The big picture

If you are blind or partially sighted you are significantly less likely to be in employment. In an RNIB report ‘Beyond the Stereotypes: blind and partially sighted people and work 2004’ it was highlighted:

• That 3 out of 4 blind and partially sighted people are not in work.
• How stereotypes and inaccurate preconceptions of blind and partially sighted people were a major barrier to attaining and sustaining employment.
• How current employment programmes fail blind and partially sighted job seekers.

How employers can help

As an employer there are several ways you can help blind or partially sighted people into employment:

1. Provide Visual Awareness Training to staff
2. Present the positive support available to people who disclose a visual impairment e.g. Access to Work, re-training
3. Review your recruitment and HR processes to encourage disabled applicants e.g. Two-Ticks system
4. Provide some positive examples of current staff or champions in other businesses
5. Work with us! We can provide free initial support if you have questions relating to employment of blind or visually impaired people.
6. Offer work experience placements or mock interviews to blind or partially sighted trainees
7. Sponsor events, trainees or other initiatives
8. Offer some time – why not give your expertise to help us develop

Tips for meeting, interviewing or working with blind or partially sighted people

1. Always say who you are – talk directly to the person
2. Describe what you are doing or what you are presenting
3. Use normal language “see you later”, “did you see on TV” and make reference to blind, partially sighted and visual impairment when appropriate
4. Concentrate on verbal communication and avoid gestures
5. Use minimum Arial size 14 print or larger if necessary
6. Only a small percentage of registered blind people have no sight or use Braille
7. Find out in advance about an individual's reasonable adjustments
8. Keep access routes clear
9. Unsure, then the ask the person – don’t assume (or contact Action for Blind people / RNIB for help)

What are the benefits to an employer?

• More customers! A diverse workforce is a reflection of your customer base.
• Disabled people spend money too so why not get a share of the market! There are 2 million people with sight problems in the UK and this is set to double in the next 25 years
• Helps to meet organisations Corporate Social Responsibility.

Services for employers and businesses?

Action for Blind People’s West Midlands Employment and Lifelong Learning Team provide a range of services to employers:

Education and Training Services

• Advice, Information and Guidance for staff members meeting blind and partially sighted people as customers in the service sector
• Advice and advocacy to staff members on a range of issues to support effective inclusion of blind and partially sighted people into the workforce
• Support to individuals to ensure their needs are met
• Environmental Audits for organisations offering services or employment to people with sight problems

Employment Services

• Advice to employers on recruitment and retention of blind and partially sighted people
• Job retention assessments for people with sight problems in work, giving guidance about adaptations, equipment procurement or practices that will enable continued employment
• Audits of policies and practices for employer organisations
• Careers and employment support for blind and partially sighted people
• Working with partners Government and other Third Sector organisations on job search projects for blind and partially sighted people

Technical Services

• Information and advice about all aspects of access technology for employers
• Assessment for employees with sight problems to establish access technology needs and make recommendations for appropriate equipment
• Training courses relating to access technology

Contact West Midlands Employment and Lifelong Learning Team on Telephone 0121 665 4200