Workplace Accessibility: Removing Barriers for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Despite advancements in technology, millions of blind individuals still face significant barriers to employment due to inaccessible environments, tools and workplace practices.

According to the National Federation of the Blind, or NFB, there are an estimated 7.6 million adults in the United States who are blind or have significant vision loss.¹ Yet, employment rates among this population are alarmingly low.  

• Only 44% of working-age blind individuals are employed,² compared with about 60% of the general population.³
• Of those employed, many are working in positions that do not match their qualifications or education levels.³  
• Nearly 70% of blind or visually impaired individuals of working age are not in the labor force at all, often due to workplace inaccessibility and discrimination.⁴

Several issues contribute to the employment gap for the blind and visually impaired:

• Bias and Misunderstanding: Employers may underestimate the capabilities of blind individuals or be unaware of the accommodations available, leading to discriminatory hiring practices.
• Inaccessible Application Processes: Online job applications, career portals and automated hiring tools often pose challenges that prevent blind applicants from even getting through the first step due to employers not testing their sites and processes for screen-reader accessibility.
• Lack of Accessible Technology: Many companies use software or platforms that are incompatible with screen readers or lack keyboard navigation, making them inaccessible to blind users.
• Workplace Design: Physical workplaces frequently lack accommodations such as braille signage, tactile paths or other accessible equipment, limiting independence and mobility.
• Lack of Training and Awareness: Without training, employers and co-workers may not know how to effectively work with or support blind colleagues, which can create unwelcoming environments.

Beyond ethical and legal obligations, making workplaces accessible is a best practice that all employers should adhere to. Studies have shown that companies with inclusive hiring practices:⁵

• Experience higher employee retention and morale
• Gain access to a wider talent pool
• Improve brand reputation and compliance with laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA
• Often see increased innovation, as accessibility-driven solutions benefit all employees, not just those with disabilities

Creating accessible workplaces is important from both a moral standpoint and a strategic one. As you review your workplace practices, consider opportunities to remove obstacles or adopt reasonable accommodations to help facilitate more inclusive recruitment, hiring and retention practices. The blind and visually impaired community is a pool of untapped talent, full of potential, creativity and resilience. By breaking down barriers and promoting accessibility, we can build a more inclusive, innovative and equitable workforce.

For more accommodation ideas, visit the Job Accommodation Network or contact a representative near you if you have questions or want more information about The Standard’s Workplace Possibilities^SM program.