You’re considering hiring an individual who is blind or visually impaired, or there’s a new hire who has a visual impairment at your workplace. You’re concerned and sweaty-palmed—and that’s an understatement. We hear you—you’ve likely no familiarity with people who have vision loss—and we are thankful that in lieu of allowing inexperience and hesitation to dictate your verdict, you are in search of knowledge. We’re here to educate you and address your reservations, which we’re confident will subside your apprehensions.
Your Possible Concerns and the Article Addressing Them
If you’re like most, the questions you have include:
- What is a visual impairment?
- How should I act around an individual with a visual impairment?
- Will the individual require increased supervision?
- Can an individual who is blind complete the essential job functions?
- How expensive are his accommodations?
- Is the individual a liability?
- Can we communicate effectively?
To answer these questions and many more, CareerConnect has created the article Learning About Blindness: Interacting with a Person Who Is Blind or Visually Impaired in the Workforce. Read it to gain an understanding that people who are blind are far more similar to people who are sighted than different and that people who are blind or visually impaired are capable of tremendous workplace success.
Meet Successful Individuals Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired
Need a few examples? No problem. Browse CareerConnect’s Our Stories section, which highlights individuals who are blind or visually impaired working in a variety of industries—from health care and culinary arts to business, law, technology, and engineering.
It’s clear—blindness doesn’t impede workplace success.
Additional Resources of Interest to Employers
Statistical Snapshots on Blindness from the American Foundation for the Blind
What You Need to Know About Hiring a Person with a Visual Impairment (#InclusionWorks)