If the first time you meet a person who is blind or visually impaired is when they come into your office for an interview, or when they transfer to your department after being hired, you are not alone. The overall population of individuals in this situation is very small, and those who are working age and eligible to be competitively employed are even smaller. It’s because of this dynamic that many stereotypes and misunderstandings have existed, and they have prevented many talented and capable workers from contributing to society.

Relax. The person you are meeting has been fully integrated into the “sighted” world. More than likely their parents, spouse, friends, classmates and family have no vision issues, and their social indoctrination is just like yours. They are used to having people say, “Did you see that movie?,” and in fact (sometimes with the advantage of video description), they have. They will have equipped themselves with the technology they need to do the job you have for them, or be in a position to access the expertise to do so immediately. You will be surprised at how natural and effortless this adjustment will be.

You can learn what many employers have already discovered about these motivated and capable individuals by accessing the information provided on the right.