Vision: Frequently Asked Questions for Employment

If an employee is blind, does that mean we will have to provide all employee materials in braille?
Not necessarily… 

First, you’ll want to ask the employee what format they prefer. If electronic documents are formatted properly, the employee will be able to access them on a computer using text-to-speech, or on an electronic braille display. 

What about an employee with low vision. Will the company need to need enlarge materials and provide brighter lighting?

It depends… Bigger and Brighter are Not Always Better.

Sometimes magnification doesn’t help- for instance, if a person has great acuity, but a narrow field of vision, making letters bigger will only make reading more difficult.

Likewise, with lighting. 

Due to various eye conditions, some individuals will need brighter lighting, while others will need to avoid bright lights and glare. 

Sometimes a person will benefit from natural light, while another will need to be seated away from windows.  

Another frequent question is whether a student will need the most expensive, and most high-tech device.

This also varies. 

High-Tech is not always better than Low-Tech.  This depends on the condition, as well as the degree of vision loss, and when and where the tool may be needed.

You many wonder if you there is one tool that will meet all of a person’s needs.

This is usually not the case for those who are blind or have visual impairment.

Multiple tools may be needed- for instance, an employee may have a large desktop magnifier at his desk, and a handheld magnifier to carry around.

A braille reader may need a large braille display to connect to his or her desktop computer, and smaller portable device to use in other places.

Each person is unique, so how can you tell what they need?

Consult with a professional! Providers such as a Low Vision Optometrist, Occupational Therapist, and an Orientation and Mobility Specialist can help determine what accommodations and assistive technology to consider depending on an individual’s unique needs.

Trialing devices of various makes and models will help you determine what works, and avoid costly purchases that end up not being beneficial.

What about when a current employee has a change in their vision. How can we help them get training and learn new skills needed to adapt to their situation and remain a productive employee?

Contact the Department of Rehabilitation Services, Visual Services office. If the employee meets certain qualifications, he or she can receive training and assistive technology.
Also, most vendors will provide training on how to use the assistive technology devices and software you purchase. And don’t overlook Google Searches and YouTube. Manufacturer resources and User videos are easy to find online.