Sensory Disability
Visual Impairment
It is estimated that two in every thousand people have vision impairment. Most people with vision impairment have some vision. However, what one person can see is usually very different from what another person can see and may range from blurred vision, reduced depth and distance perception, sensitivity to glare, tunnel vision to poor night vision. There are very few people who are totally blind. Therefore like all other disabilities each individual is unique and needs to be heard.
People with a sight disability may appear to be totally blind on first meeting but later display limited sight. This can be confusing and difficult to understand initially for the job coach, employer or employees. People with vision impairment may require mobility aids, a stick, a dog or sonic glasses to travel independently to the workplace. At the workplace they will be able to independently fulfil most work tasks but may need technical aids and assistance devices, such as a talking computer and a tape recorder to give them additional assistance.
In some cases the job coach/ employer may want more information to prepare appropriate supports for a new employee with vision impairment. Remember, it is good practice to consult initially with the person with the disability to determine their preferred way of talking to relevant persons about their disability and how they would like to be supported in the workplace.
Hearing Impairment
One in ten people have hearing difficulties. Deafness is sometimes referred to as the "hidden disability" as it is not always obvious. People who are deaf can be either profoundly deaf or have a hearing impairment. People who have hearing difficulties can fulfil most positions in the workplace. Sometimes they may require hearing aids, sign language interpreters and telephone typewriters (TTY's).
Certain workplaces may provide specific challenges for employers to ensure they are acceptable working environments for people with severe hearing loss, for example, where warning sirens are used. It would be rare, however, if these challenges were insurmountable. It may simply require a different approach to existing systems. People with severe hearing loss will know what situation suits them best. Always ensure that two-way feedback is regularly provided.
When working with a person who is deaf or hearing impaired, there are a few things job coaches and co-workers can do to make communication easier, for example:
- Look and speak directly to the person who is deaf or hearing impaired. It is very easy to start addressing questions to the interpreter or other work colleagues and isolate the individual. This can be very irritating.
- Specify your topic at the beginning of what you say, this allows the person to anticipate words that may be used. In order words give the ‘theme’ of anticipated conversation in advance.
- You will need to politely attract the person's attention before speaking to them. Without doing so they may not realise that you are talking to them. A wave or tap on the arm is acceptable.
- Make sure the person who is deaf or hearing impaired can see your face clearly. They often focus on your lips and facial expressions. Many people who are deaf or hearing impaired lip-read to help themselves understand what is being said, so that they can see your lips movements more clearly. Don't obstruct their view of your lips (for example, by chewing/eating) as this can distort the message;
- Your accents could throw people with hearing loss, they may need some extra time to adjust to new lip movements. Be aware that you may need to repeat words, but try to rephrase the sentence to trigger new sounds;
- Avoid talking while you are walking away parts of the conversation will consequently be lost.
When we get to know the person we can then talk comfortably about what helps and frustrates him/her. This is a conversation that should happen.
