Social inclusion of employees who are blind or low vision

Abstract

This study investigated social integration in the workplace of 13 blind or low vision employees. Qualitative research methodology was used. The employees participated in semi‐structured interviews responding to questions on social barriers in the workplace. The findings show that they do not enjoy full integration into the workplace because of the lack of social support. Social barriers are not acknowledged as workplace barriers that lead to social exclusion at work. Organizations need to be proactive in developing concrete solutions to remove social barriers and facilitate the social inclusion of blind or low‐vision employees into the workplace.

Keywords:

• blind
• low vision
• social inclusion
• social barriers
• socialization and workplace integration
• disability
• job accommodation
• social support