People who are blind or partially sighted face all sorts of barriers when it comes to getting a job. However, research shows that braille users are far more likely to be in employment.
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Three quarters of blind and partially sighted people of working age in the UK are not in active employment /do not have a job.
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Nine out of ten employers say it would be difficult or even impossible to employ someone with sight problems.
These are worrying statistics, especially when you consider the fact that with the right technology and assistance a blind or partially sighted person can often do the same jobs as a sighted person.
Braille at work
Many blind and partially sighted people find braille to be useful at work. It is a fast and efficient way to make notes in meetings and can also be useful when reviewing long printed documents. Braille can also be written and read through a computer. A combination of paper and digital braille used alongside other new technologies such as screen readers and magnification software, mean people with sight problems can effectively work in a huge range of jobs.
"For me braille was at the heart of my education, as it's really at the heart of my working life now."
Colin
Being able to use braille is an invaluable skill within the work environment. Research has shown that blind people who use braille are far more likely to be in employment.
Employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted people
You can also listen to this audio clip of braille users talking about how braille has helped them in the workplace:
Access to work
Making reasonable adjustments and providing new equipment can be costly, but the Government's
Access to Work scheme provides grants for employers towards any extra costs in setting someone up with the equipment and technology they need to do their job.