Barriers in Accommodation Process Among Individuals with Visual Impairments

This study examined the barriers to request workplace accommodations by individuals with visual impairments. The authors created and administered an online survey that was distributed to agencies serving individuals with visual impairments. The survey included demographic information, and type and cost of accommodations requested or considered but did not request. In addition, participants were asked to complete two open-ended questions about barriers and facilitators to request accommodations in the accommodation process. A content analysis approach in combination with basic quantitative descriptive method was used to analyze the responses to open-ended questions, and types and cost of accommodations in this study. One hundred sixteen participants completed the survey. Among them, 80 participants offered 118 comments related to barriers and facilitators in requesting accommodations. Seven themes in relation to barriers and facilitators in accommodation requests were identified: employees' lack of confidence in requesting accommodations, employees' fears and concerns of seeking accommodations, employees' and employers' lack of knowledge on accommodation and ADA, employers' attitude and workplace culture, accommodation requesting procedural issues, and facilitative strategies on requesting accommodations. The authors discussed the implications for rehabilitation professionals to help individuals with visual impairments and their employers/supervisors to overcome barriers in requesting and providing accommodations.