Getting a Job! for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired: Role Model: Blake Lindsay
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BLAKE LINDSAY: My name is Blake Lindsay, and I have been totally blind since infancy. The cause was a cancerous and potentially life-threatening disease called retinoblastoma. I am currently the communications and outreach director for a non-profit who serves people with visual impairments through a variety of employment and education opportunities. Previously, I enjoyed a 22-year career in radio broadcasting. I was a music personality which also enabled me to become a well-known voice talent on large and major market radio stations. I manage my own production company called Blazin' Blake Productions. I also worked with Zig Ziglar, inspiring true performance in sales and speaking. I was also privileged to host the Ziglar inspire podcast for several years. Mr. Ziglar was a dear friend and mentor to me. I have also worked with a rapid transit agency as a specialist for disability services. I am blessed with parents who provided me the opportunity to become a self-directed contributor to society by living for a purpose. They simply wanted me to be the best I could be. They challenged, inspired, and encouraged me and my other siblings to be the best we can be for the world. These messages I heard as a child from my family enabled me, a person without sight, to become a role model for those who are living with a visual or hearing impairment and for those who are sighted, too. Through the years, I have discovered that even people with access to all five senses have their unique challenges. When we share our obstacles and are able to follow up with a solution that helped us to hop over the hurdle, we are literally changing temporary obstacles in life into opportunities for inspiring one another to multiply our value to others in making as many good things happen as possible. My parents were college-educated and shared the importance of lifelong education and goal setting. My brothers, sister, and I embraced their encouragement about working to earn a wage is far better than not working or just simply staying at home with little to do. This steered me into a path to build my skills, find jobs for paid employment, and build a career I can enjoy and excel at doing. Each time I applied for a new job, I encountered some apprehension. Most people I interviewed with had not experienced the opportunity to gain knowledge on how much visually impaired people are able to achieve with today's access technology. Prior to an interview, I usually choose not to mention my blindness. I have the confidence and belief that once we meet, and they have gotten over the brief shock of their applicant having no sight, I am completely prepared to eliminate their concerns by presenting my thoughtful responses to their questions and comments. It is necessary to answer potential employers' questions honestly and convincingly. When we can present real solutions to their concerns on whether or not we can carry out the job responsibilities, it puts the interviewer at ease. And they will nearly always respect who you are and the value you have convinced them you can bring to the job. In the early '90s, our independence was on the increase as technology began enhancing the capabilities of people with various impairments. Education and employment became more feasible than ever before. I continue to see this especially when we put forth our best attitude, extra mile effort, and a determination to bring value to the department or company. I recall one of my favorite interviews, which was with Bank of America. I properly informed the team exactly what technology and coaching would be necessary for me to succeed as well as someone with no impairment. I knew this profession could be possible if I had a special display known as a power Braille. I also requested job access with speech known as JAWS to work in harmony with the power Braille display. They listened in fascination and gladly followed through with my recommendations. The managers were both fascinated and thrilled to learn about these solutions which enabled me to quickly perform as well as my sighted counterparts. It's necessary to always connect with people who share your challenges and can relate to the top technology for your specific need. The leadership of an organization usually follows through with best training on behalf of their top performers. I secured the job because of my motivation, determination, and confidence from past successes. But even more important, I was able to present effective solutions. I received promotions each of the seven years of employment with the bank. I often sit and think about the people for the advancement of others through accessible assistive technology. Bringing my A game to life's challenges has always been essential for me. Through this particular job, I was able to inspire hundreds of workers to offer their best work. I've often heard people say with a smile in their voice, "Blake's doing it well, and he's an achiever." Our unique impairments can be our best gift to others when we succeed. Hard work and having a positive attitude can truly be inspirational to others in the workforce, so model the way for finding joy on the job. To function without a certain sense is difficult for the average person to comprehend until they observe or experience our victory. Technology will continue to improve in our favor, so please be encouraged. I hope we become even better in convincing employers to take an assessment of our potential productivity using accessibility tools that help people with blindness or hearing impairments. In most cases, employers are relieved and inspired by our confidence and knowledge. It's also important to only apply for employment that you believe you are truly capable of accomplishing with your special skills. When I was 16 years old and tuning out much of what I should have been tuning in, my dad introduced me to a person that became my main mentor. Zig Ziglar was a person who is truly gifted with the kind of communication that I took pleasure in paying attention to. His booming voice and positive expressions accentuated his important points. Zig taught me to turn lemons into lemonade using the best of my ability, as opposed to not trying to find a solution. He also taught me the value of first recognizing then testifying for others to realize that there is positive, even in every negative circumstance. A test can become a testimony. My parents had educated me many of Zig's points beforehand. But when you haven't developed into a mature person, it often takes another special someone to reinforce those life lessons learned earlier. Zig was that person for me. People have often commented to me about my optimism and go-get-'em attitude, which I'm certain stems from my loving parents and Mr. Ziglar. I have authored a book titled "Blind For a Purpose-- Turning Life-challenges into Purpose in Life." The life stories I highlight generate hope, laughter, and awareness of the challenges and successes that people with unique circumstances, such as blindness or hearing impairment. There's plenty of proof in the world that people with impairments have an opportunity to become the best role models. Once I am given the chance, along with the required modifications when necessary, their apprehension soon vanishes-- the people who have given me opportunities because they have added value to my life. This teamwork also encourages my colleagues when they observe successful accomplishment and productivity. It is fulfilling to know that through my positive attitude, many others have seen the light through my loss of sight. I'm glad when I can blaze a trail for others to do as well and better. I often comment about the multiple impacts of hard work and the significance to having an attitude of gratitude for our family, friendships, education, employment, and life itself. My goal continues to be to inspire thousands of parents with children who have a disability or life planning challenges.
Now Playing As: English with English captions (change)
Blake Lindsay, communications and outreach manager for a nonprofit agency, has been totally blind since birth. He currently owns and manages his own radio production company. He credits much of his success to his positive attitude. Part of the "Getting a Job for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired!" training module.
Media Details
Runtime: 7 minutes 42 seconds
- Topic: Blind Life, Careers, Education
- Subtopic: Blind Education, Job Skills, Occupations
- Grade/Interest Level: 9 - 12
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2020
- Producer/Distributor: Described And Captioned Media Program
- Series: Getting a Job! for Students Who Are Blind and Visually Impaired
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