Building inclusive employment at Sight Cymru
Sight Cymru’s focus on inclusive employment has created a workplace where employees with sight loss can succeed and feel supported. Employees feel valued, confident and able to share their ideas, helping the organisation improve services for people with sight loss.
About Sight Cymru
Sight Cymru is Wales’s leading charity for people living with sight loss. Since 1865, the charity has helped people with all kinds of sight loss live with confidence, independence, and dignity. Every day, Sight Cymru supports people who are Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), Sight Impaired (SI), or at risk of losing their sight. The charity offers personalised help, practical advice, and life-changing technology so people can overcome challenges and enjoy life to the fullest.
But Sight Cymru’s work goes beyond helping individuals. The charity is a strong voice for inclusion, working with employers, public services and communities to make workplaces and everyday life more accessible. It helps remove barriers so people with sight loss can take part in education, work and community life just like anyone else.
Sight Cymru also focuses on preventing sight loss. The charity runs campaigns to protect eye health and reduce avoidable sight loss across Wales. By working closely with healthcare professionals, researchers and other charities. Sight Cymru combines knowledge, innovation and compassion to make a real difference in people’s lives.
For over 150 years, Sight Cymru has been a trusted voice, a source of strength, and a symbol of hope for people with sight loss continuing its vision of a world where everyone, regardless of sight, can see a future full of possibility.
Find out more on the Sight Cymru website.
The challenge
For employees with sight loss, the challenges at work are real and happen every day. Simple tasks that others find easy, like reading printed papers, using digital systems, or finding their way around a new workspace, can be difficult without the right tools and support.
At Sight Cymru, this challenge identified something important. It made it clear that employees need more than just physical adjustments. They also need understanding and respect. Without the right help, everyday tasks can feel frustrating and lonely. But with tools like accessible software, supportive colleagues and flexible working, employees can do their jobs fully and show that sight loss does not stop anyone from being skilled, ambitious, or excellent.
What did Sight Cymru do?
Sight Cymru is committed to creating a fully inclusive workplace for employees with sight loss. The charity knows that people with visual impairments face many barriers, from technology that is hard to use to old-fashioned attitudes. That’s why Sight Cymru has a clear plan to make work more inclusive.
Employees are supported with tools like screen readers, magnification software and voice-activated devices, so they can work independently. Internal documents and communications are available in different formats and flexible working helps employees balance work and life. Employees and managers get regular training in disability awareness, inclusive practices and supportive leadership to build a kind and understanding workplace.
One-to-one meetings make sure each person’s needs are met and any problems are solved quickly. These steps help employees with sight loss contribute fully, strengthen teamwork and show that Sight Cymru is a leader in inclusion. The charity proves that accessibility, equality and empowerment can work together.
The results
Sight Cymru’s focus on inclusive employment has created a workplace where employees with sight loss can succeed and feel supported. Employees feel valued, confident and able to share their ideas, helping the organisation improve services for people with sight loss.
Using tools like assistive technology, accessible systems and flexible working helps employees work well and enjoy their jobs. Ongoing training and personalised support gives employees the skills and confidence to overcome challenges and do their best.
Employees with sight impairments are not just team members, they help lead change in the organisation. Their experiences shape decisions and services, making Sight Cymru stronger, a model inclusive employer in Wales and an example for other organisations to follow.
Tosin Adeleke, Awareness Campaign Officer, shared:
“At Sight Cymru, I’ve found more than support I’ve found empowerment. The technology, flexible working options, and understanding from my colleagues have transformed the way I work, allowing me to contribute fully and confidently. My lived experience of sight loss is not just understood, but truly valued. Every day, I see how my insights can make a difference, and it’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that turns inclusion into action. It’s inspiring to be part of an organisation that understands the challenges and strengths of people with sight loss and actively supports us to succeed”.
Top tips for employers
Sight Cymru have shared some tips to help employers build a workplace culture that values everyone’s experience and contributions.
Accessibility
- Provide the right assistive technology, like screen readers, magnification software, and adaptive devices, and give training on how to use them.
- Make workspaces accessible with clear signs, safe layouts and easy-to-use digital systems and documents.
- Check accessibility regularly and make improvements based on feedback.
Flexibility and communication
- Offer flexible working, such as hybrid work, flexible hours, or task adjustments.
- Communicate clearly using plain language, different formats and accessible meetings.
- Give personalised support and one-to-one meetings to remove barriers.
Training and progression
- Train all employees about visual impairment and how to work inclusively.
- Support career development and progression for employees with sight loss.
Resources for employers
Sight Cymru offers a range of resources to help employers support employees with sight loss. These include:
- guidance on creating accessible workplaces
- help with assistive technology
- advice on inclusive employment
- training programmes to raise awareness
Employers can also access policies and best practice guidance, ongoing support and consultancy, advocacy and awareness resources, and opportunities for partnerships and collaboration on the Sight Cymru website.