Business Disability Forum (BDF) has launched a new range of free resources aimed at providing employers, health care professionals and businesses with a practical guide to support people with sight loss.
Statistics show that one person every six minutes start to lose their sight every day in the UK and only 1 in 4 people with sight loss are in employment. IAPB research has revealed that 1.1 billion people globally have sight loss. Additionally, RNIB estimates that 250 people start to lose their sight every day in the UK. This is the equivalent of one person every six minutes.
Whether a person is born with sight loss or loses it over time, it’s a life altering experience for the individual and family/friends. BDF’s new resources provide a practical guide for people with sight loss, as well as healthcare professionals and employers.
LIVING & WORKING WITH SIGHTLOSS
Business Disability Forum’s Sight Loss Toolkit, commissioned by Roche Products, addresses common concerns and offers advice on everyday situations regarding sight loss.
“Many of us will be affected by sight loss during our lives. Losing our sight can be a frightening experience as we have to navigate everyday situations; such as medical appointments, shopping and working in a new way. We may come across barriers that we never expected,” stated Diane Lightfoot, CEO of Business Disability Forum. “By increasing understanding amongst employers, clinicians and businesses, we hope to improve services and work place experiences for people with sight loss. We also want to remove fear and uncertainty by equipping people with sight loss with the information they need to live life to the full.”
THE SIGHTLOSS TOOLKIT
The Sight Loss Toolkit includes accessible resources on:
- What is sight loss?
- Living with sight loss
- Accessing the healthcare system
- Working with sight loss
- Getting help and information
It also offers advice and guidance to clinicians, healthcare professionals, employers and businesses on better supporting people with sight loss. A diverse team of people with sight loss and organisations helped to create the Toolkit. They share their own experiences, insights, and expertise throughout the resources.
Roche Products Ltd partnered with Business Disability to fund the sight loss resources. “At Roche UK, we are focused on researching and developing new treatments, aiming to redefine standards of care for the 2 million people with sight loss living in the UK. We are committed to listening, understanding and partnering in order to co-create solutions that will improve peoples’ lives,” stated Thom Renwick, Head of Ophthalmology at Roche UK. “We believe more can and should be done to protect and ensure the wellbeing of those living with sight loss. That is why we have partnered with Business Disability Forum to develop this Toolkit; which will help to remove barriers, making it easier for people with sight loss to live independently.”
SUPPORTING RESOURCES
“Remember that your situation is probably not unique,” highlighted one person with sight loss. It might feel unique, but there are lots of people who’ve been diagnosed with sight loss over the years. There are also lots of people out there who are able to give advice and lend a friendly ear and offer support. So, don’t try and battle this on your own but actually see what else is out there.”
All the resources in Business Disability Forum’s Sight Loss Toolkit are available free on Business Disability Forum’s Knowledge Hub.
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