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Discrimination? 'Only 16% of people who are blind or vision impaired in Ireland are working'

People with sight loss do not have the same opportunities as their sighted peers, writes Chris White.

THERE ARE 51,718 people (Census 2011) who are blind or vision impaired in Ireland and only 16% are in employment. Although unemployment rates among people with disabilities tends to be higher in other countries, the rate in Ireland is unacceptable.

For example, in the UK, 41% of people with sight loss are in employment. In Australia, it’s 36% and in Canada it’s 33%. So, we can and must do better.

Impact of sight loss

Sight loss impacts on every area of a person’s life. Naturally there are emotional consequences in learning to come to terms with sight loss, but there are also practical and financial implications.

Employment gives people a sense of inclusivity and identity. It affords people financial independence and freedom it alleviates isolation and loneliness. It is vitally important for a person to feel that they are making a worthwhile contribution and employment is a key component to this.

Unemployment amongst people with disabilities is a complex issue. If we look at third level education we can see that people with sight loss are falling behind at a time when a third level qualification is highly valued and a basic requirement for many positions.

While the total numbers of students with disabilities rose 4% from 2015 to 2016, the number of students who are blind or vision impaired actually fell by 10%. (AHEAD, Numbers of Students with Disabilities Studying in Higher Education in Ireland 2015/16).

Barriers to employment

While the issues facing employers and potential employees are complex, the most common barriers to employment include limited access to public transport, a lack of independent mobility, low levels of digital literacy, a lack of relevant skills and generally not being job ready.

The attitudes and awareness of employers is also a significant barrier. Even for people who are job ready, getting to the interview stage can be difficult. They are then faced with the issue of disclosing their disability and dealing with unconscious discrimination.

In a recent survey of people who use NCBI’s (National Council for the Blind) services, 82% said that they do not believe people with sight loss have the same opportunities as their sighted peers when it comes to employment, and 25% reported experiencing active discrimination.

This unconscious bias comes from a lack of awareness of the skills and capabilities of people who are blind or vision impaired and the assistive technology solutions available.

Employers worry about perceived additional costs but there are grants available to enable employers to facilitate staff with sight loss. Many who succeed in securing a job report failure to progress in their career. Of those who said they experienced discrimination, 48% happened while they were in employment and 64% related to finding employment.

So what steps can employers take to improve this situation?

Most people have never worked alongside someone who is blind or vision impaired so conducting disability awareness and diversity training can have a very positive impact. People aren’t aware that most people who use NCBI’s services can see something and only a small percentage are totally blind.

A willingness among employers is key and we actively look to collaborate with employers in driving change. We have recently been appointed as the official charity partner of Fujitsu Ireland, a leading information and communication technology (ICT) company, an example of one such company that recognises the difference that people who are visually impaired can make.

Working with employers such as Fujitsu Ireland, we look to introduce inclusive practices from recruitment right through to retention. Disability awareness training creates an environment where everyone’s individual abilities can be maximised. It improves people’s understanding and comfort levels and reduces stigma.

Braille is still very important

Technology plays a huge role in the lives of people with sight loss and so digital literacy is an essential skill for potential employees. A mix of mainstream and assistive technology can address many workplace issues that people might encounter.

For example, Braille is still a very important and practical aide today. Refreshable and digital Braille is increasingly popular, with devices allowing for Braille input and output, making it easier to take notes at meetings, which can then be emailed instantly from a device.

Other simple workplace accommodations like lighting or blinds to increase or dull natural light in offices, the use of coloured marker, large and clear signage around buildings, and markings on steps and door, can significantly improve the workplace environment for employees and employers.

These simple changes are not costly, and grants are available for workplace adaptations and wage subsidies to encourage employers to benefit from the skills and expertise of people with disabilities.

Employers should ask themselves one question today. If faced with two candidates with the same qualifications and experience for the job, except one candidate has a vision impairment, who would you hire?

Chris White is CEO of the National Council for the Blind of Ireland. NCBI, Ireland’s national sight loss agency, is a not for profit charitable organisation which provides support and services nationwide to people experiencing sight loss. The charity was recently appointed as the national charity partner of Fujitsu Ireland. Details of the services offered by NCBI can be found here.

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    Mute Jules Lucas
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:48 PM

    The impact of this scandal has done wonders for the local village butcher, which we are better off buying our meat from anyway in my opinion!

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    Mute Christmas Carroll
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:56 PM

    Completely agree! Never mind the fact that at least you know what you’re getting is the real deal, it’s much healthier and tastes a hell of a lot better… Makes the extra money spent worth it!

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    Mute Figo murphy
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:01 PM

    I agree. My local butcher is flying. He just bought a new car, he got rid of that old horse he used to go around on.

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    Mute Christmas Carroll
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:03 PM

    Dammit Figo :-P

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    Mute Dodge Challenger
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:53 PM

    Will this horse meat issue ever go away? It’s not that much of a big deal. Not to ruin any appetites but could you imagine the amount of little insects and other creatures that get minced in with the meat supply that we never know about.

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    Mute susanna smyth
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:56 PM

    Burgers are tested for horse meat only. What other nasty could be in there disguised as beef ?

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    Mute Bo11ocks_to_this
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:19 PM

    Did anyone else see the article from SA about water buffalo, horse and others found in beef. I’ll try find a link

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    Mute mcgoo
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:15 PM

    A bit ironic that “Kanter” did the study eh?

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    Mute pat aherne
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:21 PM

    When we were starting our then 18 month on meat (2years ago) my wife decided to get supermarket burgers just in case he did not like them – well to tell you the truth he pretty much threw the burger back at her. I said why not try butcher meat it will taste alot better and healthier for the child. She got a 1/4 pounder and he ate 2/3 of it. Hence even an 18 month old knew the taste of quality !!

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    Mute clareo79
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    Mar 4th 2013, 2:07 PM

    You gave an 18 month old a burger?!

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    Mute mister
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:51 PM

    Interesting article. If I’m reading those stats correctly, does this indicate that ordinary local butchers have not experienced a bounce in trade? And if not, I wonder why?

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    Mute Hippocrateeth
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    Mar 4th 2013, 12:57 PM

    In other news, the number of horses commuting on the Dart has risen by over 800% in the past week. Community watch locals report a growing number of incidences involving horses some described as having ‘brazen attitudes’ and ‘brass balls’ towards concerned travellers waiting on the platforms for their respective trains. In a more striking example of the intimidation by the footloose horses, a 6-pack box of Silverdale frozen burgers was kicked at an elderly man’s head causing the man to curse loudly at the ebullient edible equine. The man was later taken for questioning. A file has been sent to the office of the DPP and a request for legal aid has been sought.

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    Mute Dave Kavanagh
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:18 PM

    Great the media is loving this story and in doing so are systematically destroying one of Irelands core industries. Dont get me wrong I am totally for a free press but some of the sensationalism printed about this scandle (storm in a teacup) in relation to its connection with Ireland has been pure speculation and even when facts where established the Irish connection was still bigged up. Journal well done on being responsible and accurate if only other media would follow your example.

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    Mute Barry McSweeney
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    Mar 4th 2013, 3:22 PM

    If anyone is destroying one of Ireland’s core industries it is those who sold contaminated meat, the officials who refuse to admit that traceability “from farm to fork” is a lie, and the businessmen who refuse to speak publicly about what happened in their factories.
    Burying your head in the sand and “pulling on the green jersey” as you advocate will never work.

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    Mute АЛЕКСАНДРЪ ХАИШ
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    Mar 4th 2013, 5:47 PM

    Completely agree with you on this one, Dave!

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    Mute sid
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    Mar 4th 2013, 1:07 PM

    @ dodge

    I figure its a very big deal , nobody has any idea where what horses were used, could have used anything to bolster up the weight

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    Mute АЛЕКСАНДРЪ ХАИШ
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    Mar 4th 2013, 5:21 PM

    “FSAI” IS STILL WORKING ON CONTAMINATED MEAT PRODUCTS ???, WHILE THERE IS POISONOUS MILK AND DAIRY PRODUCTS RAPIDLY SPREAD ACROSS IRELAND! Disgrace!

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