Employment with Vision Loss

Is your vision loss beginning to affect your job performance? Is it becoming difficult to travel to and from your workplace? If so, with the support of your family and friends, consider these suggestions about steps you can take:

• Contact a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) at your state agency for the disabled, blind, or visually impaired. If you don't know what a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor does, read this description[link opens in new window].

• Contact a support group for people who are blind or have low vision;

• Learn about your legal rights and become familiar with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)[link opens in new window];

• Learn about resources that are available to help and support you.

Today, people who are blind or have low vision can master the skills and attitudes required to pursue almost any job they wish. Legislation[link opens in new window] has addressed equal rights and reduced discrimination, while societal attitudes toward people with disabilities have improved dramatically during the past decade.

Workplace Adaptations

Adaptive changes in the workplace can include any or all of the following articles on this web site:

• Lighting that helps rather than hinders

• Environmental changes and adaptations

• Computers with speech and/or braille output

• Software and hardware that produce large print or braille

• Reading and writing devices, such as magnifiers and CCTVs

• Talking products, such as watches and clocks

• Labeling products, such as voiced labelers and large print materials

A positive attitude, assertiveness, and being well prepared to keep your job, seek a promotion, or look for a new position are Important components of success in the workplace.