Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Sight loss charity in job boost
A VISUAL impairment charity is tackling the barriers to employment with a new internship.
Fraser Wilson, 28, who has been partially sighted since birth, is getting stuck into his new role with Seescape.
The Fife charity, which supports more than 3,500 people every year, offered the nine-month paid placement to develop workplace skills and experience for people who have struggled to find work due to sight loss.
The appointment means a quarter of Seescape’s staff have visual impairments, including Fraser’s line manager Lindsey McDonald.
Fraser’s role involves supporting Seescape’s work to help those with sight loss live more independently through a range of services including rehabilitation, advice and technology demonstrations.
Fraser said: “While I have had a number of roles, I haven’t had much luck finding full-time permanent employment.
“There are often difficulties at work because I am partially sighted. For example, in one role I needed to count cash but found it difficult to see to do it.
“I think it is really important that people are supported by people who are also blind and partially sighted. You are able to provide more meaningful support and you really understand the issues and assistive technology.”
Seescape chief executive Lesley Carcary said: “We are incredibly pleased that Fraser has joined us and he is already making a huge contribution to our work.
“Not only does this internship mean Fraser is gaining invaluable work experience, it is also of huge benefit to the people we work for as they are being supported by someone with lived experience of visual impairment.”