Challenges in Integrating Visually Impaired Persons into Employment in Malaysia: An Exploratory Analysis

Abstract

Malaysia has performed dismally in the 1% job placement quota policy for persons with disabilities (PWDs). As visually impaired persons (VIPs) show a higher degree of unemployment than other disability types, this study investigates how to integrate VIPs into the Malaysian labour market. In-depth personal interviews were conducted among VIPs in Klang Valley. The research sample consists of VIPs aged between 25 years to 50 years with tertiary education. Six VIPs were employed (four in the public sector, two in the private sector) and two were unemployed. The qualitative data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis. While employers are reluctant to hire VIPs considering the costs in the form of facility provision and lost productivity, they need to value the strengths VIPs possess. This requires raising employers’ awareness regarding the value of VIPs to their organisations. The main challenges VIPs face include access to information and infrastructure. Access to information can be improved through assistive technology to perform tasks efficiently. Adopting inclusive recruitment and hiring practices, raising awareness and educating employers on the importance of inclusivity in the organisation and implementing accessibility standards can better integrate VIPs into the labour market.