Thursday, April 25, 2024
4/25/2024
The Rehabilitation Research and Training Center: Employment of People Who are Blind or Have Low Vision (B/LV) will serve as a national center of excellence on employment for individuals who are B/LV. The goal of this 5-year project is to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for people who are B/LV. To achieve this goal, the National Research & Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision, in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind and key stakeholders, will conduct rigorous research, training, technical assistance, and dissemination activities. Project objectives include: (1) explore access technology (AT) use in the workplace over time, (2) evaluate the effects of virtual interview training for youth, (3) develop and test an interactive video to educate employers about B/LV, (4) evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of teaching job search skills via videoconferencing, (5) identify internal and external barriers and facilitators to labor force participation, (6) explore employment predictors and outcomes using large national datasets, and (7) evaluate the accessibility and usability of job application websites. Anticipated outcomes include: (1) improved job-seeking and interview skills of youth and adults; (2) improved knowledge and attitudes of employers; and (3) increased knowledge about AT in the workplace, facilitators and barriers to employment, and online job application accessibility for all stakeholder groups; (4) better employment outcomes for individuals who are B/LV; and (5) training and technical assistance to benefit individuals who are B/LV, family members, service providers, policymakers, employers, and other stakeholders. Expected products include: an interactive educational video, an intervention curriculum, accessible virtual interview training, and multiple peer-reviewed publications, project reports, and online courses.
HHS’ Tracking Accountability in Government Grants System (TAGGS) website provides access to detailed descriptions of grants, loans, aggregated direct payments and other types of financial assistance awarded by the HHS Operating Divisions (OPDIVs) and the Office of the Secretary Staff Divisions (STAFFDIVs).
