I am partially sighted - Im thinking of Access to work but Im not sure what they can help improve?

TPW67

I am partially sighted - early macular degeneration and scarring which has reduced my visiin in both eyes. Howevee I do manage and Ive been working in an Office for a year now - which im proud of - but I do struggle…. Im thinking of Access to work but Im not sure what they can help improve -  i Anyone with similar experiences?

Alex_Alumni

Hi @TPW67 and welcome to the community Thanks for reaching out with your query.

I'm not 100% sure of the adaptions and equipment that might be available for you as I'm not partially sighted, but I do know they exist! I'm going to tag @Ross_Scope who has more experience in this area.

Scope may be able to support you with the process of applying for and implementing Access to work, if you're eligible for the Support to Work programme. Do take a look if you feel that would be useful.

I'm also tagging your post as unanswered and moving it into our Work and employment category, so everyone can find it more easily.

Let us know if you need anything else, we're here to help.

Alex

Ross_Alumni

Hi @TPW67

Thanks for posting, you certainly should be proud of your job, and I'm glad you are. 

Working with sight loss does bring many challenges, so the sooner you get support to overcome them then the better for your well-being in the workplace. ATW can be quite complicated when you first encounter it (speaking from my own perspective) but the adjustments you can get through it can be fantastic in making it more manageable for you to do your role. 

At present, going through the claim process can be lengthy, so it's better to get the ball rolling as soon as you feel ready to so that you can get the support sooner, and I would recommend having a think about what sort of things would help you in the workplace. As mentioned above by Mike, they may recommend things for you that you don't necessarily need, so if you come to the conversations with ideas for what you will need then it will make the process easier. For example, do you think you will need a large screen monitor, or screen reading software? 

I'd also suggest having a chat with your current employer about it, it always helps to have their support throughout the process.

In terms of what ATW can help with, it could include the following:

• a British Sign Language interpreter or a support worker
• specialist equipment or software
• extra transport costs, such as taxi travel

Scope have an information page here about Access to Work which contains further information.

TPW67

thanks for the replies - my employers are supportive thankfully - I have a large font keyboard and large screen and text - i have rulers to help read and magnifying glass and i have a lamp… ive had past support from Low Vision charity via Hospital and Im registered Partially sigted. However my main problem is my speed to do jobs - I an treated the same but in reality im not as able. How do i tackle that? I dont see that its something Access to work can help with. I dont want to leave my job but i feel very anxious and stressed at times.

Ross_Alumni

I'm glad you have a supportive employer@TPW67, you seem to have a few adjustments in place already which is great. 

Regarding the speed to do certain tasks, of course that's something we can't always completely overcome as people with sight loss, the technology can only do so much in certain situations. I think patience from the employer is vital, if they know what you are going through and how your sight loss impacts you, hopefully they will understand that sometimes you might take a bit longer to do some tasks.

ATW can fund a support worker who can help with your duties, but of course that isn't something that everybody is interested in having.

TPW67

thanks again - Ill just have to find a way to speak up. I tend to try and get on with it - its hard for sigted people to understand the daily issues. I dont want to appear as a moaner andcit always feels like that or that im making excuses for getting behind.. 

Ross_Alumni

You don't come across as a moaner at all @TPW67, although I completely understand why you would feel worried about mentioning these things, it is hard to admit that we are struggling, especially to an employer. As you say, some people find it hard to understand, though I guess that one of the ways to improve that is to talk about it  

All the best

janer1967

I suggest speaking to your employer about reasonable adjustments as these can include reduced targets or allowing longer to complete jobs or even reduced duties 

TPW67

thankyou - Ill try this

L_Volunteer

You are more than welcome @TPW67. It is the very least we could do to support you. If you have any questions or wish to discuss this further with us, please don't hesitate! We are always here for you, listening to you, and supporting you 

TPW67

Amazing - thankyou x

L_Volunteer

You are more than welcome @TPW67. How are you today? 

TPW67

👍🏽 Feeling stronger