Simple adjustments can help your employee to fulfil their role
A work-based assessment is a visit to the workplace, by a specialist, to recommend equipment, software, and adjustments that would better allow an employee to fulfil their role.
You should ensure that a work-based assessment is carried out before a blind or partially sighted person starts work, or if you are looking to retain an employee who is losing their sight.
The assessment may consider:
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the environment - simple adjustments you could make to your work offices and surroundings to make them more accessible
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equipment - providing modified equipment and access technologies such as magnification software, or screen reading software
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training - specialist training for the person with sight loss, or for other members of staff working with them
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systems - ways to make work-related systems more accessible.
Assessments are normally provided by Access to Work (especially if you are a small or medium sized business) but can be directly commissioned by an employer from a specialist provider such as RNIB. Both the assessment and any subsequent costs for equipment can often be paid for through the government's Access to Work scheme.
Our work-based assessments
RNIB can carry out work-based assessments and make recommendations on equipment, software and adjustments that will better allow your employees to do their job. We have a wealth of experience in providing assessments specifically for blind and partially sighted people.
Assessments are normally commissioned by an employer on behalf of an employee who is blind or partially sighted. These assessments may be appropriate if you:
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want to improve the accessibility of your work environment for existing employees who are blind or partially sighted
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want to make adjustments for existing staff who are developing problems with their sight, in order to help them retain their job
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are looking at ways to make your workplace more accessible to future employees who may be blind or partially sighted.
What is involved?
One of our specialists will visit your workplace to evaluate which equipment, software, and adjustments will best support your member of staff to do their job.
We will then provide you with a written appraisal of your employee's needs, and a set of impartial recommendations as to the options available to you.
We offer a one stop shop for our assessments. In addition to carrying out the assessment, our technology experts can also supply the relevant technology, software and bespoke training.
Further information
You can find more information about our work-based assessments in our factsheet:
Commission an assessment
If you would like to commission an assessment please email employmentservices@rnib.org.uk or call Sean Owen, UK Employment Services Manager, on 0121 665 4209.