Employment
The sight loss employment gap is a shocking 48%. We're funding projects which break down barriers of unemployment for people with vision impairments.
In order to better understand what factors contribute towards positive employment outcomes for blind and partially sighted people, we commissioned research from the University of Birmingham’s Department of Disability Inclusion and Special Needs. Using the findings and recommendations from the report, See My Skills, we funded projects in London which break the cycle of unemployment of blind and vision impaired people.
Deafblind UK
Accessing employment is difficult with vision impairment. Add hearing impairment, and the difficulty is compounded.
The Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) approached us to provide support for access to employment for people with deafblindness.
Their current approach is unsuccessful, due to limitations around communication; they sought our expertise and experience to support these individuals into work.
We offer access to work support via a 12-week programme of activity which will build confidence for those, 18-60, with sight and hearing loss, seeking work.
Middlesex Association for the Blind
Through our Clear Vision to Employment programme, we will help unemployed blind and partially sighted people of all ages, who are looking to re-enter employment, or who are looking to work for the first time in their lives.
The course gives people the skills they need to become job ready. It includes computer skills, CV writing, letter writing, telephone skills and self-advocacy. The courses are bespoke, have a high level of one on one mentoring and are run in Ealing and in Harrow. The course runs for 8 weeks but the ongoing coaching and mentorship extends indefinitely until the participant finds work.
RNIB
Funding a full time employment advisor. The Advisor’s main role is to offer specialist guidance around employment retention. Assistance is provided mostly by phone and email with face-to-face support given when necessary (Covid-19 restrictions allowing). The Employment Advisor engages with and upskills external professional employment organisations and employers. This enables them to gain a more informed understanding of the potential and capabilities of bps employees (which in turn helps boost levels of employment and retention.