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.Handbook for Women with Visual Impairment - 6.
Innovative Jobs for the Visually Impaired
By
Geetha Shamanna
Introduction
Technological developments have drastically transformed the career landscape of the visually impaired including women, during the past decade. Innovations such as screen readers as well as the increased popularity of the Internet have opened crucial windows of opportunity to them.
Translation, voice and accent training, journalism, including radio journalism and technical writing are a few of the many career options that have become a reality in the wake of this technological revolution.
We give below an account of some of the innovative job-avenues which can be available to visually impaired women as well.
Translation as a Career Option
With the world shrinking into a global village, linguistic abilities are being appreciated more than ever. Translation and interpreting are emerging as widely pursued career options.
Translation is one of the highly accessible career avenues for blind women. Basic prerequisites such as excellent linguistic as well as computer skills can be mastered without encountering any of the accessibility hurdles that make certain career options a nightmare to pursue.
Where to begin?
If you are still studying and are interested in pursuing a career as a translator, start early. Identify the international language/s that interest you, and start learning them while you are still studying.
With China's metamorphosis into an economic power to be reckoned with, demand for Chinese translators and interpreters is soaring. Mastering the Chinese language therefore ensures an easy ride in the job market.
Other languages for which demand still exceeds supply are Japanese, German and French.
After you decide upon the language you wish to learn, explore whether institutes where these languages are taught exist in your city. For example, Max Mueller Bhavan offers courses in German, and Alliance Françoise is the one-stop location for French.
Although there are no established institutes for learning Chinese or Japanese, with the popularity of these languages growing, several institutes have mushroomed recently. Searching the Internet for these institutes in your city may yield good results.
While enrolling in part-time language courses is a good option, acquiring a degree in the language of your choice goes a long way in launching your career as a translator. Universities such as the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Delhi as well as University of Pune offer graduate and postgraduate courses in various foreign languages. Although companies prefer hiring translators with a degree in translation, such courses are still few and far between in Indian universities.
Do's and Don'ts
1. Ensure that you learn the Braille script of the language. For example, when learning German, do not neglect to learn German Braille. This will enormously increase your fluency of the language.
2. Practice your written skills in the language as much as possible. While it is important to be able to speak a language well, writing skills are equally imperative in pursuing a career in translation.
3. Pay special attention to the field you intend to specialize in. For example, if you wish to enter the IT field and want to work as a technical translator, make a special effort to learn the IT terminology of that language.
4. Read extensively. This is essential in order to improve your command of the foreign language. The Internet is an excellent resource for books and other material.
5. Use every opportunity to speak the language with a native speaker.
6. Cultivate good writing skills in the target language. A translator is first and foremost a good writer. Ensure that you are able to express yourself well in the target language.
What Next?
Once you complete your language courses, begin identifying translation and interpreting jobs. Translators and interpreters are hired by MNCs with operations in several countries, hotels, holiday resorts, travel agencies, etc. Depending on your aptitude, identify the areas that you could potentially specialize in. For example, if you are a technology freak, you may want to work for a software company as a technical translator. If you are interested in automobiles, you may contemplate a career as a translator in the automobile industry. The opportunities are infinite. However, it is essential to have a fairly good idea of what interests you, so that you can prepare yourselves appropriately.
The importance of computer skills cannot be overemphasized. Although learning languages has very little to do with working on the computer yet in order to be able to succeed in this profession, mastery of good computer skills is extremely essential.
Like most jobs, translation jobs are primarily advertised in newspapers and on-job sites on the Internet. Identify the kind of job that interests you most and begin the search.
This narration is the result of my experiences as a German translator. I have been working in this field for four years now in Bangalore.
Geetha Shamanna
Resources
Alliance Françoise
http://www.afindia.org/delegation/af2.htm
Max Mueller Bhavan (also known as Goethe Institute), New Delhi:
http://www.goethe.de/ins/in/ned/deindex.htm
Mailing list for blind translators and interpreters:
Beginner Japanese tutorial:
http://www.public.iastate.edu/~ronalds/japaneseLessonFrame.htm
Intermediate and advanced English and German courses specially designed for the blind by the European Union:
http://eurochance.brailcom.org/courses/
A good site for locating translation jobs and agencies:
http://www.translatorscafe.com/cafe/default.asp
Indian translation agencies:
http://directory.google.com/Top/Business/Business_Services/ Translation/Multiple_Language/Asia/India/?il=1
A list for blind and low vision translators and interpreters:
theroundtable@screenreview.org
http://www.screenreview.org/mailman/listinfo/theroundtable
Voice and Accent Training as a Career Option
What is voice and accent training?
Voice and accent training is a growing avenue with BPO companies (Business Process Outsourcing). Also referred to as Call Centres, these companies exist in all sectors of business including banking, utilities, manufacturing, security, market research, pharmaceuticals, catalogue sales, credit collections and airline/hotel reservations.
A Call Centre is a service centre with telecom facilities, access to internet and a vast database, which provides voice-based or web-based information and support to customers in the country or abroad through trained personnel.
The types of services provided in this industry are inbound and outbound voice. Call Centre services can be 'inbound' when calls are received from customers enquiring about a service or product that an organisation provides.
The call centre services can be 'outbound' when calls are made to customers to sell products or collect information / money. Call centre services can also be 'specialized', when calls are made from one company to another company.
The career avenues here are among the best available, even for freshers. Call centers are a good option for visually impaired students with senior secondary education or college degrees as well as for housewives and retired people.
Availability of Training
Several reputed multinational companies offer training programmes in voice and accent. Such courses are however generally offered in-house, to employees who have been assessed as being qualified for the training. In other words, a candidate can get trained in-house after being absorbed by the company. Some of the noted BPO companies are GE capital, Hero Mindmine, American Express, Wipro Spectramind, and IBM Daksh.
The training period can vary between two and 12 weeks depending on the project. Topics covered include accent training, listening skills, 'slang' training, accent neutralisation, telephone etiquette, telesales etiquette and cyber grammar, interaction skills, customer relationship, management skills and call centre terminology.
Continuous training at regular intervals including updating oneself with the latest references and slang the callers are likely to use is a must for growth in this field.
Eligibility Criteria:
There are no specific educational qualifications required to be a voice and accent trainer.
The skills required vary depending on the project and the type of business that is being handled. However, some skills that come in handy when working with a BPO are:
• Good command over the English language.
• Computer literacy.
• Good typing speed.
• Knowledge of consumer behaviour.
• Marketing skills (a certificate or diploma in marketing in case of 'outbound' telemarketing is preferable).
• Ability to enter and retrieve information quickly from databases.
• Ability to analyse problems.
Scope:
A fresher could start a career in an international / domestic call centre as a call centre executive and earn a highly attractive pay package.
Firsthand account of this profession: a blind person’s perspective
Madhu Bala Sharma, an alumnus from Delhi Public School and a graduate in English from Delhi University, now works as a Voice and Accent Trainer.
Born and brought up in Delhi, Madhu Bala studied at a regular school as part of the integrated education programme of National Association for the Blind.
The seeds for her to be transformed into a voice and accent trainer were planted at a company called GECIS, where she worked as a flexi-timer while she was graduating. After this, she was fortunate to join a leading BPO company where she trains customer care executives on their voice and accent skills.
On being asked how she adapted to her workplace, she said: I orient myself to my work space as it adds to my confidence while facing a group of trainees.
It also helps in forming a rapport with them because if I am able to move around without any hesitation and know my space well, then it will build a level of trust.
Also, JAWS (a screen reading software), goes a long way in enabling me to be on par with my other non-visually impaired colleagues. I can surf the intra-net and use the training material just like any other trainer.
Madhu Bala ensures that she has a Braille copy of the printed training material, given to all the trainees, so that she can keep track and be on the same page along with them.
Another challenge Madhu Bala faced was to handle a group of around 15 highly energetic youngsters, to make them stay with her during the session, and to maintain the decorum. She emphatically said that while it was difficult it was not impossible. She offered the following route to transforming this situation:
• Empower everyone,
• Build the team spirit,
• Make them feel that there is no classroom scenario,
• Create a lot of positiveness in the environment,
• Encourage one among them as your second eye: they can keep you aware of the responses of others in the group (to ensure decorum),
• She lightly pointed out that the last technique is what she enjoyed most during her school days: monitoring her fellow pupils.
Madhu Bala feels working as a Voice and Accent Trainer is a fun job for a person who loves to interact with people. Although she is herself a budding professional, she lists the following mantras for people who want to pursue this profession:
1. As a voice and accent trainer, one should be comfortable with the language, including pronunciation, spellings, grammar, vocabulary and fluency in English.
2. One should also be at ease with people, and should be able to associate with them.
3. One also needs to be creative, to invent ways to keep up the energy levels during the training process.
4. One should be familiar with human psychology to be able to work with trainees with varying levels of emotional maturity.
Madhu Bala Sharma is presently working with IBM Daksh.
Journalism as a Career Option
Are you inquisitive, have a nose for news, have a flair for writing? Can you write about how your brother fought over something without being too verbose or boring? If yes, then journalism may be your true calling.
Journalism as a process is essentially a way of sifting through information for facts and then summarising those facts effectively with words, pictures and sounds.
A successful journalist is one who is interested in all fields. Here are some traits that are imperative for a good journalist:
• Observant
• Unprejudiced
• Resourceful
• Enthusiastic, good communication skills
• Sense of responsibility
• Leadership qualities
• Computer savvy
Information on Availability of Training
Listed below are a few institutions offering courses in journalism. However, no course or training can claim to make one a journalist. The courses train persons in the technical aspects only. To ensure one's success in the field one must have an in-born ability to write and produce new stories in correct, concise and interesting style.
1. Indian Institute of Mass Communication,
New Delhi and Dhenkanal, Orissa.
www.iimc.nic.in
2. Lady Sri Ram College
www.lsrcollege.org
3. St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai
www.xaviercomm.org
Scope:
A journalist can work in print or electronic media as a reporter, editor and script writer.
Some of the options have been discussed below.
Newspapers: These include broadsheets, morning dailies and tabloids. These carry various types of news, comments and analysis of current events.
News Agencies and Bureaus: This is the place where news from different places are received and syndicated to other sections of the press.
Periodicals: These are publications that appear at regular intervals. These include magazines, journals and digests.
Technical Writing as a Career Option
Technical writing comprises the preparation of technical content for books, help manuals, online/classroom courses and product documentation, etc. This material may be about software packages/programs or about hardware products - their specifications, properties, usage requirements, technical details, etc.
The purpose of creating the technical content is to facilitate learning either through an instructor or in a self-help mode. These materials are used both in classrooms and as online content on distributable media or over the Web.
The online form of technical materials is also commonly known in the industry by terms such as e-learning, Computer-based training (CBT) or Web-based training (WBT) courses and virtual classrooms.
A large number of these online modes adopt a multimedia approach to learning, making the learning process interactive and self-paced.
Scope:
In a company producing hardware/software products, a team of technical writers is associated with a product team. The technical writer obtains the information required to be included in the content from the technical team working on creating the product and collates it in the form of help manuals and training courses.
This field is highly competitive and offers performance -driven growth opportunities. Remunerations are very good at all levels, comparable to those in software development.
Career in Radio Broadcasting
Radio, in many ways, is the most versatile of all media. It has the unique ability to reach out to a large multitude instantly. Any one who aspires to be a radio broadcaster should understand these characteristics of the medium and be prepared to work comfortably and energetically in a profession that emphasizes speed, flexibility and spontaneity. Jean Parker, a blind radio professional in Pune, tells you what it's like.
What is radio broadcasting?
Broadcasting forms a very large segment of the mass media.
Radio stations and networks broadcast a variety of programs, such as national and local news, talk shows, music programs, movies, other entertainment, and advertisements.
Stations produce some of these programs, most notably news programs, in their own studios; however, much of the programming is done outside the broadcasting industry.
Occupations at large broadcast stations and networks fall into five general categories: Program production, news related, technical, sales, and general administration.
With cut throat competition in the broadcasting industry these days, emphasis is laid on research for news related programs and social issues as well.
Where can one get trained or where are these courses available?
Listed below are a few institutions offering courses in radio broadcasting. However, this information is subject to change, owing to institutions' policy.
1. Course Name: Post-Graduate Diploma Course Radio and Television Journalism
Institute: Indian Institute Of Mass Communication
Eligibility: list of 2 items
• Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
• Those who have appeared /are appearing at the degree examinations are also eligible to apply.
Duration: One Year
Course Fees: Varies from Rupees 27,000 to Rupees 40,000 (subject to change)
Candidates are selected through All-India Entrance Examination and personal interview.
Contact details: Indian Institute of Mass Communication
JNU New Campus
Aruna Asaf Ali Road
New Delhi 110067
2. Course Name: Sound Recording and Radio Techniques
Institute: Asian Academy of Film and Television
Eligibility: Higher Secondary School Certificate (10 + 2) Or relevant work experience.
Duration: 3 months
Course Fees : Rupees 43,000 (subject to change)
Contact details: Asian Academy of Film and TV
Marwah Studios Complex
FC-14/15, Film City, Sector-16A
Noida 201301
Uttar Pradesh
3. Course Name: B.A. in Radio and Television
Institute: Asian Academy of Film and Television
Eligibility: Higher Secondary School Certificate (10 + 2) Or relevant work experience.
Duration: 3 years
Contact details: Asian Academy of Film and TV
Marwah Studios Complex
FC-14/15, Film City, Sector-16A
Noida 201301
Uttar Pradesh
4. Course Name: M.A in Radio and Television
Institute: Asian Academy of Film and Television
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Duration: 2 years
More Information: The institute provides hostel facility to women candidates.
Contact details: Asian Academy of Film and TV
Marwah Studios Complex
FC-14/15, Film City, Sector-16A
Noida 201301
Uttar Pradesh
5. Course Name: Postgraduate Diploma in Radio Prasaran (PGDRP)
Institute: IGNOU
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Duration: The programme can be completed in a minimum period of one year and maximum in four years.
More information:
The programme has been developed in collaboration with Prasar Bharati (AIR) and is offered in Hindi.
Contact details: Indira Gandhi National Open University
Maidan Garhi
New Delhi 110068
Phone: +91-11-26868450
E-mail: pgdapp@ignou.ac.in
Website: http://www.ignou.ac.in
6. Course Name: Post Graduate Diploma in Audio Programme Production (PGDAPP)
Institute: School of Continuing Education - IGNOU
Eligibility: Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Duration: The programme can be completed in a minimum period of one year and maximum in four years. However, the practical have to be completed in the first year of enrolment itself.
Contact details: School of Continuing Education
Electronic Media Production Centre
Indira Gandhi National Open University
Maidan Garhi
New Delhi 110068
Phone: +91-11-26868450
E-mail: pgdapp@ignou.ac.in
Website: http://www.ignou.ac.in
7. Course Name: Certificate in Voicing, Certificate in News Reading, Certificate in Anchoring, Certificate in Direction, Certificate in Script Writing
Institute: School of Broadcasting and Communication
Eligibility: Higher Secondary School Certificate (10 + 2) or relevant work experience.
Duration: One month course (weekend classes).
More Information:
The certificate courses for direction, news reading and script writing.
Contact details: School Of Broadcasting and Communication
Anolakshi Building
37, Gilbert Hills Road
Near Bhavan’s College
Andheri (West)
Mumbai 400058
Maharashtra
E-mail: info@sbc.ac.in
What is the Eligibility Criterion?
Post Graduate Programme:
• Graduate in any discipline from a recognised university.
• Those who have appeared/are appearing at the degree examinations are also eligible to apply.
Graduate Programme:
• Higher Secondary School Certificate (10 + 2) Or relevant work experience.
Certificate Courses:
• Higher Secondary School Certificate (10 + 2) Or relevant work experience.
Scope:
A trained radio broadcaster has the following opportunities.
Disk jockey/combo operator/announcer: A professional DJ, or air personality as some prefer to be called, is a professional talker, a performer, an on-air entertainer, capable of communicating wide variety of thoughts, emotions and ideas to listeners.
News reporter/Anchor: Unlike a print journalist, a radio newsperson must also be a performer. In addition to good writing and news-gathering skills, the newsperson in radio must also possess announcing abilities and be capable of presenting the story on air.
Talk radio host: Today, radio stations of all kinds have some form of radio talk or call in elements a regular part of their programming. Nevertheless, opportunities in talk radio are available for people with expertise in certain areas.
Voice-over Artist: Trained voice over artists or, voice actors, are often used to do commercials, promotions, film narration, documentaries and much more.
Production Engineer: As a production engineer at a radio station, your imagination is the only limit as you produce commercials, programs, public service announcements and much more. One works with music beds and sound effect libraries, multi-track mix boards and multiple format recording systems (this includes recording, editing, mixing and dubbing).
One can also work in 'broadcast journalism', 'script writing' in television and other broadcast media.
First-hand Account of this Profession: A Blind Person's Perspective
I, Jean Parker, completed my certificate course from the Institute for Progressive Communications, Costa Rica (1997) and also obtained a Master's degree in education from the University of Colorado, USA (1986).
Equipped with these degrees, I got a chance to join the advisory board of "Radio for Peace International", in Costa Rica in 1995. They required producers and this was the beginning of my career in radio journalism. My educational background provided a profound base to tackle and plan my career ahead.
I remember that getting information in accessible form was a challenge, especially in a breaking news situation. There were some technical obstacles too, which were posed by the computerised editing software. All of these things were doable but they demanded extra time and effort, and this is what I exactly did. I devoted extra hours of work.
I did not stay away even from the field recordings that required some kind of work-around, as I strongly believe in the saying, "Where there is a will, there is a way!"
Adaptive technologies such as Computer screen reader and Braille were instrumental to my being able to work independently. Some times, depending on the assignment, I took sighted guidance also.
With such passion, Jean Parker continues to pursue this career. Assimilating all her knowledge and experience, she suggests that, in order to succeed in this profession, one must have a sense of curiosity about the world. Mentioned below are few tips for upcoming blind radio broadcasters:
• Learn Braille. This equips you to read aloud well from hard copy and/or paperless Braille, which is a must for doing narrative or voice work.
• Be creative and resourceful: because each day brings new challenges.
• Use every technological advantage, but also realise when something is best addressed with a low or no-technology solution then let as is.
• Last but not the least; gather basic knowledge about events outside your areas of interest. It is very different to work as a music DJ compared to making documentaries or reporting breaking news, as the skills required for each of them are different. So identify the area you want to work and seek the skills required.
Parker has been in this forte of "Radio Broadcasting" for the past ten years. She resides in Pune, India and works for news agencies in Europe and North America. To reach her, mail to:
radioforever@gmail.com
Acknowledgements:
Our special thanks to Eyeway, a national helpdesk on eye and blindness, run by Score Foundation, New Delhi for permitting us to reuse some of this material originally published on their Web site.
