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Sighted Guide Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sighted Guide information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$7

$20

$41

How much do sighted guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for sighted guide in Chicago, IL is $20.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.13 and $20.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sighted guide?

Sighted guides are individuals who assist people who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely and efficiently. They use specific techniques, such as guiding by the arm, to help direct and protect the person they are assisting. Sighted guides are trained to communicate clearly, describe surroundings, and anticipate obstacles, ensuring a comfortable experience for the person being guided. Their support can be essential in unfamiliar or busy environments, as well as in everyday activities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sighted guide?

To thrive as a Sighted Guide, you need a solid understanding of guiding techniques, awareness of mobility safety, and basic knowledge of visual impairment, which is often gained through specialized training or certification. Familiarity with orientation and mobility tools, as well as first aid certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills to support and reassure individuals with visual impairments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, confidence, and independence of those being guided.

What challenges do sighted guides face and how are they addressed?

Sighted guides often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar or crowded environments, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to the individual preferences of those they assist. To address these, guides receive training in effective guiding techniques, including verbal cues and tactile feedback, and learn to anticipate and respond to the needs of the person they are guiding. Team collaboration is also important, as guides frequently coordinate with mobility specialists, family members, or event organizers to ensure safe and seamless experiences.

What is the difference between Sighted Guide vs Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

AspectSighted GuideOrientation and Mobility Specialist
CredentialsMay include training in guiding techniques, certification variesTypically requires certification in orientation and mobility, such as COMS
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals in public, indoor, and outdoor settingsTeaching mobility skills, assessments, and training in various environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in community and personal assistanceUsed in rehabilitation, educational, and clinical settings

While both roles support individuals with visual impairments, a Sighted Guide primarily assists by providing physical guidance during mobility, whereas an Orientation and Mobility Specialist offers comprehensive training to develop independent travel skills. The specialist's role is broader, involving assessment and instruction, while the Sighted Guide focuses on immediate assistance.

How to be a sighted guide?

A sighted guide assists individuals with visual impairments by providing verbal descriptions, guiding them safely, and offering support in navigating environments. Key skills include good communication, spatial awareness, and patience; training or certification in guiding techniques can enhance effectiveness. The role often involves working in various settings such as public spaces, events, or daily activities.

What are popular job titles related to Sighted Guide jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Sighted Guide jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Sighted Guide jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Sighted Guide jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Sighted Guide jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Sighted Guide job openings:

Infographic showing various Sighted Guide job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 9% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $42,222 per year, or $20.3 per hour.

Temporary Teacher of the Visually Impaired 2026-2027 School Year

DuPage County ROE

Wheaton, IL

Temporary

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Program Description
Pay Transparency (Negotiations underway- refer to 2026 rates)
Job Goal: To provide direct instruction, technical support and skills; this includes providing appropriate tools, materials and curricular support as well as help in functional areas of daily living and vocational areas.


Qualifications:

  • Valid Illinois Professional Educator License for the Blind and Partially Seeing
  • Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree Preferred
  • Working knowledge of Braille and knowledge of  how to teach Braille, knowledge of abacus (and ability to teach multiple methods), knowledge of electronic devices including:  Braille and other specialized note takers  (Pac mate,  Braille Note, etc.), comfort and skill in teaching functional daily living experiences, familiarity with low vision tools, and knowledge of the Expanded Core Curriculum
  • Ability to work well with mainstream teachers and related service staff
  • Commitment to professional development

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Provide appropriate, individualized instruction to each student on the caseload
  2. Develop lesson plans and schedules that meet the goals of each student
  3. Provide consultation and assistance to mainstream  teachers as to physical and instructional modifications needed for each student in the mainstream
  4. Establish open, frequent communication with parents, and all related and mainstream staff
  5. Present appropriate and specific information of student's progress towards goals, including evaluative and progress data at IEPs and Eligibility Determinations.
  6. Complete and present detailed functional vision evaluation as part of any three year evaluation (when included on a domain sheet)
  7. Demonstrate ability to implement technical skills for the visually impaired including:
  8. Reading and teaching Braille
  9. Utilization and ability to teach Abacus (multiple methods depending on student need)
  10. Teaching student to use appropriate low vision aids and tools to maximize their functional vision
  11. Ability to teach signature and slate and stylus
  12. Interpreting medical reports and helping student and family to understand the student's vision loss at an appropriate level
  13. Ability to develop and implement appropriate individual and classroom behavior management skills/programs
  14. Assist students in developing listening skills
  15. Assist  team in following through on appropriate sighted guide and safe travel skills within the classroom and building
  16. May require skills in positioning, feeding, and  developing language
  17. Coordinate and create materials in the student's preferred media
  18. Assist student to develop appropriate social and independent skills across the curriculum
  19. Participate in appropriate  staff meetings to review and discuss student needs and progress, and participate in professional development meetings as requested
  20. Establish and maintain a positive atmosphere in working with staff in order that this atmosphere will be carried over for the student
  21. Teachers teaching content area subjects must be highly qualified in that area

Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Terms of Employment:  184 day work year at compensation set by the SASED Board of Directors.

Evaluation:  Performance will be evaluated every year until tenure has been achieved.  Once tenure is earned, performance will be evaluated every other year by the Program Administrator in accordance with the SASED Board of Control policy on evaluation for certified staff.


 




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About DuPage County ROE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE), located in Wheaton, Illinois, operates within the educational sector, administering a wide array of services to support both public and private schools. This includes overseeing teacher professional development, curriculum planning, and regional safe schools. This organization was established with the core aim of assuring that education in Illinois aligns with state education laws and is of the highest standard. Its mission is to provide governance, services, and leadership needed to prepare students for success, driving regional educational initiatives that foster safe, efficient, and effective learning environments.

Industry

Education

Headquarters location

Wheaton, IL, US

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