Visual Impairment: An Overview of its Impact on the Workplace

Author : Nishant Sherkhane | Published On : 19 Apr 2024

Causes and Types of Visual Impairment

Visual disability refers to a decreased ability to see to a degree that causes problems not fixable by usual means, such as glasses. There are several potential causes of visual disability, with the most common being:

- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD): A condition that affects the retina and results in a loss of vision in the center of the visual field. AMD is the leading cause of visual disability in Americans over 50.

- Diabetic retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina. It is one of the most common causes of blindness in working-age adults.

- Glaucoma: A group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss and blindness. Glaucoma often has no early warning signs and progresses slowly over time.

- Cataracts: A clouding of the lens in the eye that leads to a decrease in vision. Cataracts are very common in older people and some can be removed surgically.

Visual disability can range from mild (some loss of vision but not completely blind) to severe (bare light perception) to complete blindness (no light perception). It is important to understand the type and severity of Visual Impairment disability for appropriate workplace accommodations.

Impact on Employment and the Workplace

Visual disability undoubtedly presents challenges in the workplace, however with reasonable accommodations, many people who are visually impaired can and do successfully participate in the workforce. Some key impacts on employment include:

- Difficulty performing visual tasks: Job tasks requiring close-up work, reading, operating machinery or equipment with visual displays become difficult or impossible depending on severity of impairment.

- Mobility issues: Navigating an unfamiliar workspace, finding the bathroom, avoiding tripping hazards, etc. may pose problems without proper mobility training and accessibility features.

- Communication barriers: Inability to rely on facial expressions, body language and non-verbal cues during interactions requires alternative methods of communication.

- Stigma and misperceptions: Myths and stereotypes regarding abilities of visually impaired people still exist, which can negatively impact hiring and career advancement opportunities if not addressed.

- Access to technology: Specialized adaptive technologies like screen readers, magnification software, and Braille displays are required to utilize computers and digital information. Employers must be willing to provide and support these.

While visual disability creates challenges, with appropriate accommodation almost any job in an office setting can potentially be performed. Manufacturing roles may require modifications to specific tasks or duties depending on the impairment, but are often still viable as well.

Successful Accommodation Strategies

When implemented correctly, workplace accommodations for visual impairments can help maximize productivity while complying with equal opportunity laws. Some effective accommodation strategies include:

- Modifying workstations with appropriate lighting, large monitors, document holders and other ergonomic adjustments.

- Providing accessible digital documents, websites and software using features like magnification, contrast adjustments and screen readers.

- Training colleagues on communication techniques, offering assistance politely and avoiding touching without permission.

- Arranging mobility orientation and transition support when changes are made to office layout or common areas.

- Allowing flexible scheduling or telework when needed to access public transportation, attend doctor appointments or handle personal needs.

- Reassigning non-essential visual tasks to other team members and modifying critical visual job functions as required on a case-by-case basis.

- Developing mentoring relationships to assist with skill development, training and career advancement.

- Maintaining an inclusive, understanding culture where disabilities are not viewed as limitations but as natural human variations.

While requiring planning and resources, appropriate accommodations are proven to increase retention of valuable employees, improve workplace diversity and reduce legal liability for employers. With access and support, visual disability need not be a barrier to a successful career.

As a global public health concern, visual impairment necessitates concerted efforts to prevent, diagnose, and manage eye conditions through early intervention, vision screenings, and access to quality eye care services. By raising awareness, promoting eye health education, and advocating for policies that prioritize vision care, stakeholders can work together to reduce the burden of visual disability and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy optimal eye health and vision.

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