Cost of Living Crisis, support can’t wait.

Today, charities are taking to social media to highlight that the cost-of-living crisis has disproportionately impacted disabled people. It is a fact that it costs more to be disabled, that Covid-19 widened the disability gap, and that people with sight loss are more likely to be ‘economically inactive’.

So, as the campaign says, #SupportCantWait.

Uniting as one charity, Fight for Sight and Vision Foundation will work tirelessly to save sight and change lives. Our funding enables world-class researchers to deliver breakthroughs and supports life-changing projects that inform, include, and empower people living with or facing sight loss.

Access to the right support is also essential. So, we’ve listed some useful resources you can access right now.

1. Delivering Reasonable Adjustments in the workplace

Every six minutes, someone is told they’re going blind. Yet many workplaces aren’t set up to support them. Under The Equality Act 2010, employers are legally required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the workplace.

If you’re an employer or need your employer to implement reasonable adjustments, read our Guide to Making your workplace accessible for blind and partially sighted people.

Employers can book live awareness sessions where we tackle all the taboos of sight loss while giving you and your colleagues practical information about sight loss employment.

Find out more on the UK Government's website.

2. Seeking employment?

Trying to find a role that will suit you? Specialist job boards can be a great place to start.

Evenbreak is a jobs board that claims to be the UK’s most accessible jobs board. The employers who advertise on Evenbreak are actively aiming to attract disabled candidates, and registered candidates are looking to join inclusive companies.

Similarly, Timewise is a social enterprise with a focus on inclusive working. It offers a job a board that specialises in flexible, either part-time, hybrid or remote roles.

3. Access to Work Scheme

Access to Work is a government grant scheme which supports disabled people in work. Some examples of what the scheme could pay for include the following:

• British Sign Language interpreter,
• Specialist equipment,
• Extra transport costs.

You can check eligibility on the UK Government’s website.

4. Support with assistive technology

In 2023, equality of access is as essential in the digital and the physical world. People with sight loss can face barriers to digital engagement. According to Good Things Foundation, 32% of people with an impairment do not have the most basic digital skills. More than half of the 11 million who do not have the Essential Digital Skill for Life have an impairment.

However, many charities can support access to technology and grow digital skills. Good Things Foundation operates online centres networks in the community, which offers support with skills. Through the National Databank, GTF also provides data to those in need.

Being digitally connected is vital. Some 40% surveyed by Lloyds Bank 40% said that being online helps them to feel less alone, a sentiment felt more strongly among disabled people online, who are 27% more likely to express this view than non-disabled people.

The charity AbilityNet also has a network of volunteers who provide free IT support to older people and disabled people of any age, anywhere in the UK. 

Every volunteer is disclosure-checked and can help with all sorts of IT (information technology) challenges, from setting up new equipment, fixing technical issues, showing you how to stay connected to family, using online services and much more.

Request support from AbilityNet or call 0800 048 7642.

.

5. Seeking further support?

The RNIB’s Sightline Directory lists charities, services, and organisations that help blind or partially sighted people in the UK.

RNIB Sightline Directory