Randomized Controlled Trial of a Job Search Intervention for Adults who are Blind or Have Low Vision

Abstract

Adults with blindness or low vision have lower employment rates and higher unemployment rates than the general population, highlighting the need for interventions to reduce employment barriers and improve outcomes. This study examined whether The Job Search Blueprint, a job search intervention, improves job search outcomes, mental health outcomes, and employment for blind and low vision adults compared to an information-only control group. In this two-group, parallel longitudinal randomized controlled trial, 86 participants (ages = 18–72, 69.8% female) were assigned to either the intervention or control group. Data were collected at pretest, 1-month posttest, 6-month follow-up, and 18-month follow-up. Data analysis involved linear mixed models for job search outcomes (knowledge, behavior, self-efficacy) and mental health outcomes (anxiety, depression), and chi-square tests for employment. The intervention group had greater improvements in job search knowledge and anxiety than the control group at posttest, with knowledge gains maintained at 6-month follow-up. The intervention did not have significant effects on the other outcomes. These findings suggest The Job Search Blueprint can increase knowledge and reduce anxiety, but addressing barriers and improving employment outcomes may require a more comprehensive approach. Future research with larger samples, additional measures, and tailored approaches is necessary to better understand and enhance the intervention’s effectiveness.