Employment Support

Employers have a legal obligation to provide reasonable adjustments to support you in the workplace. In cases where reasonable adjustments cannot be made, you can speak to your employer about other suitable roles within your organisation.

What are reasonable adjustments?

Reasonable adjustments refer to changes your employer can make to remove or reduce barriers in the workplace relating to your sight loss. This could include providing you with specialist equipment such as screen reading software, making changes to your working pattern, or providing you with information in a different format. Reasonable adjustments are specific to each individual and we can help you discover which adjustments would be most beneficial for you.

Equipment assessments for the workplace

We can help you discover what equipment you need to support you in your role. If you spend a lot of time on the computer, you might find that text-to-speech software or a large print keyboard may help you. If you need to read printed text, then an electronic magnifier or changes to your surrounding lighting might be better. Or it could be a combination of things.

We’ll give you personalised advice based on your specific needs, and you’ll have the opportunity to try the different equipment and software for yourself either in our Sight Centre in Truro or in your workplace. We can also provide training on how to use any equipment that you need.

You may be entitled to financial support to purchase some equipment through the Access to Work grant and we can advise you on how to go about this.

What is Access to Work?

Access to Work is a government scheme providing practical and financial support to help people with disabilities to start or stay in work.

The Access to Work grant can pay for a range of support beyond reasonable adjustments (which must be provided by your employer), from specialist aids and equipment to a support worker or the cost of travelling to work if you cannot use public transport. It is available whether your job is full-time, part-time, permanent or temporary.