My employer has been fantastic and extremely positive. Their support, understanding and willingness to cooperate with RNIB, who introduced us to the benefits of Access to Work, has without a doubt helped me to keep my job.
Liz began to lose her sight due to Diabetic Retinopathy aged 40 and was concerned how her employer would react to her becoming partially sighted.
Residential training courses can help people with sight loss get a job, gain more experience to keep a job or become self-employed. Blind and partially sighted people who are unemployed can apply for residential training if there aren’t any suitable training courses available locally.
You can apply for residential training and find out what courses are available by contacting your Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre. The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) offers a Specialist Employment Support programme for adult learners. Further information is available onat the Royal National College for the Blind website.
Do you want to learn computer skills? RNIB have developed a UK-wide database of learning providers - colleges, libraries, local societies, community-based organisations, etc. - that can offer training courses and skill development in IT and access technology for blind and partially sighted people.
All of the trainer providers have computers that are equipped with screen reading and screen magnification software and staff or volunteers that can confidently teach blind and partially sighted people.
They can teach you how to use a computer without a mouse, and all of their training materials can be produced in accessible formats such a large print or electronically.
More than 80 entries have now been included or updated on Sightline - RNIB's searchable, online directory of services for blind and partially sighted people. Simply type the phrase "access technology training" or "IT training" along with your postcode into Sightline to find your nearest provider.
The World Blind Union have developed Project Aspiro - a career planning and employment website for people who are blind or partially sighted as well as service providers, friends and family, and employers.
The website has a wealth of information and handy tools that address the career planning process, including living independently, learning and education, preparing for work, and working life. There are video and audio clips of people with sight loss enjoying meaningful careers and profiles of organisations, programs, services and useful websites from around the world. Visit the Project Aspiro website for more information.
Our Helpline is your direct line to the support, advice, and products you need to face the future with confidence. If you or someone you know has a sight problem, our specialist advice workers can help.
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