn how to use assistive technologies. Many roles may require proficiency in assistive software such as screen readers and Braille displays. Competency in these systems can also be an added skill that you can leverage in your job search.
- Do your research. Once you have identified your fields of interest, learn about an employee’s day-to-day responsibilities.
- Explore job boards that are specifically geared towards individuals who are blind and visually impaired. Don’t hesitate to seek help and support from Disability Employment Services (DES) to connect you to employers offering jobs for people who are blind. You can connect with a career counsellor who can help you find a job that aligns with your interests and strengths.
Let us Help You Find Your Dream Job
At Nexus, we understand that finding the right job is about more than just skills—it’s about ensuring that the work environment is supportive, accessible, and empowering for people with disabilities. That’s why we are committed to helping people who are blind find jobs where they can leverage their strengths and feel a sense of fulfilment in their careers.
Our tailored job placement services focus on finding careers that match your strengths, offer flexibility, and provide the supportive and safe environment you need to succeed. Let us be your partner in your first step toward a fulfilling and empowering career.
FAQ
1. Is it hard for a person with visual impairment to get a job?
Finding a job can be challenging for those with visual impairments, but it’s not impossible. Many companies are becoming more inclusive and offering accommodations that make it easier for individuals with disabilities to thrive in the workplace.
2. What do people with visual impairments struggle with?
People with visual impairments may face challenges such as accessing information on screens, navigating unfamiliar environments, or dealing with misconceptions about their abilities. However, with the right support and adaptive tools, these challenges can be overcome.
3. Is visual impairment a disability?
Yes. Australia’s Disability Discrimination Act covers low vision and blindness, which entitles individuals with visual impairment to workplace accommodations and other forms of aid. It also protects people with disabilities from hate speech and discriminatory remarks in the workplace.
4. Can a legally blind person work?
Absolutely. Many people with visual impairments have fulfilling careers in various fields. With the help of adaptive technologies and flexible workplace accommodations, people who are legally blind can work in different fields.