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“Remember that the most important thing isn’t our disability, it’s what we can offer the companies we work for.”

— James, Vision Australia client

“I would hide my cane for years, so I would interview as a ‘sighted’ person and get the job. But later there were some really awkward conversations with HR, where I was called a fraud.”

— Karan, blind disability advocate

These are the kinds of experiences people who are blind or have low vision tell us about regularly. Nervous interviews. Inaccessible recruitment processes. Software that doesn’t work with a screen reader. Adjustments that are “too hard” or brushed off, and the feeling of not belonging.

That’s why we created the Stand Up for Your Rights: Employment skills guide. Because being blind or having low vision doesn’t mean you can’t work, achieve, or fit in.

The challenges at work

When you ask people in our community what it’s like navigating the workplace, the same themes come up again and again. People who are blind or have low vision often encounter barriers such as:

  • Recruitment processes that are inaccessible,
  • Difficulty accessing information or software,
  • Requests for workplace adjustments being ignored,
  • Concerns not taken seriously, and
  • Feeling like they don’t deserve their place.

On their own, each of these obstacles can make a day at work harder. Put together, they create an environment where people feel shut out or silenced. That’s why knowing your rights and having the tools to speak up is so important.

How we can support you

The good news is you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. Vision Australia provides guidance, advocacy tools and education to help make workplaces more inclusive. We also work directly with employers and policymakers to tackle systemic barriers.

Our employment services team can walk with you through each stage of the process, including:

  • Preparation: Building confidence and job readiness through training in navigation, personal presentation and wellbeing.
  • The job search: Expert advice on resumes and interviews, plus the self-advocacy skills to showcase your strengths.
  • Workplace adjustments: Support in requesting and setting up adjustments, assistive technology advice, and disability awareness training for colleagues.

No matter where you’re starting from, whether you’re job hunting or already in a role, these services are designed to give you confidence and practical support. 

Tools to help you advocate

Our Stand up for your rights: Employment skills guide pulls all of this together and gives you practical, step-by-step tools to make change. Inside you’ll find:

  • How to request adjustments in a way that gets taken seriously,
  • Tips to communicate your needs with confidence,
  • A clear outline of your rights under the Disability Discrimination Act,
  • Steps to take if requests are denied, including how to lodge complaints,
  • Strategies to manage the emotional side of self-advocacy and guidance on what employers are expected to provide.
  • It’s not about handing you a script, it’s about building your confidence so that you can handle situations your way, knowing you have the law and the right support behind you. 

“Own your world. If you show up to an interview nervous, I tell people I’m nervous because I want to do the best for you and I really want this job.” 

— Nemoy, Vision Australia Emotional Social Support Program Lead

You have the right to speak up

Being blind or having low vision doesn’t take away your skills, your value, or your right to fair treatment at work. What it does mean is that you may need to advocate for yourself and with the right support, you can.

Download the full Stand Up for Your Rights: Employment Skills guide today

Because you deserve to be heard, respected, and supported at work.

Want to access our full series of guides?

For more like this one in the series and to take charge of your life in the best way you can for you, download our full series of Stand up for your rights guides.