Ken, Radio Production Manager, Lindsay, ON, Canada. Ken has been working since he was 15 years old. Learn how his computer skills landed him a job in radio production (Image: ProjectAspiro)
Improving employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted persons
Introduction
In line with our priority to strengthen the capabilities and capacity of the WBU regional structures and member organisations, the World Blind Union is committed to promote employment opportunities for blind and partially sighted persons . In accordance with the UNCRPD Article 27 on work and employment, WBU is committed to fight against “discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions”. Read full Article here
Project Aspiro
WBU, with support from the CNIB Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Government of Ontario established Project Aspiro , a career planning and employment resource for people who are blind or partially sighted.
You’ll find everything you need to achieve your career goals including career planning advice, information about education, profiles of people enjoying meaningful careers, and much more. There’s also a range of valuable information for friends and family, service providers, and employers. Read more on Project Aspiro website.
WBU continues to encourage employment of persons who are blind and partially sighted at the national level by sharing employment tools and resources with members, supporting training programs, and advocating to employers to ensure accessible information and communication with employees and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities.
In addition, WBU conducts research/ surveys to determine barriers to employment for persons with disabilities. Outcomes of the surveys help WBU understand best advocacy strategies such as pushing for employees to implement different employment models such as quota systems to ensure inclusion of persons with disabilities.
WBU continues to work with International Labour Organization (ILO) disability unit to provide technical advise and influence the ILO employment policies for persons who have disabilities. In addition, WBU collaborates with global organizations such as the IDA, CRPD committee and UN bodies, to represent the employment needs of persons with disabilities.
According to ILO, people with disabilities make up an estimated one billion, or 15 per cent, of the world’s population. About 80 per cent are of working age. The right of people with disabilities to decent work, however, is frequently denied. People with disabilities, particularly women with disabilities, face enormous attitudinal, physical and informational barriers to equal opportunities in the world of work. Read more
Projects
Project Aspiro
WBU compiles success stories of individuals who are blind or partially sighted and enjoy meaningful employment in a wide range of fields. See them discuss education, interview techniques, workplace accommodations, overcoming barriers, and more. Read more
Campaigns
Work and employment
CRPD Article 27 States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation,… Read more
Resources
The World Social Protection Report 2017-19 provides a global overview of recent trends in social protection systems, including social protection floors. Based on new data, it offers a broad range of global, regional and country data on social protection coverage, benefits and public expenditures on social protection. Read more