CareerConnect Navigation Guide

CareerConnect Overview

Each page in CareerConnect is divided into five areas: the header; left, middle, and right columns; and the footer.

Each header contains the web site name, accessibility options, information about the American Foundation for the Blind, and links to AFB's Press Room, Bookstore, and Donation page. Each footer contains contact information for CareerConnect staff, a note about accessibility options, and donor acknowledgements. Both the header and footer remain the same on each page of the site.

The left side of each page contains pictures that change periodically and are relevant to the section you are viewing. For example, in the Success Stories area the picture may be of the mentor who submitted the story.

On the right side you'll find the navigation bar which lists the major content areas. Simply select the content most helpful for you, whether it is:

Job Seeker
Employer
Professional
Mentor
Family or Friend
Teen
Success Stories

Beneath every navigation bar you will find related links and books.

The middle section of each page contains a quick introduction, with more detailed information found on the right. For instance, under Job Seekers you will find tips on exploring different careers and finding, getting, and keeping a job. This same arrangement for finding and using relevant content runs throughout our site.

CareerConnect Home Page

Starting here will quickly:

• Take you to the latest featured CareerConnect Mentor Success Story,
• Allow you to read thought-provoking Success Stories of other workers who have vision loss,
• Show you an easy search screen for finding mentors with whom you can communicate about work related topics,
• Provide access to any personal profiles you've created as a registered user,
• Allow you to sign up for free as a user by filling out a simple, one-page registration form,
• Offer an invitation to workers with vision loss to become a CareerConnect Mentor; and
• Provide a synopsis of content on the site.

Audience-specific content is accessed via the links listed on the upper right. Here is a brief description of the content found within each link:

Job Seekers

This section provides job seekers with:

• Techniques for analyzing themselves to determine what they have to offer an employer and then how to explore what careers are available in today's labor market.
• Links to specific occupations using job titles, personal interests, or specific keyword searches.
• Information for conducting a successful job search, getting hired, and succeeding on the job.
• Tips for contacting a mentor, a list of recommended reading material, other useful links, and helpful organizations.

Employers

In this section, employers can:

• Find out why it's good business to hire and retain workers who have vision loss.
• Get help for specific employment-related concerns by consulting one of AFB's national experts.
• Learn about vision loss and and its impact on workers.
• Acquire and increase knowledge about accommodating workers with visual impairments using videos, articles and other resources.

Professionals

Rehabilitation specialists and teachers can:

• Learn new techniques for working with employers and consumers.
• Explore accommodations in the ever-changing world of technology.
• Find job-seeking skills, tips and resources for the digital age to share with clients or students.
• Contact successfully employed blind or visually impaired workers who are willing to discuss their jobs and job seeking techniques.

Mentors

This special area of CareerConnect enables mentors to:

• Log in and have control over editing and updating their personal profiles.
• View the Terms of Service Agreement for mentors.
• Access and use a Mentor Guide that details mentor roles and responsibilities, including tips for answering difficult queries.
• Enjoy articles and interviews with other mentors, and read messages on the Message Board.

Family & Friends

This area helps family and friends guide a person with vision loss who is interested in working. You can:

• Offer encouragement about the wide variety of jobs that people with vision loss are doing.
• Learn who the professionals are and understand their roles in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Connect and communicate with successfully employed individuals with vision loss who are engaged in hundreds of occupations; discuss their work and how they do it.

Teens

Stir up some excitement by using this section of CareerConnect to help students explore what they want to be when they grow up:

• Find out what other teens around the country with vision loss are learning and doing.
• Get to know some successful, working adults who have vision loss through interviews conducted by teens.
• Read articles written by and for teens who have vision loss.
• Search for and e-mail CareerConnect mentors to see what kinds of jobs they are doing and how.

Success Stories

This portion of the web site is dedicated to the Window on the Working World series where you can:

• Find intriguing first person accounts written and submitted by CareerConnect mentors.
• Learn of successful mentor-mentee connections as told by the CareerConnect mentee.
• Discover the realities of the wonderful world of work from the perspectives of employed visually impaired people.
• Read for pleasure or use these stories for educational purposes.
• Contact the author through a direct e-mail link at the end of each story.

Headlines

At the bottom of the home page, you will find a section called Headline News that includes the latest opportunities and information available to us.

CareerConnect also welcomes your feedback, so don't hesitate to contact the program staff at (888) 824-2184 or e-mail them at: careerconnect@afb.net

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