By Maurice Crittendon, senior specialist, talent acquisition
December can be a tough month for a lot of us.
The holidays bring pressure. Some people feel alone. Some are still looking for work. Some are ending the year wondering what comes next. And others are simply trying to hold everything together.
If any of that sounds familiar, these words are for you.
Because the challenges we face don’t decide the ending. People do.
People like you, people who keep moving forward even when the road feels steep.
Many of us know what it feels like to be underestimated, to walk into rooms where assumptions are made before we even get a chance to speak. And still, we adapt, we work, and we push forward because who we truly are is bigger than any barrier placed in our way.
And let’s be honest:
Being a blind or low vision job seeker adds its own kind of weight.
Wanting independence.
Wanting purpose.
Wanting the chance to stand on your own two feet.
Those wants hit differently when you’re navigating spaces that weren’t built with you in mind.
But here’s the truth I need you to hold onto:
Blindness doesn’t limit you.
It only limits the imagination of those who can’t recognize your ability simply because you see the world differently than they do.
That means you can’t give up. Not now.
If you’re carrying something heavy today, take a moment and breathe.
Know that you’re not alone.
Know that you’re not invisible.
Know that you’re not less than.
Know that you matter.
Know that your talent matters.
And most importantly, know your potential matters.
Every step you take, even small ones, is proof that you’re still in the fight.
As we move into a new year, here are a few grounded reminders for your job search:
- Connect your real experience to what the job actually requires.
- The market is slow right now, so silence doesn’t always mean rejection.
- If you get access to training or upskilling, take it—waiting can close doors. Be sure to check out the accessible training opportunities NSITE offers on career paths and employment readiness. [Add link to NSITE -U or https://nsite.org/training/] .
- Stay responsive. Check your email. Follow up when needed.
- Be consistent; and take care of your mental health along the way.
As you move through this season, try to stay:
Calm
Present
Rational
Grateful
Brave
Growth-minded
And always resourceful
Keep going.
You’re building something real and meaningful.
Tough times don’t last.
Tough people do, and members of the blind, low vision, or visually impaired community are tough.
You’re one of them.