I recently entered the state’s bioptic driving program in hopes I would be able to obtain my driver’s license before July however, I was told on Friday that I will not be testing. Traffic lights, stop signs, and pedestrians proved difficult for me to see despite the visual aids I utilized while driving. This has started to make me think about the future when it comes to employment. I’m majoring in Equine Studies at my university, and I’m all ready starting to find issues with internships where the farms require their interns to drive. I also looked at some official equine job postings, which several also listed a license as a requirement. Contrary to what other people have told me, it doesn’t seem many farms are offering housing as a benefit. Public transportation isn’t an option for the rural areas where the farms are located, Uber costs around $60 round trip, and my disability isn’t considered severe enough for para-transit. I did, for a week, volunteer with the Kentucky Derby Museum while I was staying in Louisville because their mass transit system does go to Churchill Downs. I ultimately want to work for a horse farm, but I’m starting to worry whether or not it is even possible for someone in my situation. Does anyone have any recommendations?
You need to start calling places like the Association for the Blind or Visually Impaired, Disability advocates in your area and find out what they have to say and if they can get you in touch with anyone working in this field with vision issues.
I know some blind attorneys, and they can advise to those who want to enter law and are disabled that way. You need a mentor in this field. It is highly unlikely anyone not in this predicament can give you a roadmap through this.
Driverless cars and the ability for cars to go from point A to point B without the need for assistance from a driver is upon us now. That’s something you might want to look into, perhaps for the future (the technology is still new).
You still must have a license for a driverless car.
How is a low income student, or even a newish grad, going to afford a brand new car?
I think it’s a good idea for OP to reach out to visually impaired people in their field. Maybe their school disability office can help.
This is a student who was advised she needed to work with her state division of vocation rehabilitation. Perhaps she did. Maybe not.
At this point, @SolarGoat you need to talk to the head of your department, and find out if this major is a viable one in terms of even having a job in the future…and if not, what career options are possible for your. The equine studies folks can advise you regarding career placement potential.
There are jobs that can be held by visually impaired. You need to find out ASAP if there is job potential in the field of equine studies.
Check this again now that you know that getting a drivers license will not be possible.
Have you considered seeking employment at a ranch instead of a farm? Many of the “dude ranches” that offer all inclusive vacations also offer room and board for their employees. The northern states are seasonal and probably wouldn’t work for you, but southern states may be open year round. Might be worth looking into.