29 October 2024
Advice from The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)
It can sometimes be difficult to understand how a person with sight loss is able to do certain things in the workplace, like read documents and share written information.
What do you do if you want to ask a colleague about their sight loss, but don’t want to offend them? How can you better understand how a blind person uses a computer?
There are just over 84,500 registered blind and partially sighted people of working age in the UK.
Like the rest of the population, people with sight loss are successfully employed in all sorts of jobs – from office workers and teachers to journalists and MPs.
Blind and partially sighted people should not be excluded from employment. Sight loss should not equal job loss.
These five tips will help you to work successfully with blind and partially sighted colleagues and dispel a few myths along the way.
1. Learn about sight loss
“A key way of supporting colleagues with sensory impairments is to make sure you ask what their needs are in different situations.” Jasmine, Sense.
We prefer not to refer to people as “visually impaired” as this phrase is unpopular with many blind and partially sighted people. However, “visual impairment” is a useful term for describing the different kinds of sight conditions people experience.
Some people are born with a visual impairment, some experience sight loss as a result of an accident, while others may have lost their sight as a result of a medical condition.
Regardless of the cause, people with sight loss may experience various difficulties arising from their condition.
2. Be a supportive co-worker
“When I started at Guide Dogs, it was such a change when someone approached me to ask me what support I needed to do my job.” Aaron, Guide Dogs.
Demonstrate that you are comfortable talking about disability and understand what support to provide or signpost to.
Realise that some adjustments may be needed to improve the working experience for your colleague with sight loss, and help them feel more comfortable in the working environment.
Be supportive but never assume. Speaking directly to your blind or partially sighted co-worker, will also prevent you from making assumptions on what they can and can’t do.
3. Be thoughtful when communicating
When writing – ask your colleague what their preferred format is, for example computer-based or large print. Try to give them the documents and paperwork ahead of a meeting.
You’ll find most of your blind or partially sighted colleagues will ask you to simply send them an electronic copy in advance. This allows them to print it themselves, or read directly from their computer using their assistive technology software.
4. Recognise practical support your colleague might need
“My colleagues understand the adjustments I need, it’s nice to be able to use my cane around the office and not worry about what people think.” Maya-Liam, RNIB.
When considering adjustments for a blind or partially sighted colleague, it helps to ask them what would help.
Depending on the size of your organisation, we also recommend speaking to the human resources team or any inclusion or equality staff.
The government’s Access to Work initiative also offers advice on workplace adjustments, e.g. lighting, specialist aids and equipment, mobility and orientation. Financial support is also available towards some equipment.
5. Each person’s experience is different and unique
“I’ve always said to colleagues from day one don’t be afraid to ask me any questions, which I think puts people at ease.” Steven, Online Today Project – Sense.
There are no hard and fast rules about how to support blind and partially sighted colleagues in the workplace.
The best thing is to be supportive and, if in doubt, ask your colleague what they need as they are in the best position to tell you how you can help.
Some people may want to discuss their sight conditions, others don’t. Approach asking any personal questions with sensitivity.
Source: https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/how-to-support-a-colleague-who-is-blind-or-partially-sighted
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