Climbing New Ladders: Career Growth Beyond Unexpected Blindness

What happens when you build a career on helping others find their potential, and then your own path changes in a way you never expected? 

Sara Freeman-Smith found out when she faced vision loss in the middle of her professional life. She worked in recruiting, went to grad school, and then had to learn how to navigate the world in a new way. 

Today, Sara shares:

• What it means to become an advocate for yourself and for others in the blind and low vision community
• How employment and technology intersect for those who are visually impaired
• The process of rediscovering purpose after significant life changes

Learn more about Sara's work here.

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Key Takeaways

1. Sara Freeman-Smith shares her journey of losing her vision unexpectedly in mid-life, describing it as a process that included shock, grief, denial, and, ultimately, acceptance. The main takeaway is that while vision loss is an emotionally challenging adjustment, it does not define one’s identity or capabilities. Instead, embracing change and seeking support is crucial for resilience and moving forward.

2. Sara discusses her transition from hiding her vision loss at work to openly advocating for reasonable accommodations. She emphasizes the importance of equipping others in the blind and low vision community to self-advocate, especially in the context of employment. The core idea is that knowledge and self-advocacy empower individuals to access opportunities and dismantle workplace barriers.

3. Drawing on her extensive experience in recruiting and HR, Sara highlights the misconceptions employers have about the abilities of people with vision loss. She explains that people with disabilities are equally capable when given appropriate tools and time. The takeaway: Personal success stories and open conversations can be powerful tools in changing employer attitudes and fostering inclusive workplaces.

4. Sara is active in various organizations supporting the blind and visually impaired, from iBug to HAVIN (Houston Area Visually Impaired Network). She underlines how community involvement provides resources, advocacy, and a sense of connection. The key message: Engagement in supportive communities strengthens both individual and collective capacity to thrive.

5. After losing her sight, Sara continued her passion for writing by adopting accessible technologies and adapting her workflow (voice memos, screen readers, etc.). She also advocates for ensuring content is available in multiple accessible formats. The message here is that technology and adaptability open doors for creative expression and professional development, regardless of changes in ability.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Unexpected Vision Loss Mid-Career

05:06 "Inspiring Advocacy for Accessibility"

08:47 Vision Loss Journey: Helping Others

10:14 Dispelling Employment Myths

13:23 Empowering Underserved Talent

16:40 Professional Editing Essential for Books

20:02 "Advocacy Through Personal Experience"

22:05 Barriers for Blind Job Seekers

25:53 Empowering Through Technology Education

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