Employers asked to open their eyes to job seekers who are vision impaired

Much to offer: Scott Grimley has overcome obstacles to build a successful career at the National Museum of Australia. Photo: Rohan Thomson

Scott Grimley is a valued employee of the National Museum of Australia. He is also legally blind.

Despite being declared legally blind 16 years ago due to a condition Retinitis Pigmentosa, his vision impairment hasn't stopped the 43-year-old from building a successful career.

Since joining the museum 14 years ago, Mr Grimley has held five different roles, earned several promotions and is now the diversity and wellbeing officer.

He believes employers have a lot to gain from hiring people who are blind or visually impaired.

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"You may find your staff are a bit more aware of workplace health and safety and you may find that staff are a bit more aware of customer needs," he said.

Mr Grimley admits he struggled to find employment in the early days of losing his sight and spent several years unemployed despite applying for a variety of roles he felt capable of doing.

With the support of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Mr Grimley accessed mobility training to use a white cane and a Miniguide - a hand-held sonar-driven device that vibrates when it detects objects - and now easily navigates his way around the workplace. He also uses a screen reader and magnifier for his computer.

New research from the organisation revealed nearly 40 per cent of their clients were unemployed, despite nearly 91 per cent wanting a job.

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Employers asked to open their eyes to job seekers who are vision impaired