For the visually impaired,
The National Industries for the Blind — an employment resource for the visually-impaired — has launched a sister organization called NSITE, that matches visually-impaired job seekers with employers who are interested in
Nearly 70% of working-age Americans who are blind are not employed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As employers pledge to build more inclusive workplaces, including the visually impaired should be top of mind says Jonathan Lucus, director of NSITE.
“Including talented people who are blind or visually impaired as part of a diverse workforce leads to a more productive, innovative workplace,” Lucus says. “Employers know diverse hiring is important, but they don't always know how to do it well, let alone where to find the talent.”
For Joe Conway, a string of unsuccessful job interviews had left him discouraged. Despite being qualified for the positions he was interviewing for, Conway says his gut told him it had something to do with the red-tipped cane he uses to get around.
“Companies say they don’t discriminate, but on some level they all do,” Conway says. “They can’t come out and say it’s because of your vision, but they can find other reasons to explain why you’re not getting the job.”
Conway applied for a fellowship with NIB, which connected him to
Conway isn’t alone in his job seeking experience: 78% of people without disabilities are employed, compared to only 44% of vision-impaired people. Companies who
“Companies with a wider pool of talent and an inclusive culture can reap the rewards of authentic employees sharing broader perspectives,”says Dr. Afra Ahmad, director of the master of professional studies in applied industrial and organizational psychology program at George Mason University. “That can lead to greater innovation and better decision making for products and services.”
Blind employees can hold jobs in virtually any industry, Lucus says. NSITE helps educate employers about the tools blind employees need to successfully perform their role. Microsoft, for example, offers computer programs specifically designed to assist visually-impaired people. Their product lineup includes a screen reader that reads email, and other digital content, aloud.
“A lot of people in the world don’t realize that with a little accommodation, these people can make great employees,” Lucus says. “These are some of the most loyal employees companies will ever have; many have been waiting on the opportunity for a long time, and they’re grateful for it.”
Before they’re matched with an employer, NSITE engages blind job seekers in training programs to give them the skills they need. The organization is able to customize these trainings for specific industries. Once an employee is hired, NSITE continues to provide support to them and the employer to ensure the placement is successful.
“Generally within six months most employees have adapted to their new job, but we’re always here if they need to contact us,” Lucus says. “We’re not here just to get them hired, we’re here to help when they’re ready to be promoted.”
Employers who are interested in diversifying their workforce with vision-impaired talent can connect with NSITE by visiting their
In his various roles, Conway had the opportunity to show his employers that having a disability is actually an asset.
“When I work with a client that has a disability, even if it’s not vision-related, it’s easier for me to relate to them than someone who doesn’t have a disability,” Conway says. “Just because someone has a disability doesn’t mean they won’t be able to do the job — they might do it better.”
