Employment

Did you know that only 1 in 4 people of working age with a vision impairment are in paid employment? This means that around 75% of people with a registered sight impairment are currently not in work. 

Here at Vision Support, we recognise that the reasons for this are not usually anything to do with the skills or qualifications you might have. Instead, a variety of issues such as low self esteem, lack of accessibility in the workplace, and lack of awareness among prospective employers can and do all contribute to this statistic.

Having meaningful goals and frequent social interaction are both commonly recognised ways of improving your emotional wellbeing, and both of these factors can be impacted directly by whether or not you are currently in work. 43% of unemployed people struggle with their emotional wellbeing (health.org.uk), in comparison to around 27% of people who are currently employed. It makes sense, then, that employment would be one of the major issues influencing the emotional wellbeing of working-age people with a vision impairment.

Below, you’ll find information on resources and services to help with looking for work, and to help with staying in work if your sight has deteriorated suddenly. If you have come across this page due to the frustration and low mood that looking for employment can cause, we’d like to take this opportunity to remind you that you do have valuable skills and qualities, and you are not ‘to blame’ for your situation. 

If you need any support with applying for work-related or disability-related benefits, or need advice on your rights in the workplace, please get in touch with us on 01244 381 515.

Support in work

Did you know that you may be eligible to receive support from the Access To Work scheme?

The aim of the scheme is to enable you to fulfil your role effectively.

This scheme provides practical support for you within employment such as:

• If you are unable to travel to work you may be able to claim for a taxi to get you to your office base

• If part of your role involves traveling to meetings, home visits etc within a local area you may be able to claim for taxis

• Provision of equipment such as hand held magnification and computer software

For further information please click here Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Job Centre

Job Centre Plus logo.

This government funded service provides help to people who are out of employment to find a suitable job. Some job centres have disability advisors who may be able to support with any challenges you may face when looking for employment with a visual impairment.

For more information call 0800 328 5644 (English) or 0800 328 1744 or visit their website

RCS Wales

RCS Logo.

RCS Wales provide free information and guidance for people who are struggling at work. They help manage stress and      build resilience, reduce anxiety, improve physical health which can help show results in a better mental wellbeing. The areas that they cover are Conwy and Denbighshire.

For more information call 01745 336442 or email hello@rcs-wales.co.uk or visit their website.

Job Sense

JobSense logo.

North East Wales

Helping people with sensory loss to build practical, vocational and confidence skills which can help find a pathway into employment.

You can get in touch by calling 01492 530013  or emailing info@signsightsound.org.uk