Sight-loss charity launches business accreditation scheme

Tuesday 02 October 2018

Local sight impairment charity Eyecan has launched an accreditation scheme for businesses of all sizes to make sure they meet the requirements of Jersey's new disability discrimination law.

The charity, which supports islanders who are blind or sight-impaired, is aiming for 20 local businesses to become accredited in the next 12 months.

The charity says the accreditation will give employers, businesses and staff the knowledge and skills to comfortably engage with people who are living with blindness or sight loss and ensure they meet the requirements of the new legislation.

Based on the requirements of the new Discrimination (Disability) Law, the training includes explanations of the relevant areas of the law in jargon-free terms and workshops and audits so that each business can improve the experience of its clients, employees or customers affected by sight-loss in realistic and achievable ways.

Pictured: Retinis Pigmentosa, known colloquially as 'tunnel vision', is an example of the kind of condition that can affect islanders at work.

Jane Vincent (pictured), Operations Director for the charity, said: “One in five people over the age of 65 has sight loss and this ratio increases significantly with age. Businesses are highly likely to encounter a member of staff, customer, or client who suffers from sight loss or impairment.

"Our new corporate accreditation scheme will help local businesses improve their accessibility and service for those with sight impairment and give people with sight impairment the confidence that their additional needs can be catered for and met by that organisation.”