The Challenges of Having a Visual Disability

Living with any type of disability is a difficult situation for anyone to manage. The inability to have the full capacity of vital organs can limit your capabilities in everyday life. Visual impairment can affect your ability to drive, work and even live an independent lifestyle. Some ailments can be corrected by the use of specialized lenses, while others may require surgery. Other options also exist for people who have to live with visual disabilities.

What is Visual Disability?

• Visual disability is a term that is used to describe any type of vision loss. This term is used for people who are unable to see at all, but also applies to those who have "minor" problems that are corrected through the use of corrective glasses or contacts. While many people are affected by some form of impairment, many of these people are able to have the problem easily diagnosed and corrected. Visual problems can come from a variety of sources, such as a birth defect or a sports injury. Many of these issues can be corrected through treatment; however, some individuals are left requiring permanent care.

Challenges in Everyday Living with Visual Disabilities

• When an individual has to live with a visual disability, he or she loses some form feeling of independence. For example, a person who has to rely on glasses while driving is legally not allowed to operate a vehicle while not using a form of corrective lens. The situation is even worse for individuals who suffer from more serious forms of eye aliments. Blindness causes people to completely lose the ability to see and without that ability, leading an independent lifestyle is very difficult.

Employment Challenges while Living with Visual Disabilities

• Individuals who are living with a visual disability may have a limited number of potential employers. The inability to pass a vision test may force them out of specific jobs and into a limited job market. Many individuals who are living with a visual problem may be forced to take a job that requires the completion of simple tasks. For example, handicraft and basketry are two industries that could employ people with visual impairments because they are able to complete their task due to the repetitive use of their hands. Some visual impairment may render an individual unable to work in any form or fashion.

Treatments and Adjustments to Living with Visual Disability

• People who have to live with visual disability may be able to take steps to have their condition corrected. As stated, corrective lenses can help raise a person's vision to acceptable standards. Beyond that, some people may opt to have treatments such as Lasik or PRK to allow them to see clearly without the use of corrective lenses. Other options also exist such as the use of highly trained dogs that assist people suffering from blindness. These animals are trained to guide people to specific routes and how to help with day-to-day tasks that a visually impaired person would not be able to do on their own.