We're working to help blind and partially sighted people overcome the barriers they often face when looking for work: if you're looking for work, this section can provide information and advice to help you.
Starting a job search can be a daunting task. There are a bewildering number of job roles in the labour market and sometimes it can be hard to know what you could and should be applying for. It is worth remembering that you are protected under the Equality Act 2010, which applies to the whole of the recruitment process. Employers have a duty to anticipate your requirements at every stage, from accessing vacancies, filling out application forms, to interview tests.
The most important thing to remember in your job search is that there is support available to help you from organisations like RNIB and Jobcentre Plus.
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain skills, get a nationally recognised qualification and earn money at the same time. For National Apprenticeship Week 2021 RNIB Employment advisor Heather Barbara talked to one young man with sight loss about how apprenticeships have helped employers and people of all ages and backgrounds.
RNIB and Blind Ambition are running a series of free weekly hour-long webinars to support job seekers with sight loss in lockdown and beyond. There are a number of sessions in the programme and you can join in any of the webinars that you think would be useful. Find out about the next webinar and how to register in our Employment News pages.
We have also produced a series of detailed factsheets about looking for work, covering all of the topics contained in this section in more detail:
This guide - produced by Leonard Cheshire Disability - provides you with the information that you need to kickstart your career. It was written by and for disabled students.
Leonard Cheshire run an internship programme which brings together the UK’s top employers and talented disabled students. Details of the programme can be found at the Leonard Cheshire website.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have produced a guide to help young disabled people find and stay in work. It includes advice on role models, careers advice, Disability Employment Advisers, workplace training, adjustments in the workplace, higher education, work experience and more.
Visit the GOV.UK website to download a copy of the help and support for young disabled people to find and stay in work guide.
We follow Wendy as she begins a group pre-employment programme
We look at how individually tailored support can also help those in long term unemployment
If you need someone who understands sight loss, call us on 0303 123 9999. Whether you're looking for emotional support or straightforward advice, we'll help you in any way we can with our Sight Loss Advice Service.
RNIB Sight Loss Advice Service