Jobs for the Blind People Working from Home: Finding fulfilling and accessible work can be challenging for blind and visually impaired people. Thankfully, advances in assistive technology (AT) like screen readers, braille displays, and text-to-speech (TTS) have opened up a world of opportunities to work remotely from home. With the right tools and skills, many rewarding careers are possible for blind individuals.
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best jobs for blind people working from home. These remote roles provide flexibility, utilize accessible software and websites, and allow blind workers to thrive. The jobs on this list range from customer service and sales to writing, coaching, and more.
Jobs for the Blind People Working from Home
Working from home provides many perks for blind employees. It eliminates the need to commute, provides a familiar environment, and allows the use of customized assistive technologies. With today’s range of accessible devices and software, blind people can perform many jobs remotely.
Some key factors that make particular jobs suitable for blind people working from home include:
- Flexibility – Blind workers benefit from flexible scheduling and pace. This allows time for using assistive technologies and screen readers.
- Accessible technology – Jobs rely on tools with screen readers and other AT compatibility. Blind employees can use things like refreshable braille displays.
- Communication focus – Roles centered on phone, email, and instant message play to verbal strengths.
- Play to strengths – Jobs utilize blind people’s assets like strong listening and speaking skills.
When searching for remote work, prioritizing these elements can aid blind and visually impaired job seekers. Beyond technical capabilities, a welcoming and inclusive company culture is critical. Seeking out disability-friendly and diversity-focused employers ensures the best experience.
With the right environment, tools, and opportunities, blind people can prosper in a wide variety of careers from home. Now let’s explore some top options.
10 Best Jobs for the Blind People Working from Home
Here are 10 rewarding and realistic jobs for blind individuals to perform successfully from home:
1. Teach Online
Teaching English, music, academic subjects, or skills like coding online has become popular thanks to platforms like Udemy and Outschool. Blind instructors can share their expertise through pre-recorded or live classes. Screen reader software and other accessible teaching apps allow for conducting engaging virtual sessions. This job utilizes strong verbal abilities and offers flexible hours.
Some examples of subjects a blind teacher could offer online classes in include:
- Music theory and instrumental instruction
- Foreign languages
- Math, science, and humanities
- Computer programming
- Creative writing and communication skills
- Adaptive technologies and accessibility
- Home skills like cooking
With the right assistive tech tools and engaging teaching style, blind teachers can find rewarding remote work teaching students worldwide.
2. Become an Online Personal Coach
Leveraging interpersonal skills, blind coaches guide clients on relationships, fitness, careers, and more. Coaching is conducted via phone, video chat, email, and text allowing fully remote work. Strong listening and speaking skills—assets for many blind people—are key.
Some types of personal coaching blind people could succeed in include:
- Life Coaching
- Health and wellness coaching
- Career Coaching
- Relationship Coaching
- Spiritual Coaching
- Fitness and nutrition coaching
With training in appropriate coaching techniques and strong communication abilities, helping others thrive from home is a solid remote career choice.
3. Become a Copywriter
Excellent writing and verbal skills make copywriting ideal for blind professionals. Writing content for ads, blogs, websites, & more can be done fully remotely. Screen readers and braille keyboards enable quick drafting and editing of documents. Copywriting plays right into blind people’s verbal strengths.
Some examples of copy a blind copywriter could create include:
- Website content
- Blog posts
- Social media posts
- Advertisements
- Product descriptions
- Newsletters
- Press releases
For blind copywriters, accessing apps like Google Docs through screen readers allows for crafting high-quality copy for all needs.
4. Become a Proofreader
Meticulous blind proofreaders polish all kinds of materials for proper grammar, spelling, and formatting. Using text-to-speech software and screen magnification aids, proofing work on docs, websites, transcripts, and more is achievable from home. Strong language skills are a plus.
Some examples of work blind proofreaders can successfully review:
- Books and eBooks
- Academic papers
- Business documents
- Website content
- Transcripts
- Resumes and CVs
- Marketing materials
Leveraging assistive tech tools and an eye for detail, proofreading from home is an excellent remote career for blind people.
5. Become a Conference Interpreter
Blind interpreters adept in multiple languages provide real-time translation services for virtual conferences and meetings. This remote work relies on nuanced verbal and listening abilities to expertly relay information between parties.
Some key skills for successful blind conference interpreters include:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Keen listening focus
- Clear verbal communication
- Quick thinking and multitasking
- Cultural awareness and sensitivity
With training and the right technology setup, interpreting global virtual events allows blind people to use their interpersonal gifts.
6. Transcribe Videos and Audio Tapes
Excellent listening skills enable blind professionals to transcribe videos, audio recordings, podcasts, interviews and more into written documents. Assistive techs like foot pedals and screen readers aid efficient and accurate transcribing work from home.
Some examples of media a blind transcriber could translate to text include:
- Podcasts
- YouTube videos
- Speeches and lectures
- Conference calls and events
- Research interviews
- Voicemails and memos
- Legal and medical recordings
By honing transcription skills and utilizing accessible transcription software, this valuable service is a realistic remote career.
7. Become a Virtual Assistant
As remote personal or business assistants, blind individuals can schedule appointments, make travel plans, run social media accounts, and complete administrative tasks for clients. Strong organization and communication skills are key assets.
Some responsibilities a blind virtual assistant could successfully manage include:
- Scheduling calls and meetings
- Managing email inboxes
- Booking business travel
- Tracking expenses
- Writing and scheduling social media posts
- Transcribing notes and recordings
- Event planning assistance
With adaptive technologies allowing access to calendars, documents, and communications platforms, blind people can thrive in virtual assisting roles from home.
8. Become an Online Survey Taker
Paid survey taking is a simple way for blind people to earn extra income from home. Reputable companies like Survey Junkie use accessible online platforms making it possible to provide opinions on products, ads, videos and more.
Some examples of surveys blind individuals can complete include:
- Product satisfaction surveys
- Brand awareness surveys
- Surveys about potential ad concepts
- Market research surveys
- Academic research participation
- Feedback on website interfaces
- Focus groups via phone.
Completing surveys is quick, paid work blind people can fit around other jobs and responsibilities.
9. Become a Social Media Strategist
With strong creative and communication abilities, blind social media managers grow brands’ presences across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and LinkedIn. Web accessibility tools allow strategizing and managing content from home.
Some responsibilities of a blind social media strategist could include:
- Creating engaging social content
- Developing and implementing social strategies
- Designing campaigns and contests
- Analyzing performance with analytics
- Managing ad campaigns
- Leveraging SEO and keywords
- Monitoring engagement and feedback
- Reporting on results
There are many opportunities for blind people to use their skills to run social accounts from home.
10. Sell Other People’s Products
Leveraging sales skills online, blind professionals can find success in driving revenue for eCommerce companies. As affiliates or selling pre-made digital products, profiting from home is doable using accessible order and payment systems.
Some examples of products blind people could sell online include:
- Affiliate marketing through sites like Amazon Associates
- Digital products like eBooks, courses, templates, etc.
- Memberships and online services
- Stock photos, graphics, and assets
- Dropshipping physical products
With the ability to access order data and communicate with customers, blind people can unlock their entrepreneurial potential.
Conclusion
Technology continues removing barriers making remote work more accessible for the blind. When equipped with the proper tools and environment, blind individuals can thrive in a range of careers from home. Fields like teaching, writing, customer service, sales, marketing, and more all provide fulfilling opportunities.
For blind people seeking remote work, focusing on roles that maximize strengths, flexible scheduling, and accessible technology is key. With some creativity and the right support, finding an engaging career that can be done from home is entirely achievable. The jobs on this list are all realistic paths forward.
By tapping into their capabilities and utilizing available resources, blind and visually impaired people can achieve professional and personal fulfillment through rewarding remote work.