Sensory impairments

Vision Impairment

Difficulty seeing, even with corrective lenses, ranging from partial sight to complete blindness.
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About

Vision impairment refers to a condition where a person has trouble seeing, even with correction like glasses or contact lenses. This can include partial or complete blindness.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Difficulty reading printed text
  • Difficulty seeing computer screens or documents
  • Challenges with navigating workspaces
  • Issues with recognising faces or objects
  • Dependence on assistive devices
  • Limited ability to drive to work
  • Difficulty performing tasks that require visual precision
  • This condition is often invisible
  • Remember every client is unique

Practitioner Help

  • Assess the individual's vision and work capabilities
  • Identify suitable job roles and career paths
  • Provide training on assistive technologies like screen readers or braille
  • Offer guidance on workplace accommodations
  • Assist with job search and interview preparation
  • Provide strategies for adapting to job tasks
  • Help with career counselling and goal setting

Common Accommodations

  • Screen reading software (e.g., JAWS, NVDA)
  • Voice-to-text software
  • Large print materials or braille
  • Adjustments to lighting and contrast on computer screens
  • Workstation modifications
  • Job coaching or ongoing support
  • Flexible working hours or part-time work
View more on enableDex

Notes

Early intervention can improve outcomes.

Employers may offer additional resources or training for employees with vision impairment.

World Sight Day is an annual day of awareness held on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on vision impairment, including blindness.

Resources

  • Blindness | healthdirect
  • Understanding eye conditions | Vision Australia. Blindness and low vision services
  • Eye health, How common is visual impairment? - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
  • A guide to Australian eye health data
  • Sensory impairments | healthdirect
Sensory impairments

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