Blindness and vision impairment

Disability Snapshot SGP KP Publishing Exported on 2026-06-17 23:42:21

Table of Contents

• Peak body consulted … page number (not provided)
• What is blindness and vision impairment? … page number: 5
• How is blindness and vision impairment diagnosed? … page number:...page_number
• Language and terminology … page number : ..page_number
• Communicating with people who are blind or vision impaired … page number: . . ..page_number. `
• Enabling social and economic participation … page number:.. .page_number.
• How can I tailor a meeting to suit a participant with blindness and vision impairment? … page number: `.page_number.
• Helpful links ……… page number: `.page_number.

SGP KP Publishing - Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

General Information About Blindness And Vision Impairment

The disability snapshot offers basic details regarding visual impairments, aiding communication with participants during goal-setting meetings. Each individual’s unique requirements influence how they engage within these processes; hence this document caters specifically to NDIA personnel rather than being distributed externally.

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

Section: Peak Body Consulted

Subsection:

• In developing this resource we consulted with Bling Citizens Australia.

#What\s what (blindness and vision impairment) ?

Blindness and visual impairments are an issue for those who have lost some sight. It can be caused when a part that helps you see becomes damaged, or it may happen if your brain doesn’t get enough information from this area.

#How\nis\nblindness\nanidvisionimpairmentdiagnosed?

Sompeoplerbornblindorwithavisionimperiment.Othersmayacquireitlaterinlife, throughageneticeyeconditionoraaccident.Somemconditionsaredegenerativandgetworse tertime. Eyeespecialistssuchasoptometristsandophthalmologistsdianosevissionimpariments.

Orientationsmobilityspecialiststrainpeoplewhoareblindovisionimpairedtousemobilty aidandsassistivetecnologiesOccupationaltherapistsprovidetrainingadvicewitndependentlivingskills.

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Blindness and vision impairment Disability Snapshot

Section: Language and Terminology

Language shapes how we view our world; thus it’s crucial for us all. Words can have significant power over perception; specifically when referring to individuals who live differently, it impacts community views negatively. The term ‘person-first’ is preferred as it places emphasis first upon individuality or humanity rather than a condition they may carry.

Communicating With People Who Are Blind Or Vision Impaired

A guide produced under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 by the National Disability Insurance Agency.

How To Communicate

• Use person–first language such as ‘person who is blind.’
• Speak directly to the person in a normal tone of voice.
• When speaking with the person, identify yourself and others with you.
• Check what format the person requires their information to be provided in. When preparing printed information use large print formats. Use at minimum of 16 point Helvetica font; bold for emphasis. Don’t uses italics or underline.
• Make sure there’s adequate lighting in the meeting room.
• Be specific when giving verbal directions and give approximate distances where appropriate (e.g., chair is 1 metre to left).
• If guiding a person walk alongside and slightly ahead of them.
• When assisting the person to sit down put the person’s hand on the back of the chair.

Not What To Do

• Don’t use collective nouns to describe a group – don’t use “the blind”, or

SGP KP Publishing – Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

6 Enabling social and economic participation

Busy, cluttered and visually oriented environments can be a major barrier to participation in normal life, like; going to the shops, going for a walk in the park, going to work, looking for work or simply socializing.

Work enables an individual to establish greater financial security, develop a sense of productivity, purpose and make new connections with people in their community.

People who are blind or vision impaired can come up against attitudinal barriers which compromise their dignity and independence. For example, some employers’ negative attitudes or lack of knowledge contribute to the high rate of unemployment amongst people who are blind or vision impaired–a rate which is four times the national average. This has a dramatic impact on the inclusion and participation of people who are blind or vision impaired.

Assistive technology may also be required to support participation in work. To enable and maintain work, ongoing supports or adjustments at work may be needed. This might require NDIS funding for specialist disability or employment related assessment services. Alternatively the person can access external employment retention and support initiatives such as Work Assist provided by the Disability Employment Services (DES) program.

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing – Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

How Can I Tailor a Meeting to Suit a Participant With Blindness and Vision Impairment?

A rendered image of this source page is attached — use it to judge the actual visual layout (columns, tables, headings) rather than relying on text order alone.

When meeting someone who is blind or vision impaired for the first time, they may not see your extended hand to shake hands in greeting. Telling someone that you would like to shake their hand is appropriate. Otherwise a friendly verbal greeting is okay.

glossy brochures will not attract or be useful to people who are blind or have minimal usable vision. Think about other ways to share information such as information on a website (which meets web accessibility standards, W3C), large print information with good contrast, audio format, braille or information over the phone.

prior to a meeting, it is important to ask the person their preferred format for accessing information. That way the planner can organise material in their preferred format.

during telephone conversations, especially when organising planning meetings or other information, encourage the person who is blind or vision impaired to make note of any times, dates and contact information. Ask if they would like the details for the meeting and contact information sent to them or a reminder call the day before. It is important this information is provided in the person’s preferred communication format.

when you are planning the meeting, discuss if it will be held at their home or another location. If another location, ask if they will be bringing a support person along with them. Ask what they need from you to create an accessible environment, for example, meeting them at the entrance. Keep in mind each person’s requirements may differ.

Verbal Communication

• No matter how well you know a person who is blind or vision impaired, it is good practice to introduce yourself when you approach the person, particularly if you are both away from your usual environment. A simple ‘Hi Sarah, it’s John’ can help a person who is blind or vision impaired know who has approached.
• It’s okay to use the word ‘see’, ‘see you later,’ and ’look,’ do you mind taking a look at this?’ People who are blind or vision impaired use these words too.
• Talk to the person, not their guide dog.

Written Communication

• Not all people who are blind read braille. Some use braile for reading, labelling, identifying items or to read signs. Some don’t use braille at all.
• How people read information can come down to personal choice, convenience and ease. Some people with usable functional vision might use standard print or large print (san serif font like “Arial” in size 16 or greater), audio format, electronic formats (such as word documents, html, or rtf), braille or a number of these formats depending on the task they are working on.

SGP KP Publishing – Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

• Pictures, symbols, tables and a host of other marketing tools can be inaccessible, depending on the technology the person is using. Therefore it’s important to check with the person what works best.
• Word documents, html and rtf formats are a lot easier to read for people who use screen-reading software.
• When offering information in accessible formats, offer large print, braille, audio, or electronic versions. Refer to Round Table Guidelines for producing information in accessible formats.

SGP KP Publishing – Blindness and Vision Impairment Disability Snapshot

Helpful Links

• Blind Citizens Australia (BCA)
• Video featuring Graeme Innes AM from the NSW Government’s 2015 Don’t Dis my Ability campaign.
• Blog post: A day in the life with Stargardts disease, Matt De Gruchy.
• Blog site, Where’s Your Dog? Article: My Roommate is Blind – Help!
• Dialogue in the Dark – an experiential awareness raising tour, led by people who are blind or vision impaired.

The document was released under the Freedom Act 1982 by the National Disability Insurance Agency.