Jobs for Partially Sighted People
There are plenty of disability-friendly employers, who can make the world of work so much easier for those with disabilities. In this guide, we’re exploring jobs for partially sighted people, and suitable roles if you have a visual impairment or low vision.
We also explore some tips on your rights at work and how to find potential employers.
Workplace Rights for Visually Impaired
First of all, it’s important to know your workplace rights – especially if you have a visual impairment. This is true for jobs out there that are both visually accessible and jobs suitable for partially sighted people. Of course, there are safety reasons that might prevent you from working in some careers.
There are a few key points to be aware of if you’re partially sighted and looking for work. The Equality Act 2010 protects employees with disabilities from discrimination in the workplace, so as long as you can do the job, your disability should not be an issue.
You are also protected by law against being treated unfairly because of your impairment. Employers need to make reasonable adjustments for you to complete your role whether you apply for their job openings or you experience vision loss when in the role.
Possible Jobs for Visually Impaired People
Though there are some limitations to what jobs you may be able to do, there are still a huge number of potential roles.
Great possible jobs for partially sighted people include:
- Social workers and psychologists. These jobs require great communication skills in speaking and understanding the human brain.
- IT jobs, including web development and app creation. You may have a flair for code, and technical assistance can help you do your job.
- Customer service jobs. Especially call centre jobs that involve talking to customers on the phone or face-to-face in a shop.
- Athletes and sports coaches. In jobs such as cricket, football and rugby there are many roles for partially sighted people and even partially-sighted teams. Physical jobs such as personal trainer can also be good jobs.
- Teaching jobs can also be a good choice – including jobs in preschools or nursery schools working with children who have learning disabilities. You may need to learn Braille.
- Medical professionals. Some medical jobs, such as nursing or pharmacy roles, can be good choices for partially sighted people.
- Financial advisor. Blind and partially sighted people can help in the financial services industry, especially with the use of assistive technology and specialist equipment.
If there is a role that you want to pursue, having a visual impairment or being registered blind doesn’t have to end your chances of landing it.
Unless your career options require your vision to be excellent for safety reasons, and adjustments can’t reasonably be made, you should reach for the job you desire. Screen reading software is one of many ways that people with visual impairment can be assisted.
Finding a Disability-Friendly Employer
A job search can be tough for those with vision impairments and legally blind people.
As we’ve already discussed, finding an understanding employer makes all the difference. The law protects you when it comes to discrimination, but people who opt for an employer with a good track record of employing disabled people often have a better experience.
Check the latest jobs to explore roles with disability-friendly employers, and apply to the job safe in the knowledge that the employers are open to, and prepared for, helping those with visual impairment. Some already employ people who are blind.
