Jobs for Visually Impaired Made Possible With Assistive Devices

It will probably come as no surprise that jobs for visually impaired can be found in an abundance in almost every industry. However, the level of visual impairment will define how much a visually impaired employee will depend on assistive technology devices and aids to increase their level of independence in the workplace.

The Modern Job Market

Jobs for visually impaired are a segment within the modern job market as a whole. The numerous jobs available for all employees varies from office work environments to outdoor jobs that have very little involvement with computers and technology. Non-digital jobs can include gardening, farming, construction and many more. There are obviously many other non-digital jobs, some being indoors and others being outdoors. Some involve a high level of human interaction such as teachers and social workers while others will require very limited human interaction.

The office environment workplace positions will mostly require a basic level of operational capability with computers and digital platforms. In an office environment, information is mostly conveyed through emails and digital platforms. In addition, almost all of the tasks are handled using computers and digital platforms. With computers being such a fundamental part of our modern world, almost every organization and company uses computers for almost every part of its organizational structure.

Awareness for Employees with Disabilities

Jobs for visually impaired or any other type of disability have become a matter of government, social and corporate social responsibility. The business world has shifted its hiring and human resources cultural agenda. Financially speaking, companies that hire employees with disabilities benefit from tax incentives. Besides financial benefits, there are many other benefits for any business that provides jobs for employees with disabilities.

In most western countries, diversity is promoted in the workplace. People with different religious beliefs and ethnicities are encouraged to work together. Working with people with disabilities increases the level of compassion and empathy among people in the workplace. When co-workers become accustomed to helping each other, a culture of teamwork and positive collaboration can begin to take place.

Jobs for Visually Impaired

Thanks to assistive devices, jobs for visually impaired are more accessible and broad than they were in the past. Let’s break down the list of capabilities any employee is required to perform on a daily basis. We can then begin to match those capabilities with what visually impaired employees can do with the help of assistive devices to show that they can, in fact, perform most jobs. These capabilities are general ones that are necessary for almost every job.

• Read text from a computer screen or sheet of paper.
• Recognize objects by color, size, and shape.
• Receiving payment at a check out counter.
•  Type information on a keyboard or write it on a piece of paper.
• Assemble parts.
• Inspect the quality of assembled parts.
• Speak to customers or suppliers on the phone.

Assistive Devices For Working

There are many available devices in the market that provide assistance with jobs for visually impaired. The most helpful ones are ones that can be used, hands-free. In addition, wearable devices that do not limit users with mobility are even better to work with. There is only one device in the market that meets these criteria while allowing the user to perform multiple actions with the same device. Users can also recognize money bills allowing visually impaired employees to work at check out counters or any job that involves handling money.

OrCam MyEye 2 attaches to the side of a pair of glasses, is lightweight, and can instantly read any digital or printed text. With instant reading, visually impaired employees can read information as fast as anyone else. This can easily be performed with hand gestures, leaving both hands available to perform work-related tasks. OrCam MyEye 2 can also recognize colors. Recognition of colors will help visually impaired employees differentiate between an object labeled in color if they work in a job that involves physical objects and materials. It can recognize faces of co-workers for visually impaired employees to feel more comfortable in their surroundings.

All of OrCam MyEye 2’s features can also be used at home or during errands and other activities. Text reading can be used to read menus and books at home. OrCam MyEye 2 can also recognize shelf products while shopping independently. These are just a few of the many features available to users with OrCam MyEye 2.