Abstract
M.A. (Industrial Sociology)
The purpose of this study was to determine how individuals with visual impairment experience the
workplace. It had the following objectives:
To understand how individuals with visual impairment find work
To determine the challenges and successes that people with visual impairments have
experienced in the workplace
To understand how the workplace may contribute to or address challenges of employment for
people with visual impairments
To determine whether and how the workplace accommodated the needs of participants
The study employed the International Classification of Functioning framework. The ICF is a
multipurpose classification that was created to be used in different sectors. This can be seen in the
way the ICF model looks beyond the idea of disability being purely social or biological. In addition,
it focuses on health and functioning rather than solely focusing on disabilities. The model recognises
how the interaction between impairments and environmental factors result in the creation of
disability. The ICF also looks at the interaction between limitations, the environment and other
contextual factors that may influence individuals with disabilities (WHO, 2011). The study also
looked at agency and structure.
The research involved a qualitative approach, which provided insight into the South African
workplace experiences of individuals with visual impairments. Participants were selected purposively
to participate in the study. Snowball sampling was used to increase the sample size to a final group
of eleven participants, all of whom had prior or current work experience and moderate to severe visual
impairments. Data was collected through face to face semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis
revealed various common themes across the interviews. These included job satisfaction, workplace
accommodation, and experiences with colleagues.
The study identified that participants had varying experiences which were both positive and negative
at their place of employment. Overall the findings revealed that the workplace has been shown to be
a place of growth for some individuals with disabilities; while at the same time it may be a place of
barriers for others. Even though there are various legislations and policies in place to protect the rights
and empower these individuals – success largely depends on how well the policies are implemented.
Very often the participants had positive experiences of being accommodated, but in certain instances
had to use their agency to promote the implementation of policies. In some cases discrimination and...