Why I'm not Working: People with Vision Impairments Explain

Approximately half of people with vision impairments are not employed or looking for work. Many of these people have additional health or disability concerns, but little is known about those concerns or other reasons they are out of the workforce.

We investigated employment barriers impacting labor force participation among people with vision impairments, their perceptions of their skills and training needs, and the impact of not working on their economic status.

Thirty people with vision impairments who were not in the labor force participated in exploratory interviews conducted using a semi-structured protocol. We used a qualitative software program and multiple researchers to code the interviews, identify and analyze themes, and organize participants' information.

Employment barriers included concerns about health and disability, employer attitudes, transportation, training needs, economics, age, and lack of support. Some participants wanted to work now or in the past but were unable to find employment that accommodated their needs and generated a salary that made it economically worthwhile.

Participants appear to need assistance identifying career paths leading to economic security, training for these careers, locating affordable transportation, and working with employers to gain workplace accommodations. Providing support and encouraging family support may positively influence interest in employment.