Problems of Unemployment Faced by Visually Impaired People

Abstract

In Zimbabwe there are no comprehensive programmes to assist visually impaired school leavers to find employment. The problems faced by visually impaired people in getting employment were the thrust of this study. The study was carried out in Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Masvingo and Harare provinces. Using questionnaires, data were collected from 20 unemployed and 20 employed visually impaired persons respectively and also from 10 employers of visually impaired persons. The data collected were analysed by using descriptive statistics. The study proved that visually impaired people were productive, loyal and capable of doing a number of jobs. It was further established that gender was not a factor in the employability of visually impaired people. The study revealed that lack of information by employers about visual impairment was a major cause of the problems faced in the labour market by visually impaired people. The general scarcity of jobs in the country had very little to do with the unemployment of visually impaired people. Recommendations on the employability of the visually impaired were made. The conclusion summarised the findings of the study.