Visual impairment excludes the vast majority of blind South Africans from economic inclusion. With 97.7% of blind individuals unable to find employment, greater effort is required on the part of companies to embrace opportunities for the visually impaired, as well as those with other disabilities, in the workplace.
To this end, the Hein Wagner Academy, supported by Absa and Primedia, has published Inclusive employment in practice – A practical employment guide for visually impaired inclusion.
The handbook reframes inclusive employment as smart business, illustrating how it creates teams that grow in empathy and insight, delivers dignity and independence to individuals, and makes companies stronger and more innovative.
It provides experience-led guidance to organisations on how to practically prepare their workplaces, leadership and teams to successfully integrate and support visually impaired employees. Drawing on the experience of visually impaired graduates, their line managers and broader organisations, the publication offers clear steps and checklists to inclusion.
“My hope is that this handbook becomes a catalyst. Let it inspire you to look beyond perception to potential. Let it guide you to build workplaces where visual impairment is simply one characteristic and not a barrier to contribution.”
Hein Wagner, founder of the Hein Wagner Academy.
Download the publication, Inclusive employment in practice – A practical employment guide for visually impaired inclusion
