Blind or visually impaired students in the Transitioning to Independence Program of the InSight Kids Club of NEPA participated in a career exploration experience on Friday at the THINK Center in Wilkes-Barre.
InSight Kids Club of NEPA is a program of Northeast Sight Services created in partnership with Community Services for Sight.
The event brought together local professionals from various industries to support students as they develop workplace skills.
“The goal of this experience is to give students the opportunity to practice in a real-world setting while building confidence in themselves and their abilities,” said Amy Feldman of Northeast Sight Services. “These are skills that go far beyond the classroom — learning how to communicate, advocate for yourself, and navigate the interview process are critical steps toward independence and meaningful employment.”
The morning began with a career panel, where volunteers shared insights into their career paths and discussed what employers look for in today’s workforce. It gave students the opportunity to ask questions and learn directly from experienced professionals.
Following the panel, students participated in mock interviews and resume review sessions, rotating through one-on-one conversations with each volunteer. These interactions allowed students to strengthen their communication skills, receive constructive feedback, and gain a better understanding of the hiring process.
Participating volunteers included Patrick Forster, talent acquisition partner at Berkshire Hathaway GUARD Insurance Companies; Lydia Ameen, human resources business partner at McCarthy Tire Service; Alison Prisco, human resources business partner at Community Bank System Inc.; Denise Corcoran, executive director of the Anthracite Region for Independent Living (A.R.C.I.L.); and Ellen Meehan, director of human resources at Boca Recovery Center.
For information about Northeast Sight Services and its programs, visit www.northeastsight.org or call 570-693-3555.