Networking Forum

Joe, is a well educated dentist that would profit himself and the community with his own talk show, help line. But, anything computer related and geared towards the healthcareers, telephone help desk, insurance, call center for setting appts or relaying information, consultant for dentists starting a new practice.

Obviously the most profitable for him is talk show host on the radio or consultant for dentists.

Good Luck! Joe

First, get yourself the addaptive technology that most suits YOUR needs, not what others seem to think you need. For instance, if you have low vision you probably don't need a screen reader designed for totally blind people. Find something that won't take so much time to learn if something with screen magnification as well will do the trick. It'll make learning go faster and seriously cut the frustration factor.

Second, find some fun or engaging way to learn it. For instance, if you have an interest or hobby, take the time using the new equipment to look into that topic. It will make the learning something you will enjoy and not a burden.

Finally, just relax and take the time. It will pay off. You probably will be working on your career plans long before you have mastered all the bells and whistles.

I would suggest that Joe seek employment as an executive officer or executive director of a dental association. He has the background and knowledge to assist the association develop their membership and mentor new denists. Lynda Van Doran

Joe, Having been a NJ resident until moving to SC in 2006, I can relate to the frustration you're experiencing. While I believe I'm a quick learner, there is always some aspect of "Assistive Technologies" (AT) you can't independently learn and, more often than not, the accessible documentation needs better formatting or, preciseness. I can recommend several organizations that are highly skilled and, can provide the focused training needed for AT, specifically: -DeWitt and Associates, Midland Park, NJ (John DeWitt and his organization have an outstanding track record for AT training. One of his key contracts is providing Technical Training to NJ Commission for the Blind clients). -Computer Center for Visually Impaired Persons, Baruch College, CUNY, NYC. Ebntire focus of the Center is AT and software traiing for blind/low vision individuals). -Assistive Technologies Center, Sacramento CA. (This is an upstart organization that produces all its classes for On-Line learning or, can provide a CD copy of the material). -MicroSoft Accessibility Group, Redman, WA. (The Acessibility Group publishes free CD's and On-Line materials for each M/S software product. What is especially useful is their "Keyboard Shortcuts" to all functions of the particular program) Of course, there are mmuch more than that noted. These are just a few of the entities I have used with much success. We can have a much more significant conversation "Off-Line" at your convenience.

Joe; My white-tip cane sat on a shelf for a while until I wanted to get out of the house. Getting to a dance club with the cane and figuring out how to dance, share the dance floor and find the bar in a crowded dance club became a lot easier once I had a purpose. With adaptive technology it was the same for me. As I needed the magnification software having a task to guide my learning made it easier and less frustrating. Not relying on menus (visual) to find the right command, but associating the command with a particular task. And it is a big job. Do not underestimate the effort and prepare yourself to fail. It is OK. It will help you find the right way to teach yourself what you require. I find that being proactive as my retinas deteriorate can be counter productive. Task oriented accommodations work best for me. Good luck in your future endeavors. And so that you get an idea of where this can take you, I recently went skiing for the first time and had a great time! When I was sighted you would not have found me on skis ever! With guides and a support team I did ski. So, let your creative juices fly, ask for help for task specific accommodations on your computer. The rest will come with time. Ruben

Joe, In reading "Career Options" posted, several additional Career Options: -Training Consultant (Since you know the procedures, develop/disseminate self-contained training material for use by individuals needing specialized training). -Internet Radio (While Talk Shows are great, most Broadcast outlets want you to not only produce the script but, sell the advertising to put the show On-Air. A hybred idea may be an Internet Program where members of the Dental Society can subscribe to listen to specific topical material). -NJ State Board Examiner/Investigator Since NJ State Licence is required, the State must have some need for an "expert" to examine/test individuals seeking their licence or, investigate, as necessary, complaints or fraud complaints). Hope info is useful.

Joe,

It looks like you have a lot of skills that could be used in a variety of places. So many of our graduates are just like you; having a successful career and need to find a new direction after a vision loss. Technology can and will become your closest friend. You will want to use it in your next career, to keep up with friendships, stay on top of the latest news, connect with social interests and discover new passions. There are a lot of companies that are looking for people to work on the phones that have medical knowledge such as you. Your teaching skills can still be used in either secondary school, vocational high school, or many other levels. The Statler Center for Careers in Hospitality Services has graduates working in call centers as a first responder for services that people in need could use. They are also at hotels, cable companies, hospitals, colleges and universities, collection agencies, and within the private sector. Let the world open up with technology and you will find your next path in career and life in general. We also have opened a new program just to train people for careers in call centers. Good luck in all your future endeavors.

Jeffrey Hirschfelt, CHA Director Olmsted Institute of Business & Technology 1170 Main Street Buffalo, New York 14209 716-882-5690 ext. 248 www.OlmstedInstitute.org

So far Joe I think James and Nan and everyone has given you very good advice. Find the adaptive technology to meet your needs, voice activated or whatever. It may take sometime to learn them but if you work at it by utilizing the skills you need by "playing" online, it may help to speed the process up. Or there may be adult technology classes you can take through the NFB or ACB who can help you.

Being well educated you have alot of different options, you might want to write a column on dentistry issues for a newspaper. We have a gp Dr. Gifford Jones, not his real name of course who writes weekly columns for newspapers across Ontario answering questions or updating on important health issues. Writing about dental issues for children with disabilities would definitely fill a niche that isn't always covered.

Having public speaking experience and small business set up experience, you might want to look into working with a resource type center who deal in public health issues and could use your expertise in dealing with clients who are disabled but need dentristy help, even offering mentoring to young dentists or dental hygeienists. Or just being a consultant who could ' teach' small buisness set up for the disabled entrepeneur.

Or you might just want to do a skills inventory with an employment counsellor to help you utilize your skills but use them in a different manner.

Good luck .

Joe, as a former medicaid auditor, I am familiar with your frustration. Keep trying. Good luc.k

Wow! Very helpfui bits of advice. Thanks everyone.

Joe,

You might also consider a job on the committee of a dental insurance company deciding which procedures are approved and which are not when special consideration is required.

Perhaps, you might be ready to attend a specialized "boot camp" type training center such as the Colorado Center for the Blind or BLIND, Inc. Doing so would certainly serve to help you increase your confidence. I am a graduate of CCB and, while not perfect, I found the challenges did serve their purpose to raise the level of confidence in myself as a fully living and breathing, productive blind human being.

Dear Dr. Joe,

I have not given too much thought to this, but perhaps you could be a salesperson of medical (dental) supplies? If you have the personality like my dentist, you have many transferrable skills that would apply to a similar or different profession. If I were you, read the Richard Nelson Bolles' book "What Color Is Your Parachute," and contact his colleague Jim Kell who offers FREE on-line advice. His e-mail address is: jkell@texas.net. Good luck and God bless!

I forgot to give the phone number for Hadley just in case you can't go online. It is 1-800-323-4238. That is the number for the Student Services Department, and they'll be glad to send an enrollment application.

I find Joe's problems very similar to mine, having been a performance pianit, and now, tying to open a smal home studio here in Miami, fl. Having just had my case cosed by the devision of blind services here, I see that new clients are learing a more up-to-date sotware, and I am left with th decision of weater to upgrade, and try to teach myself the new version of the program, or stik with what I know. For those of you in the music/computer businss, would lve to har you thougts, Scott C. Treeman. scotttreeman@hotmail.com

Joe,

We seem to be in similar situations as I have only been blind for four years and have twenty five years of employment history. I can only tell you what I found that is working for me. That includes1. Being determined you will transition to vision loss and still be O. K. 2. Start with simple steps such as learning Braille reading and writing. I suggest Uncontracted is sufficient. 3. Get a small tape recorder and use it until your skills are better. 4. Seek a program that deals with adults primarily if possible. 5. Seek programs, libraries, etc that provide more information and training. 6. Once you select a technology, use it everyday. 7. Keep courage until you find a good fit. This may be your opportunity to venture into another that parallels your current career. Best of Success.

It's been an interesting "thread" with some worthwhile pointers. Isolating those from the blind/low vision perspective, the following points are all keys to success, specifically: 1) Have a goal in mind. Once that goal is established, network to insure you have not forgotten any steps necessary in the process for success. 2) Have a "Work Plan" with key milestones established with deadlines for completion. Secondarily, have multiple task which can be over laid on the success being experienced or, the goals reached thus far. 3) If, you hit the preverbial "wall", immediately take a small step back, look at the issue/concern and, based on knowledge/skills/abilities determine the best track to go through it/around it or, over the top of it. Don't dig a hole and go under as it is not a positive effort for, what happens when a hole is dug? Generally someone will crawl in it and be burried. 4) Consistantly network with resources. Set aside time for coffee, lunch or some informal get to gether in order to pause, assess and refine the game plan. Remember, network contacts are one step removed from your process. With that step back, they generally have a better view of the entire picture than you do up close. 5) See if the Senior Core of Retired Executives (SCORE) has a chapter in your area. These individuals are, in short, amazing. I recently met with a number of SCORE members in Atlanta, GA. All were non-profit oriented, the wealth of practical information gained during a 45-90 minute coffee was absolutely amazing. I was able to take advise away and, immediately apply it to several new situations that are developing in my position.