Putting Your Best Foot Forward (PYBFF) is a job search skills training program for transition-age youth who are blind or have low vision. Research has consistently shown that early work experiences are an important predictor of whether youth with blindness or low vision will successfully find employment after leaving school. PYBFF was designed to help these youth learn the skills they need to find a job and succeed in the workplace.
PYBFF includes five units, with about 40 hours of content, covering topics such as preparing for an interview, disability disclosure, resume development, online job searches, and improving self-presentation.
The program is designed to be implemented by two trainers with 10-15 youth. PYBFF trainers are typically service providers who work with youth who are blind or have low vision, such as teachers of students with low vision, vision rehabilitation therapists, or vocational rehabilitation agency staff.
Trainer Workshop Information
In order to access the PYBFF curriculum and materials, you must complete a free, two-day trainer workshop. The interactive, online trainer workshops are held at least twice per year via Zoom videoconferencing software. Workshops are intended for professionals who provide direct services to transition-age youth who are blind or have low vision. At least two people from your organization must attend the same workshop; however, we will also accept groups of three. Each workshop is capped at six groups (12-18 trainers). Those who successfully complete the workshop will:
- Receive a certificate of completion
- Have the option of earning up to 8 ACVREP continuing education credits
- Gain full access to the PYBFF curriculum and materials to download, free of charge
Join the course waitlist below to be notified of future trainer workshop dates. Enter your name and email, and then we’ll contact you when registration for the next trainer workshop is available.
Join the Putting Your Best Foot Forward waiting list
If you have questions about the program or the trainer workshop, please contact the NRTC's training and outreach coordinator Karma Marshall at kmarshall@colled.msstate.edu or call 662-325-2001.
Research Products
The peer-reviewed articles below contain research on the effectiveness of PYBFF and other PYBFF-related resources.
Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2020). A curriculum for teaching job search skills to youth with visual impairments. Visual Impairment and Deafblind Education Quarterly, 65(2), 74-86.
Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2020). Short-term effectiveness of job search skills training: Comparisons by summer work experience participation. Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin. Advance online publication.
Cmar, J. L. (Director). (2020). Preparing for a video interview: Unprepared applicant [Film]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, Mississippi State University. https://www.blind.msstate.edu/our-products/transition-resources
Cmar, J. L. (Director). (2020). Preparing for a video interview: Prepared applicant [Film]. National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision, Mississippi State University. https://www.blind.msstate.edu/our-products/transition-resources
Online Course: National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. (2020). Putting your best foot forward: Job search skills training for youth with visual impairments. [Curriculum].
Cmar, J. L. (2019). Unintended consequences of repeated sponsored work experiences for youths with visual impairments. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 113(6), 566-568.
Fact Sheet: National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. (2022). Yes, you can work and still receive SSI! [Fact sheet].
Fact Sheet: National Research and Training Center on Blindness and Low Vision. (2022). Yes, your child can work and still receive SSI! [Fact sheet].
Cmar, J. L., & McDonnall, M. C. (2018). Effectiveness of a job search training program for youth with visual impairments. Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals. Advance online publication. doi:10.1177/2165143418792238.
NRTC researchers developed the PYBFF materials under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIDILRR grant 90RT5040: Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Employment for Individuals with Blindness or Other Visual Impairments. PYBFF is based on the School to Work program and the group activity model developed by the Michigan Prevention Research Center for the JOBS program.
