Scottish Union of Supported Employment

Success stories of blind and partially sighted people in employment

The unemployment rate among people with sight loss in Scotland remains extremely high.

At the end of 2009, RNIB in partnership with Jobcentre Plus published casestudies of 10 men and women who are blind or partially sighted, and who are sustaining exacting careers.

" This Is Working 2" illustrates how the challenges of sight loss actually are being overcome in the workplace.  It explains how employers can play their part in providing equal opportunities in the job market and describes the resources and support available from supported employment and Jobcentre Plus. An example is the case study of Carri Walker.

Carri Walker is sales and marketing manager for a growing company and works to generate business and manage clients ranging from the BBC to the Chelsea Flower Show. Based in Inverkeithing, ESC provide bespoke carrier bags and packaging products for customers around the globe - you have probably carried your shopping in one of their bags.

Carri uses state of the art computer technology, modern software packages and her extensive product knowledge to produce leading marketing materials for all kinds of clients. Carri says: "Friends find it funny that I design our client's bags as well as produce all of our own marketing materials, but with the technology available nowadays there really isn't an issue - and happy customers can testify to that!"

Carri was first diagnosed with a sight problem at the age of 11.  This flagged up potential problems and by 18 she had developed Pan Uveitis. More recently she has developed Vasculitis along with other complications.  Pan Uveitis can cause blurred and diminished vision and in Carri's case it also means that she struggles to see in very light or dark conditions.  Vasculitis causes constriction of the blood flowing into her eyes.  This could cause Carri even greater visual problems, perhaps leading to blindness.

As Carri puts it, "My sight ebbs and flows and some days it is manageable but other days it is very difficult.  My vision is washed out, much like a colourless pair of old jeans.  Some days I can see well, but others I can hardly see at all."

Her work requires her to travel throughout the UK to liaise with clients and generate new business.  "Although I have poor vision if you put your mind to it you can do anything."

"Once you get the right support in the workplace you can tackle anything.  RNIB Scotland's employment service assessed me and helped me identify enough government support to get the equipment I need to carry out my work.  And it was mostly free, so the business had very little expense!"

Carri is robust when it comes to employer perceptions about sight loss.  "I have worked here for 15 years with progressive significant  sight loss, and have built up our client-base from 200 customers to over 2,000.

"Employers have to look at the people in front of them, they are employing a human being with skills, abilities and knowledge and not just a pair of eyes.

"I have bucket loads of enthusiasm and energy and I am a really fast learner and sat side by side alongside someone with full vision I know I can stand tall and "compete" without feeling inadequate."