disability case study

Overcoming problems

The Merthyr Tydfil Institute for the Blind (MTIB) delivers the Specialist Employability Support (SES) programme in South Wales. It’s a long-standing charity which helps individuals living with disabilities and disadvantages to find employment.

Anne lives with Aniridia, a condition that means the iris of her eye has not formed correctly. While registered blind, she has some limited vision and is keen to work and contribute to society. A carer for both foster children and her parents, when we met Anne she had been unemployed for four years, although she had extensive work experience and is a qualified social worker.

Anne was assigned an advisor who worked with her closely to identify suitable job opportunities, and improve her employability. She applied for a position as a BME (Black and Ethnic Minority) Information Officer with the Alzheimer’s Society – and was successful.

The position is a one-year contract and Anne continues to improve her skills and increase her employability. She says: “The programme has provided me with very good support and has been delivered in a non-patronising manner. I feel like an ordinary person when speaking to the advisor. We have an equal relationship – this has been a real bonus. Knowledge of a person’s condition and specific needs is very important and has been provided in my case.”