Incentives and Barriers to Employment for Visually Impaired People: A Perspective from Employers and Employees

Abstract

The employment of people with visual impairments is one of the most complex and least studied aspects of social integration. Despite gradual changes in public attitudes towards disability, blind and visually impaired individuals continue to face multiple barriers, and incentives for their employment remain weak. This study focuses on how these barriers and incentives are perceived by job seekers and employers alike. The empirical basis comprises over 50 in-depth interviews with NGO, government body and business representatives, as well as interviews and focus groups with blind and visually impaired individuals from various Russian regions. The results demonstrate that these barriers are deeply rooted in social attitudes and market rationality. For employers, the key obstacle lies in stereotypical views about the employability of people with visual impairments. For job seekers, the obstacles are low motivation and paternalistic expectations. Overall, employers are not willing to hire visually impaired workers, and employment services play no significant role in this process. Paradoxically, although both employers and job seekers formally share an interest in employment, the fact of employment itself is rarely perceived as valuable. This highlights the need for systemic measures, from shaping an adequate public discourse to developing career guidance and supported employment practices that could change the situation.