Original scientific paper
Difficulties with employment of persons with visual impairments perceived by the employers
Sanja Skočić Mihić
; Učiteljski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
Zorina Pinoza Kukurin
; Učiteljski fakultet Sveučilišta u Rijeci
Abstract
High unemployment rate of persons with visual disabilities is a consequence of general difficult conditions for their employment and the transitional changes in the Republic of Croatia. This research tries to find out barriers to employment of persons with visual impairments perceived by the employers from County Primorsko-goranska. The sample included 154 employment policy makers in various companies. Visual Impairment Scale (OV) consisting of 22 items was applied. Factor analysis derived four latent factors as follows: First factor disadvantage due to limitations, Second factor of employer´s uncomfortable feeling in communication and in situation when help is required, Third factor expected work limitations and
Fourth factor social unacceptability. The analysis of the factors shows that the employment of persons with visual impairments in employer's companies is considered complicated for several reasons: they are worried about expected pure work perfomance of visually impaired employees compared to other workers, their unability to use written instructions and usual technical office tools, expected work-related injuries as well as specially adapted work place which means additional costs. On one hand, not so important reasons for employers are their own feeling of uncomfortability in contact with persons with visual impairments and possible social rejecting by costumers and co/workers. Findings indicate the systematic approach to potential employers by giving them information of work abilities of employees with visual impairments, incentive measures for employers and assistive technology.
Keywords
barries to employment of visually impaired persons; employers; Visual Impairment Scale
Hrčak ID:
45638
URI
Publication date:
3.11.2009.
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