Learning experiences of individuals with visual disabilities in the workplace

Abstract

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of individuals with visual disabilities in the workplace with a focus on their ways of learning. On the one side, the study investigated the workplace experiences of individuals with visual disabilities by focusing on the theme “having a job” which included recruitment process, required knowledge and skills and the experiences in the workplace. On the other side, learning experiences of individuals with visual disabilities in the workplace were examined under the dimensions of types of learning and learning sources. Twelve individuals with visual disabilities who were working in Istanbul were interviewed for this study by means of a semi-structured interview form developed by the researcher. Six of the participants were working in public institutions whereas six of them were working in private organizations when the interviews were conducted. For in-depth analysis, half of the participants were determined among high school graduates and the other half from university graduates. The obtained data was analyzed using content analysis method. The findings revealed that finding a job was rather challenging for individuals with visual disabilities and the participants found their jobs through exams, projects and personal contacts. While some participants stated that it was an intentional choice to work in their jobs, some others said that they had no other choice. In terms of required skills and knowledge, the significance of having a good command of computers was heavily emphasized throughout the interviews. Moreover, the use of switchboard, knowledge in the content area, a good memory, communication skills and daily living skills were also mentioned as important to effectively perform in the workplace. The analysis of the data also indicated that individuals with visual disabilities had various problems in the workplace. Discrimination, not being given equal opportunities, issues related to the job itself, having to find their own solutions to the problems and not being regarded as an employee were mentioned as the most prevalent problems in the workplace. Furthermore, participants also indicated the attitudes of colleagues and managers, unawareness of people and problems stemming from physical conditions as having an impact on their performance. In terms of the learning experiences of individuals with visual disabilities, the findings revealed that informal learning experiences were considered as the basic way of learning in the workplace. However, formal learning experiences were also emphasized especially by the participants working in private organizations. Based on the findings of the study, it could be stated that participants either learnt on their own or they learnt from other people in the workplace and their learning sources were mainly their colleagues, managers, the Internet or other individuals with visual disabilities.