Letters to the Editor: Talented people with sight loss suffer stunted work openings

Creating and sustaining a culture of inclusion in the workforce for the vision impaired is not only the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.

The right to work is something we hold dear in Ireland but is that right held by everyone in the same way? I would argue it is not. Currently, only 24% of people who are blind or vision impaired in Ireland are active in the labour market which is poor by international standards. It means the many talented people living with sight loss have their talents and their opportunities stunted either due to employer misconceptions, inaccessible processes and/or poor Government policy.

Fundamentally, we know employment is important for much more than just financial stability, it can boost your self-esteem, your health and happiness. It is a crucial element to maintaining a person’s independence, yet so many talented and qualified people who are blind or vision impaired are not getting the opportunities.