A Message from Penny Forward Founder and CEO, Chris Peterson

Hello Penny Forward members and supporters,

When people hear about the staggering statistics concerning employment among those of us who are blind or have low vision, they often ask why we at Penny Forward have chosen financial education as a primary focus. The statistics are indeed sobering: according to the best data available, there are around 20 million people with blindness or low vision in the United States. Between 60 and 70 percent of us aren’t working, and though unemployment rates among those actively seeking work are only two to three times higher than those of the general public, our earnings, when we are employed, are typically 25 to 30 percent lower.

With these dismal numbers, you might wonder why financial education matters so much. Why aren’t we focusing entirely on job training, or advocacy for better employment laws? These are critical issues too, and we support the efforts of organizations like the American Council of the Blind and the National Federation of the Blind as they work on these fronts. But at Penny Forward, we believe that financial education is just as important for our community because, regardless of income level or employment status, understanding how to manage your money is a foundational skill that can improve your life and your ability to pursue whatever goals you have.

Why Do So Many Blind People Believe They Can’t Work?

There are many reasons that people in our community might believe that working is not an option for them. Some of these reasons are practical and understandable. For instance, some of us may feel discouraged after facing numerous rejections, or we might have other health issues that limit our ability to work. Others may feel unsure about what they can do or fear losing vital benefits like Social Security or healthcare. And for many, caring for children or aging parents might take priority over seeking employment.

Then, there are the reasons that circulate within our own community, and these can be pretty disturbing. Some people say that blind people who don’t work are lazy, or that they don’t know how to dress or take care of their personal hygiene properly. Others believe that those who are not working simply don’t have good blindness skills. These negative perceptions create an unnecessary layer of pressure, judgment, and discouragement for many people with blindness or low vision who are already facing a world that doesn’t always make room for them.

But the truth is, many of us want to work. According to data, four out of five people with blindness or low vision who actively apply for jobs are getting hired. So, the issue isn’t about capability or willingness—it’s about opportunity, encouragement, and the tools needed to pursue those opportunities confidently.

How Does Financial Education Fit Into All of This?

So, how does financial education fit into this conversation? Financial education is a powerful tool that helps people make informed decisions, reduce anxiety around money, and gain the confidence to pursue opportunities. It has been shown to make a difference in other minority communities, and we believe it can have a similar impact on people with blindness or low vision.

The truth is, even people with high incomes often lack basic financial knowledge. Terms like “compound interest,” “asset allocation,” and “cash flow management” can feel like a foreign language to anyone unfamiliar with them. And the complexity of financial decisions—balancing saving, investing, and spending—can paralyze anyone, especially when the stakes are high.

For many of us in the blind community, there’s also the pervasive feeling that we’re “bad at math,” and if we’re bad at math, we must be bad with money. But that’s not true. You don’t need to be a math whiz to manage your finances well. What you need is guidance, education, and, often, a little help to navigate the system. This is where financial education and counseling come in.

Financial counseling, in particular, is valuable because it helps address the analysis paralysis that comes from having too many options or being afraid of making the wrong choice. Most importantly, financial education and counseling work best when delivered by people you can relate to—who better to understand the unique financial challenges of a person with blindness or low vision than another person from the same community?

Penny Forward: Encouraging Financial Independence

At Penny Forward, we’re here to encourage and empower you to pursue what you want. If that’s finding a job, then keep applying. As mentioned, four out of five blind or low vision job seekers are getting hired. But if working for someone else isn’t your path, that’s okay too. Self-employment is another option, and it’s one that anyone can pursue, whether part-time or full-time. It starts with an idea—something other people are willing to pay for—and then telling as many people about it as possible. Yes, a business plan helps reduce risk, but many successful businesses have been built on nothing more than enthusiasm and persistence.

And, of course, if you’re dedicating your time to raising children or caring for aging parents, that is an incredibly important and noble calling. There’s no greater impact we can make than caring for each other. Whether through a job, a business, or caregiving, we all have the opportunity to contribute to the world around us.

Why We Focus on Financial Education

So why do we focus on financial education at Penny Forward? Because we want to fill a gap that no other organization we’re aware of is addressing for our community. More than that, we believe in the power of financial education to build resilience and independence. We all hope that, over time, the systems we depend on for support will improve. But even when that happens, it’s critical that we know how to manage our finances, so we can weather any challenges that come our way.

Most of all, we want to help each other make a positive impact on the world. People with blindness or low vision are powerful, talented, and skilled. We can achieve incredible things when we encourage each other instead of discourage each other. That’s the vision we’re pursuing at Penny Forward, and we’re excited to see what we can all accomplish together.

Whether you’re seeking financial independence through employment, self-employment, or another path entirely, we’re here to help. Let’s keep moving forward, together.

Sincerely,

Chris Peterson, AFC®
Founder and CEO, Penny Forward