If you have recently experienced a change in your sight, a change in your working environment or a change of job you may need help and support to stay in work. This section gives an overview of the support and services that can help you.
It is common for people who are going through changes at work or who are not getting the support they need to feel anxious and unsure of what to do. When you are in this situation it is important to get
further advice. There are a range of products and services that can help you and you just need to find the right mix that will help you to do your job to the best of your ability.
Access technology
There is a wide range of access technology products available on the market to help you in your job. For example, it is possible to get software that magnifies a portion of a monitor or a video magnifier can help you to see documents more clearly. The type of technology products that you need will depend on your specific eye condition and the nature of your job.
Low tech solutions
It is not possible to use access technology to solve some problems you might encounter. For example, many photocopiers use a touch screen display to select copying options. In this situation it is possible to use a 'low tech' solution to the problem, so it may be possible to get a tactile overlay for the screen or various functions could be programmed into the copier for you to easily select via the keypad.
The working environment
There are a number of adaptations that can be made to the working environment to help you in your job. For example, if you find conditions too bright or too dark then adjustments can usually be made to the lighting levels.
Support workers
Despite the developments in technology, there may be aspects of your job that you cannot do because of your sight problem. In this instance you may consider using a support worker to help with these tasks.
Travel to work and travel in work
If you have experiencing sight loss it is possible that you are no longer able to drive. If this is the case then travel to work or travel in work may be an issue, particularly if public transport is not available. It may be possible to get support through a scheme called Access to Work to help meet the extra costs of travelling by taxi.
Access to Work
Access to Work (ATW) can help fund extra costs in work that result from your sight problem. This funding can take the form of providing technology or covering the costs of employing support workers, travel to work or training. The level of Access to Work funding is decided through an assessment that takes place in your workplace. This assessment takes into account your sight problem, your working environment and the job tasks that you perform.
For more details please see the Access to Work section.
Disability Discrimination Act
Under the DDA, employers have a legal responsibility to make 'reasonable adjustments' for employees with a disability. Reasonable adjustments may include:
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providing a blind or partially sighted person with a reader or adapted computer with large character, braille display or speech output
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providing time off when an employee develops a sight problem for rehabilitation/assessment
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reallocating some minor duties to another colleague
For more details please see the Your rights in employment section.