• Employment Awareness
• Finding the right person for the right job
• Who is Employer Awareness Training available to?
• What's in it for me?
• How can I help?
• Related Links

Employment Awareness

Employer Awareness is a service offered by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) to employers and employer groups.

This service aims to broaden employers' awareness of the benefits of hiring a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person. We also work with the RNZFB's Vocational Placement Service to match employment opportunities with blind, deafblind and vision-impaired job seekers.

Employer Awareness Trainers are available to provide information and advice to employers and employer groups. We can facilitate training for your business and provide you with the support and resources that will assist you in recruiting a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person or retain a staff
member who is losing their sight.

"The support from the RNZFB has been great. One of our initial concerns was the amount of equipment and support we would have to provide Nicola with, but the RNZFB has taken care of all of that."
Ian Cunningham,
Branch Manager,
Boise Office Solutions

Finding the right person for the right job

Blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people can be found working in over 80 industries, from the farm to the board room. With appropriate training and equipment, blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people have the same career prospects as anyone else.

For many blind, deafblind and vision-impaired job seekers there are perceived barriers that can limit their participation in the workforce. We want to dispel the myths and stereotypes around what blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people are capable of, while helping to reduce the high levels of unemployment in the blind community.

"Employing Hamish has been a great experience. A lot of people have inhibitions – oh he's blind, he's deaf, he's only got one arm. People need a chance and by taking away perceived barriers, we've got one of our best employees out of it."
David Cook, Complex Manager, Bunnings Warehouse.

Myth People with disabilities are less reliable and are absent more.

Reality Research has found that people with disabilities have an above average attendance record and that most people with disabilities had a lower rate of employment turnover.

Myth People with disabilities cost more to employ.

Reality The majority of workers with disabilities do not require special equipment or services. For employees who do require assistance, financial support is available through government agencies.

Myth People with disabilities are less productive.

Reality International research has found that there was no significant difference in productivity levels for most people with disabilities, compared with other staff.

Myth Workers with disabilities are a greater safety risk, to themselves and to their co-workers.

Reality New Zealand research found that in a 12-month period, the safety rate for people with disabilities in the workforce was 99.78%.

Who is Employer Awareness Training available to?

1. Employers who have employed a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person.

2. Employers who are considering employing a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person.

3. Employers or employer groups who would like to learn more about the vital role they can play in assisting blind, deafblind or vision-impaired people gain meaningful employment.

What's in it for me?

• Access to a pool of willing and skilled workers.
• Access to financial benefits and assistance.
• It's good for business – diversifies your work place, increased efficiency, lower turnover of staff.

How can I help?

To find out more about the benefits of employing a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person, to list a vacancy with our Vocational Placement Service or to offer work experience for one of our job seekers please contact:

employment
0800 24 33 33

Related Links