27-Oct-21 | News

How remote working can make people with visual impairments thrive at their jobs.

Unfortunately, people with visual impairments are faced with many challenges in the workforce, which can make it unfair when applying for new job roles. Even though assistive technology can be put in place to make people’s lives easier, some people with disabilities are forced to deal with issues such as hiring discrimination. It seems that even if applicants are qualified and have the required skillset for the job; there are factors such as transportation, which can be a major barrier to steady employment. In the case of the blind and visually impaired, this is a challenge that is known too well.
 
Some jobs, such as in the case of Rachel Christian -a legally blind person- require a valid driving license. When Christian had applied for an internship for a prestigious daily newspaper, although she had submitted her resume and completed the interview with no problems, there was one small detail that prevented her from reaching the finish line. She cannot drive.
 
Sadly, this isn’t a rare situation. However, remote working has proved to help people take control over their work environments, as they are enabled to work comfortably and use any of the assistive technology or ergonomic products that they require. By having a home office that is adapted to meet individual people’s needs, a lack of sight or any other disability, is no longer an obstacle. Instead, employers focus on their employees’ experience, skillset and personality.