January 11, 2022
January 11, 2022
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) has released their Workplace Technology Study, a new report examining how technology in the workplace influences the experiences of workers who are blind, have low vision, or are deafblind.
The report summarized survey data from 323 participants who were employed in February 2021, and interviews with 25 of the participants. They shared their experiences with technology used for hiring and onboarding, required work-related training, and productivity; requests for workplace accommodations; interactions with IT staff; and experiences with telework. Self-employed participants reported on the methods they used to access technology for their work.
"The findings in the Workplace Technology Study show us that many technology barriers still exist for workers with a visual impairment, despite nondiscrimination laws and guidance," said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer. "It is our hope that this study will provide a basis for understanding where many current workplace practices and protocols have not met their intended marks. The study can serve as a basis for identifying and addressing gaps to create a more fully inclusive workplace."
Some Key Findings Include:
The full report is available at AFB.org/WTS, and includes recommendations from AFB experts about how to create more accessible and inclusive recruitment and retention strategies for blind and visually impaired employees.
The American Foundation for the Blind research was funded by eSight, Google, Hadley, JP Morgan Chase, LCI Foundation, Microsoft, James H. and Alice Teubert Foundation, and Vispero.