Since 2015, Vision Australia’s Career Start program has been helping graduates living with blindness or low vision build their skills, develop their professional network and find meaningful employment.
Within the program, participants spend nine months working at Vision Australia, followed by a three-month placement with an external employer.
For Oscar, the 2022 program presented an opportunity to gain valuable work experience, and to learn about the resources available to him as a professional with low vision.
“I learned about the program through Vision Australia’s Employment Services,” Oscar said.
“I wanted to learn more about working with a vision impairment and it sounded like a great opportunity.”
Oscar lives with optic pathway glioma, which has had an impact on his daily mobility. It has also affected his ability to enter the workforce.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s in Human Services in 2021, and he has some big career goals.
“I’d like to take on a leadership position in my field, and also start my own business.”
During his time with Vision Australia, Oscar has been part of the Telelink services team,
“I’ve leaned a lot about the general skills and experience that help in the workplace, and also gained some new skills around assistive technology.
“Career Start is a great opportunity, and one I would encourage anyone to take.”
Oscar’s external placement will be at Queensland Health, where he’ll have the opportunity to apply his skills and recent experience to his work in the public service.
Applications for the Career Start program are open now until May 12.
More information about the program can be found on the Vision Australia website.