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Attributes of Employees Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired*
SAFE
There is ample evidence that workers who are blind or visually impaired are as safe on the job as, if not safer than, their sighted co-workers. A national study by pollster Louis Harris reported approximately half of the employers they surveyed believed disabled employees actually had fewer accidents on the job, and a quarter were unsure if there was any difference at all. Additional studies report the same positive message that people with visual impairments are at no greater risk of having accidents than sighted workers. Employers’ group health insurance rates will not increase due to hiring a person with a visual impairment, nor will worker compensation rates increase. Insurance rates are based on the company’s industry and insurance usage – not on employee characteristics.
RELIABLE and PRODUCTIVE
Employers can rest assured that their employees who are blind or visually impaired will come to work and be productive. Employees with visual impairments will handle their own transportation to and from work. They may ride with colleagues, friends, or family members; use buses or trains; make arrangements with taxis or hired drivers; or walk to get to work on time. The same Louis Harris poll indicated that 39% of employers felt their employees with disabilities were more reliable than employees without disabilities, and 42% felt their reliability was comparable to their peers without disabilities.
Many visually impaired workers are able to read regular print and write with the help of reading glasses, magnifiers, or screen enlargement programs on their computers. Likewise, many blind workers are able to read and write using Braille, reading machines, and computers with speech or Braille output. Employers will find that on the whole, workers who are blind or visually impaired are able to access most written materials and produce print materials for their sighted colleagues and customers.
AFFORDABLE
The equipment used by workers with low vision to do their jobs is comparable to that used by most other workers. Although workers who have visual impairments may need some adapted tools and equipment, often the rehabilitation agency in your state will help offset the initial expense of assistive devices that aid the worker in maintaining productivity. In addition, many workers who are blind or visually impaired have tools of their own that they can use to get started on the job while special devices are on order. The expense of providing accommodations is easily recouped by having workers who are consistently in attendance, diligent, and loyal.
*Provided by the American Foundation for the Blind
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