The professional inclusion of visually impaired people is not only a moral necessity: it is an essential issue to guarantee equal opportunities and enhance the skills of each individual. In France, nearly 1.7 million people live with a visual impairment , many of whom wish to fully integrate into the world of work, provided that their environment is adapted to their needs. An unsuitable workstation can not only limit their efficiency, but also their comfort, even their well-being.

 

For employers, designing a workstation adapted to visually impaired people goes well beyond a legal obligation. It is a strong commitment to inclusion and diversity within companies. The law of February 11, 2005 for equal rights and opportunities , requires companies to take specific measures to promote the integration of workers with disabilities, including visual impairment. These adjustments can be technical, ergonomic or organizational, and financial aid is available to support employers in this process.

 

In this article, we will explore practical and technical solutions that allow us to design adapted workstations, while ensuring an inclusive and efficient environment for visually impaired employees.

 

Understanding visual impairment and its professional implications

 

Visual impairment includes any significant limitation in the ability to see, even with conventional corrective devices such as glasses or contact lenses. It is divided into two broad categories: low vision and blindness .

 

    • Low vision refers to a significant decrease in visual acuity or visual field, the person retains some residual vision. It can manifest itself by difficulties in distinguishing details, reading small print or perceiving contrasts;

    • Blindness is defined as the complete or near-total absence of vision. Blind people rely primarily on their other senses to interact with their environment.

 

The distinction is necessary to understand the specific needs of each individual. A visually impaired person will require tools to optimize their residual vision, while a blind person will gravitate toward touch- or audio-based technologies.

 

On the professional level, visual impairment can pose certain challenges if the work environment is not suitable. These include:

 

    • Reading printed documents, working on a computer screen or filling out forms becomes complex without appropriate aids;

    • Identifying colleagues, objects or tools can slow down certain tasks;

    • Moving around in crowded or poorly lit spaces can cause stress and risk of accidents.

 

Challenges that can impact not only productivity, but also self-confidence and employee well-being. However, with appropriate planning and relevant technical solutions, it is possible to significantly reduce these limitations.

 

Ergonomic solutions for a workstation adapted to the visually impaired

 

Setting up an ergonomic workstation for a visually impaired person begins with creating an environment conducive to comfort and concentration .

 

Adapted lighting: reduce fatigue and improve vision

 

Insufficient or poorly directed light can increase visual fatigue and complicate the execution of tasks. This is why it is necessary to optimize lighting and here are some tips to do so:

 

  • Favor natural light as much as possible, avoiding reflections on surfaces;

  • Install desk lamps with adjustable intensity and neutral white light (ideal for reading or working on a screen);

  • Use directional lighting to target work areas, such as a keyboard or documents.

Ergonomic furniture: essential comfort

 

Adjustable furniture ensures a comfortable posture throughout the day. Choose:

 

  • Height-adjustable desks, allowing the workspace to be adapted to the user's vision and posture;

  • Ergonomic chairs offering good back support and comfortable seating to prevent pain associated with prolonged sitting.

Space organization: optimizing accessibility

 

A well-organized workstation reduces obstacles and makes movement easier. Here are some good practices:

  • Place essential items within easy reach, in easily accessible areas;

  • Be sure to maintain a clear space around the desk to avoid falls or trips;

  • Identify equipment with tactile or visual cues (color contrasts, raised markings).

By combining these ergonomic solutions, you offer visually impaired employees a suitable working environment that promotes both their well-being and their productivity .

 

Technical aids for the visually impaired in the workplace

 

Technical aids may also be necessary to enable visually impaired employees to work efficiently. These tools, adapted to the specific needs of people with visual impairments, offer increased autonomy in carrying out professional tasks.

 

Computer tools: seeing digital differently

 

For people with visual impairments, accessing digital documents is often a challenge. The following solutions can improve readability and reduce visual strain:

 

  • Screen magnification software like ZoomText or SUPERNOVA enlarges  displayed content while maintaining its clarity and readability;

  • Screen readers such as NVDA or JAWS transform displayed text into speech output or electronic braille;

  • Large-print keyboards , often contrasting black and yellow, improve key visibility for more intuitive use.

Mobile applications can also be added as a complement, such as Seeing AI or Be My Eyes .

 

Magnifying Devices: See Details Clearly

 

Electronic magnifiers and telemagnifiers are essential tools for tasks requiring reading physical documents:

 

  • Electronic magnifiers allow you to enlarge texts and images while adjusting contrasts for better readability;

  • Telemagnifiers , with their built-in camera, project documents onto a screen and offer customizable zoom and contrast options.

Assistive technologies: a gain in autonomy

 

Speech recognition applications , such as Dragon Professional 16 , allow employees to dictate texts or navigate a computer without using a keyboard or mouse. These tools are particularly useful for writing emails, preparing reports, or conducting online research.

 

Devices promoting the professional inclusion of visually impaired people

 

Creating an inclusive environment requires a combination of targeted actions, ranging from awareness-raising to personalized workstation design.

 

Training and awareness: a collaborative environment

 

Training staff in the use of assistive technology is essential to ensure its adoption and effectiveness. A good understanding of the tools presented above (such as screen readers or electronic magnifiers) helps to overcome initial apprehensions.

 

At the same time, raising awareness among colleagues about the specific needs of the visually impaired promotes better collaboration and limits misunderstandings. This awareness can be achieved through workshops or information sessions on visual impairment and good practices to adopt in the workplace.

 

Personalized support: a tailor-made approach

 

Each visually impaired employee has unique needs. That is why it is interesting to collaborate with ergonomists and specialists. This allows us to identify the best solutions for each individual. These experts assess visual constraints and propose concrete adaptations.

 

Financial aid and resources available

 

Setting up a workstation can be an investment, but there are support systems available to employers. Agefiph , for example, offers funding for the purchase of adapted equipment or the implementation of specific arrangements.

 

Other aid may come from regional funds or associations dedicated to the inclusion of people with disabilities.

 

Thanks to these devices, the professional inclusion of visually impaired people becomes not only possible, but also beneficial for the company and its employees.

 

An inclusive professional future for the visually impaired

 

Providing a workstation adapted to visually impaired people is much more than just a legal obligation: it is a lever to promote their professional inclusion and enhance their skills. Ergonomic solutions, technical aids and personalized support help overcome the challenges related to visual impairment, while creating an inclusive and productive work environment.

 

Investing in these systems not only meets the specific needs of employees, but also strengthens diversity and innovation within teams. Employers have a key role to play in this approach, so that everyone can contribute fully, with complete autonomy and peace of mind.

 

Want to go further? Discover how MagicSight , embedded on Magic Leap glasses, can help your visually impaired employees and guide them towards regained autonomy.