In this episode of Navigating Life with Vision Loss, host Kim Wardlow is joined by Dominick Petrillo, a blind sports writer and advocate who has contributed to Sports Illustrated, The Athletic, Rotoballer, and covers the Philadelphia Eagles. Dominick shares his journey of breaking into the competitive world of sports writing, the barriers he has faced as a blind journalist, and how he continues to advocate for accessibility in the workplace.

This episode explores employment challenges for blind professionals, strategies for self-advocacy, accessibility in digital spaces, and tips for jobseekers with vision loss. Whether you're entering the workforce or advancing in your career, this conversation provides valuable insights into workplace advocacy.

Chapter Markers

00:00 – Introduction to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:28 – Welcome to the Advocacy Series: Workplace & Career Challenges

01:50 – Meet Dominick Petrillo: Blind sports writer and accessibility advocate

03:30 – Breaking into the sports writing industry as a blind journalist

05:10 – Networking and making connections in the media world

07:20 – The biggest workplace barriers for blind professionals

09:40 – Challenges in accessibility: Researching and publishing articles

12:00 – Advocating for website accessibility and industry resistance

15:10 – Strategies for advocating with employers and hiring managers

18:50 – Discrimination in hiring: Personal experiences

22:40 – Advice for jobseekers on when to disclose blindness

26:00 – Tools and technology: How Dominick sets up his workspace

30:20 – Mental resilience: Dealing with rejection in the job search

32:50 – What employers should know about hiring blind professionals

35:00 – Resources for jobseekers with vision loss

36:00 – Closing thoughts and what’s next in the Advocacy Series

Guest Information

Dominick Petrillo

Twitter (X): @EnvisionFF

LinkedIn: Dominick Petrillo

Email: [email protected]

Resources Mentioned

American Council of the Blind (ACB) – www.acb.org

American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) – www.afb.org

National Federation of the Blind (NFB) – www.nfb.org

AFB Job Listings – Employers actively seeking blind professionals

Connect with AfterSight

Website: AfterSight.org

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 303-786-7777

Social Media: Follow AfterSight on all platforms for updates!

Join Us Next Episode!

Next week, we continue our Advocacy Series with a discussion on legal advocacy and fighting for equal rights. We’ll explore disability laws, employment rights, and policy changes that impact the blind community. Don’t miss it!