Gradual onset blindness and transition out of a lab
A chemist whose job involved working in a lab was diagnosed with gradual onset blindness.
Following a workplace assessment, it was decided that they would no longer work in the lab. The workplace was willing to provide adjustments and training and the Access to Work scheme funded a part-time assistant and paid for occasional taxis to get to and from work
The employer paid for training to move to a different, office-based, role within the organisation. They also brought in an external company to educate colleagues. Other adjustments were made to the worker鈥檚 office and help provided in using computer and phone disability accessibility settings. Equipment such as a document magnifier and special lighting was also provided 鈥� although some of this seemed to be provided without first listening to what the employee actually needed.
When the condition was formalised (through medical certification), my HR department went into overdrive鈥� I had already reached the stage where I knew my presence in the laboratory was probably not a good idea.... My office environment was adapted and Access to Work paid for a part-time assistant and occasional taxis to/from work.