At Fight for Sight, we believe blindness or vision loss shouldn’t be a barrier to opportunity. Yet the number of people in employment remains stubbornly low: fewer than 1 in 3 blind or vision impaired people in the UK is in paid work. The impact of this is devastating – economically, socially and in terms of well-being.
The purpose of the Digital Inclusion fund is to improve access to employment for blind and vision impaired people by driving digital inclusion at crucial points as people start to get themselves work ready and start or develop their careers.
We are proud to share the 4 projects that have been awarded this grant, all dedicated to delivering a step-change in people’s ability to know what’s out there, how to access and use it and how to take control of their own digital development.
Read on to hear more about the projects.
Project VIEW (Visual Impairment Experimental Workspace)
By Kirklees Visual Impairment Network
While AI poses employment risks, it potentially offers people with sight loss innovative pathways to sustaining or (re)-gaining work, or entrepreneurship. Co-produced, practical-based AI workshops can build the skills and confidence necessary for work readiness and success.
Project VIEW aims to collaboratively develop regular, small-scale experimental workshops and individual support for people with sight loss. With Huddersfield University, local QTVIs, and people with sight loss, Kirklees Visual Impairment Network will explore, co-develop, and deliver 34 months of experimental AI workshops, orientated to practical workplace solution-finding. They'll build on their current IT/AT demonstrations service – developing focused work amongst people wishing to (re)-gain, maintain, or progress their work opportunities. Quarterly reviews will measure participant confidence in using AI.
My VisAbility Employment Service
By My Sight Nottinghamshire
This recently established project, gives people with sight loss the tools and skills needed to navigate the world of work with confidence. My Sight Nottinghamshire's person-centred approach empowers individuals to develop their technology skills, knowledge and confidence to become work ready and ultimately achieve their career goals.
The project works with individuals to improve access technology skills; familiarising themselves with the most suitable access software from; NDVA, Jaws, ZoomText, Supanova, Guide Connect, VoiceOver, Magnifier, Narrator, HighContrast, Orca and Dragon. They also explore LV equipment and advise clients on lighting as well as a range of accessibility apps.
The project works with clients to become proficient in the technology processes required to access employment; setting up accounts, log ins, uploading CVs and navigating employment websites like Indeed.
It also work with clients and their employers to enable people to remain in work; assisting with redeployment negotiations, Access to Work applications, advice on PA roles, travel in and to work and equipment recommendations, which are always role specific and often innovative.
The team is also developing a “How To” guide for employers and DEAs on Adjusting and Adapting the Workplace for Employees with Visual Impairments.
Employability Support for Visually Impaired Job-Seekers
By Radical Recruit
This project supports visually impaired jobseekers to become Product Managers, addressing the underrepresentation of visually impaired professionals in product design. Products shaped by lived experience are more likely to embed accessibility from inception, delivering benefits that extend beyond individual users, to wider society.
The project also responds to gaps in affordable, open-source digital employability tools. Delays in Access to Work assessments and the high cost of assistive technology, such as JAWS, can prevent blind and visually impaired jobseekers from accessing online recruitment systems, digital platforms and tools required for independent employment.
The initiative will explore how AI-enabled approaches can strengthen employability support for visually impaired people.The project is delivered in partnership between Radical Recruit and The Cloud Crew CIC. Radical Recruit will lead participant recruitment and provide wraparound employability support through its established scholarship programme, including pastoral and post-placement guidance. The revised project will support four visually-impaired jobseekers through the Radical Employability Scholarship. The Cloud Crew CIC will deliver Product Management awareness training to the four people, providing insights into how to conduct research and to write a design brief.
By combining professional training, practical experience and AI-enabled innovation, the project equips participants with recognised skills and demonstrable experience, improving employability while addressing systemic barriers to workplace inclusion for visually impaired people.
EyeT Transform Employment Project
By TAVIP and Visibility Scotland
The EyeT Transform Employment Project aims to develop a standardised, inclusive framework to improve access to employment and job retention for vision-impaired and blind individuals across the UK in roles which require digital skills (such as using MS Windows, email, word processing, web browsers and messaging apps).
This project will design and implement a comprehensive framework that includes:
- Accessible skills assessment tools to identify participants’ current job readiness, digital and technology competencies.
- Structured, accessible training framework tailored to vision-impaired and blind learners, focusing on in-demand technology skills.
- Standardised delivery guidelines, enabling consistent implementation by training providers, employment services, and partner organisations across the UK.
By creating a clear, replicable model, the EyeT Transform Employment Project will help bridge the gap between vision-impaired talent and employment opportunities which require digital skills.
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