DIFFICULTIES WITH EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS PERCEIVED BY THE EMPLOYERS Cover Image

TEŠKOĆE PRI ZAPOŠLJAVANJU I RADU OSOBA S OŠTEĆENJIMA VIDA PERCIPIRANE OD STRANE POSLODAVACA
DIFFICULTIES WITH EMPLOYMENT OF PERSONS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS PERCEIVED BY THE EMPLOYERS

Author(s): Sanja Skočić Mihić, Zorina Pinoza Kukurin
Subject(s): Labor relations, Inclusive Education / Inclusion
Published by: Sveučilište u Zagrebu, Edukacijsko-rehabilitacijski fakultet
Keywords: barriers to employment of visually impaired persons; employers; Visual Impairment Scale;

Summary/Abstract: High unemployment rate of persons with visual disabilities is a consequence of general difficult conditions for their employment and the transitional changes in the Republic of Croatia. This research tries to Þ nd out barriers to employment of persons with visual impairments perceived by the employers from County Primorsko-goranska. The sample included 154 employment policy makers in various companies. Visual Impairment Scale (OV) consisting of 22 items was applied. Factor analysis derived four latent factors as follows: First factor disadvantage due to limitations, Second factor of employer´s uncomfortable feeling in communication and in situation when help is required, Third factor expected work limitations and Fourth factor social unacceptability. The analysis of the factors shows that the employment of persons with visual impairments in employer's companies is considered complicated for several reasons: they are worried about expected pure work performance of visually impaired employees compared to other workers, their unability to use written instructions and usual technical office tools, expected workrelated injuries as well as specially adapted work place which means additional costs. On one hand, not so important reasons for employers are their own feeling of uncomfortability in contact with persons with visual impairments and possible social rejecting by costumers and co/workers. Findings indicate the sistematic approach to potential employers by giving them information of work abillities of employees with visual impairments, incentive measures for employers and assistive technology.

  • Issue Year: 45/2009
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 51-61
  • Page Count: 11
  • Language: Croatian