Hey everyone! I'm a long-time lurker and this is my first time posting. I'm currently pursuing a BS in IT with a focus on Cybersecurity, but I was born legally blind and my vision has deteriorated significantly in recent years. I'm feeling a bit anxious about my job prospects in this field. Is there anyone here who is legally blind and successfully working in IT or Cybersecurity? How do you handle the need for accommodations with potential employers? What has your experience been like using screen magnification or screen reader software in your daily tasks? How do you manage situations where you need to use technology that doesn't have built-in magnification software? I can sometimes use my phone as a magnifier, but in secure data centers, I worry about the restrictions on using such devices. I have a lot of questions, so I'd really love to talk to someone who's been through this and maybe even find a mentor. Thanks!
1 Answer
Microsoft has a great program for hiring people with disabilities, including visual impairments. I've seen them do a fantastic job integrating employees with specific accommodation needs. While the role might not be a typical sysadmin position, there are definitely various IT roles that don’t involve programming directly. It's worth checking out!
Thanks for the heads up! I'll definitely look into their hiring programs. I'm also considering getting a Schedule A letter for government jobs, although I'm a bit unsure about the stability there, especially with recent layoffs. Maybe state agencies could be another option?