Jobs match for the blind

Fraser Alexander runs marathons and travels widely - he is legally blind. Picture / Fotopress

A vision-impaired person can be a valuable asset with the right support and equipment, says Thomas Bryan of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB).

The foundation has just launched a new vocational placement service to match employers with blind and vision-impaired job seekers.

As employer awareness team leader Bryan says, "Employers don't notice an applicant with a limp but when they see a guide dog or cane they often don't know how to react and think the blind person couldn't possibly do the job."

Fraser Alexander, who works as RNZFB national bequest adviser while writing his Master of Business thesis, runs marathons and travels extensively. Alexander is also legally blind.

He worked in sales and marketing at Glaxo New Zealand after a science degree in pharmacology and chemistry, then worked in the United Kingdom in promotions and sales and travelled before coming home.

Alexander's current role involves strategic planning, human-resource management, market analysis and communications management.

Employers need to recognise the capabilities of individuals and not focus on disabilities, he says.

They also need to recognise the sophistication of specialised adaptive technology available to employed blind and vision-impaired people through Workbridge, a national employment placement service for people with disabilities. Workbridge can provide free equipment in certain circumstances.

Alexander uses a software system called JAWS (Job Applications Windows Screenreader) which verbalises text on screen for such things as email, internet, Word and Powerpoint. "I also utilise a scanner, mobile phone, calculator and watch that are all talking devices."

He reads the Herald from his telephone using a synthesised software speech system that downloads the files from the website daily.

"When I show people the technology at my disposal, they are blown away. Most people are still shocked blind people can use a computer!"

Prejudice remains strong, says Alexander. "At one interview I was asked how my blindness affected my work and I could tell they were surprised by the level of technology I could access."

The human assistance he requires is minimal. For example, hand-written letters need to be read to him and information emailed, not provided in hard copy.

Land Information New Zealand Team Leader of User Services Matthew Gillbanks sees only advantages with employing vision-impaired Brent Huston in a support user role.

"I can't think of any real disadvantages. A major advantage is that the team is becoming more thoughtful of others and help each other out - not just Brent."

The challenges, says Gillbanks, are about small issues such as remembering to avoid creating an obstacle course for Brent by placing chairs and boxes appropriately.

"Brent has a high level of technical knowledge as well as extremely good customer services skills and - most importantly, enthusiasm."

Boise Office Solutions telephone accounts manager Nicola Asmussen is proud of her nine-year stint at Boise where she manages more than 300 accounts. Asmussen has severe myopia (shortsightedness) and walks with a cane. She got a job with Boise after working for 18 months as an office manager for a community stationery-purchasing organisation.

"Boise was keen to employ me because I already had experience, product knowledge and proven selling skills," says Asmussen.

She uses a computer scanner, magnification programme Zoom Text and a CCTV (closed-circuit television) that enlarges print on to a television monitor. "My only real difficulty is Excel spreadsheets because the type tends to be small," she says.

Aside from the specialised equipment, Asmussen needs slightly different office equipment such as a larger monitor and a bigger desk.

Ian Cunningham, Boise Office Solutions branch manager says Asmussen was employed because of her skills and attitude. "We had observed her grow the business in her previous job and knew she had excellent customer service skills."

His main concern was whether Asmussen could keep up to date with her product information which requires reading and reporting.

"But her equipment sorted that out. She also has an excellent memory and we have learned to be a lot more verbal in meetings with conveying information on a screen or whiteboard. These are good practices anyway."

Asmussen doesn't cost the company any more than other employees, says Cunningham. "Most employees require some training, upskilling and support when you employ them."

His advice to other employers? "Really understand the role you want to fill and whether they can do it. If so, don't treat them differently. Choose on merit and don't get put off by physical limitations. Everyone has challenges, so ask how they can be overcome."

Cunningham says it would be hard to find an employee more passionate or committed than Asmussen. "You may spend a little more on resources or time but you get back 10-fold."