6 Work Accommodations For Blind and Low Vision Employees
Even though employees only come in to work, it doesn’t mean the workplace is supposed to be dull or unpleasant by default. After all, investing time and resources to optimize the work environment according to the employees’ comfort likely improves their performance. With everyone’s efforts combined, every day at work can go by without a hitch.
Generally, having a disability often makes one’s life more challenging. Given their small percentage, most of society doesn’t have the means to support people with disabilities (PWDs) in their day-to-day activities. Be that as it may, the workplace must be accessible to all.
PWDs consist of ordinary people who only wish to make a living. Sadly, workplaces turning them down lowers their opportunities for a stable livelihood. On top of that, employers unknowingly miss out on employees with promising capabilities despite their disabilities.
Here are ways to accommodate people with disabilities in the workplace, particularly those who are visually impaired:
Integrate Assistive Technology
Technology is seen and used almost everywhere. Given that it’s designed for convenience, it shortens what’s supposed to be a tedious process into something more bearable. Hence, it’s safe to say that visually impaired individuals can make the most of it, especially assistive technology.
Assistive technology can help the visually impaired to be at ease when using computers and other electronics. Given how irreplaceable electronics are in today’s workplace, being comfortable while using them encourages PWDs to work without being hindered by anything. Examples of assistive technology for the visually impaired range from scanners to screen reading software, so employers have a vast selection.
Modify Workplace
The physical qualities of the workplace can be modified through the use of PWD-friendly features such as "tactile for the vision impaired." This is because aside from their hearing, the only other sense they rely on is touch in maneuvering the office. Since the visually impaired are susceptible to accidents, like slipping or falling, tactile indicators help them know where they are or what they’re dealing with, improving their safety. Nonetheless, these bars or studs serve as checkpoints for everyone, visually impaired or not.
Furthermore, use Braille when labeling objects and rooms. For those with ‘low vision’ or who still have usable sight, consider equipping their workstations with the best lighting and large computer monitors that suit their needs. Also, arrange the furnishing to maximize space and prevent crowding.
Redesign Written Material
Visually impaired employees may have difficulty comprehending what’s written on printouts or textbooks, especially those suffering from permanent blindness. Since relying on other co-workers to read them could disturb the workflow, consider producing a Braille version of all documents. That way, visually impaired employees have a better time keeping up with the rest of the workforce in daily operations.
Offer Remote Work
Offering visually impaired employees an option to work from home must also be considered.
Considering there are all sorts of hazards outside, the home is the best place anyone would feel comfortable. Since the visually impaired encounters various issues daily, having the opportunity to stay indoors while maintaining a stable income is a load off their shoulders. Work productivity won't be affected as long as employers provide them with the means to do their jobs properly, such as appropriate software.
Allow Flexible Hours
Matters already challenging for most people might be even more difficult for PWDs. For instance, most visually impaired employees depend on public transportation to travel to and from work. Traffic and rush hour are some problems they might encounter throughout this journey. That said, be more lenient on your visually impaired employees regarding work hours. With so many issues they could encounter on the way to work, it’s easy to run late. Allow them to come in early or clock out late as long as they complete their requisite hours.
In addition, PWDs often have appointments they must maintain, which might clash with their work hours. These can include regular check-ups, medical treatments, or programs that help with their disabilities, such as guide dog training. Whatever their reason is, allow them an extended time off to handle it.
Guide Dogs
Some work policies might hinder the visually impaired from working comfortably, namely the ‘no pets’ policy. This policy is understandable, given how unpredictable most pets behave. However, the only exception to this rule must be guide dogs.
Considering they’ve undergone strict training, a guide dog’s main task is to assist their visually impaired owner wherever they go. Unlike walking canes, they’re responsible for remembering their owner’s destinations.
Takeaway
People with disabilities rarely get equal opportunities, considering how most of society consists of non-disabled individuals. Because of this, more opportunities cater to the latter, especially career-wise. However, you’re likely overlooking promising employees by not hiring them, including the visually impaired. To diversify your workplace, consider placing work accommodations for employees with disabilities to ensure everyone has a comfortable time working.