This page contains a list of services, organisations and resources that may be able to help you with your job search. All the organisations listed offer employment-related services, but some also offer additional services that may be useful. Organisations are grouped into broad categories and then listed alphabetically for your convenience.
The services listed on this page are by no means comprehensive. For a fuller list please see our Job seeking resources factsheet, within our employment factsheets section.
RNIB and Action for Blind People
Telephone: 0303 123 9999
Website: www.rnib.org.uk
Email: helpline@rnib.org.uk
RNIB Helpline is the gateway to a whole range of services that can help with your job search, including:
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referral to an employment specialist
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Welfare Rights - advice about your entitlements to benefits and concessions
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work experience placements and job tasters
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jobs skills training - including CV workshops and interview techniques
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workshops in confidence building and assertiveness training
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specialist training and rehabilitation including IT
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one to one mentoring
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job search support
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support in setting up your own business
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Emotional Support Telephone Service - confidential support for people with emotional difficulties due to sight loss.
Our UK wide network of employment specialists and advisers can help you with your job search. The exact nature of this support differs from region to region, so you should contact the RNIB Helpline and get a referral to an employment specialist to see what services are available in your area.
Other employment services
The Association of Blind and Partially Sighted Teachers and Students (ABAPSTAS)
Telephone: 0117 966 4839
Website: http://www.abapstas.org.uk/
ABAPSTAS was founded in 1970 by a small number of visually impaired people with the primary aim of supporting VI students, teachers and lecturers. Since then, ABAPSTAS has grown into a national self-help and campaigning organisation with a strong voice. Their main focus is still on education and employment but members now include people who have moved into careers other than teaching.
Association of Visually Impaired Office Staff (AVIOS)
Telephone: 020 8657 3563
Website: www.avios.org.uk
Email: secretary@avios.org.uk
AVIOS is a self-help organisation of blind and partially sighted people employed, training or having experience in office-related occupations. It promotes the employment of blind a partially sighted people in office environments. AVIOS has an email discussion group for members to ask for and obtain help and advice.
Employers' Forum on Disability
Telephone: 020 7403 3020
Textphone: 020 7403 0040
Website: www.efd.org.uk
Email: enquiries@efd.org.uk
EFD is a national network of employers who wish to develop their policies and understanding on employing people with disabilities. The forum does not operate a placement service for disabled job seekers but you can obtain a list of its members from their website.
Jobcentre Plus
Telephone: Call directory enquiries for details of your local office
Website: www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Remploy
Telephone (jobseekers): 0845 601 5878
Website: www.remploy.co.uk
Email: RSCenquiries@remploy.co.uk
Remploy is the UK's largest provider of jobs for disabled people. Remploy's recruitment services are designed to provide employment opportunities to disabled people across all sectors of business and industry.
Society of Visually Impaired Lawyers (SOVIL)
Website: www.sovil.org.uk
Email: info@sovil.org.uk
SOVIL is a self-help group that aims to promote the interests of blind and partially sighted lawyers and those wishing to work in the legal profession.
Other useful services
British Computer Association of the Blind
Telephone: 0845 430 8627
Website: http://www.bcab.org.uk
Email: info@bcab.org.uk
The British Computer Association of the Blind (BCAB) is a lively community of blind and partially sighted computer users. They offer training, discussion, networking and help to all their members. Established in 1969 they are the oldest computer association for blind and partially sighted people in the world. Membership includes people of all skill levels, interests and abilities.
Social Services
Telephone: Call directory enquiries for details of your local office.
Social services offer help and assistance with daily living support. This can include rehabilitation and mobility training.
Visionary
Telephone: 01777 705299
Email Visionary@visionary.org.uk
Website: www.visionary.org.uk
Visionary is the new name of the National Association of Local Societies for Visually Impaired People (NALSVI). Visionary believes that local organisations are best placed to offer support - providing, as they do, information, advice and practical help around living with sight loss. Local societies offer a diverse range of services that can include employment support, training and emotional support. The RNIB helpline (0303 123 9999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk) can put you in touch with your local society, who will be able to offer practical support via the range of services on offer in your area.
Useful websites
The world's first internet recruitment service. The site works well with Jaws and other screen readers.
Allows you to browse through a large range of vacancies from across all sectors and professions, search by a number of categories, or register for regular email alerts on relevant vacancies to you.
Job listing website for public sector vacancies, including charities and local government.
Details of the latest vacancies in the voluntary sector.