Leading cable and hose reels manufacturer, ReCoila Reels has joined hands with Vision Australia’s employment service to make a positive impact on the life of a visually impaired person.
ReCoila has provided employment to Sydney’s Alec Allen, who has optic atrophy to help disprove the misconception that a visually impaired person is least suited for employment in a manufacturing facility. Optic atrophy is a condition wherein the optic nerve that carries information to the brain is damaged.
Statistics show that more than 63% of people who are blind or have low vision are unable to find suitable employment. A Vision Australia survey reveals that one of the biggest factors preventing them from finding work is employer perception.
According to Vision Australia Team Manager Marion Rivers, when Mr Allen first came to Vision Australia for help, he hadn't worked for 15 years. She explains that employers are often concerned about safety when employing someone with vision impairment.
Vision Australia's specialist staff can demonstrate that by making some minor adjustments to the workplace, safety doesn't need to be a big issue. Alec's employer at ReCoila, Patrick Westerholm couldn’t agree more, saying that Alec has exceeding all their expectations. Alec works in the sub-component assembly section at ReCoila, which involves stationary work.
ReCoila has worked with another vision-impaired employee, Lesley Mortom who is now retired. He worked on the main assembly for many years.
ReCoila has provided employment to Sydney’s Alec Allen, who has optic atrophy to help disprove the misconception that a visually impaired person is least suited for employment in a manufacturing facility. Optic atrophy is a condition wherein the optic nerve that carries information to the brain is damaged.
Statistics show that more than 63% of people who are blind or have low vision are unable to find suitable employment. A Vision Australia survey reveals that one of the biggest factors preventing them from finding work is employer perception.
According to Vision Australia Team Manager Marion Rivers, when Mr Allen first came to Vision Australia for help, he hadn't worked for 15 years. She explains that employers are often concerned about safety when employing someone with vision impairment.
Vision Australia's specialist staff can demonstrate that by making some minor adjustments to the workplace, safety doesn't need to be a big issue. Alec's employer at ReCoila, Patrick Westerholm couldn’t agree more, saying that Alec has exceeding all their expectations. Alec works in the sub-component assembly section at ReCoila, which involves stationary work.
ReCoila has worked with another vision-impaired employee, Lesley Mortom who is now retired. He worked on the main assembly for many years.
20.07.2012
