Youth Month Blog Series

As part of our Youth Month Blog Series, we are highlighting practical ways to create more inclusive opportunities for young people entering the workforce.

A New Resource Driving Real Change

The Hein Wagner Academy has released a valuable new resource:
“A Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion”

Developed in partnership with ABSA Bank, this hands-on handbook is designed to help South African employers move beyond good intentions and actively create workplaces where visually impaired professionals can thrive.

Why This Guide Matters

With a staggering 97% unemployment rate among visually impaired graduates in South Africa, the need for inclusive employment practices has never been more urgent.

This guide draws on real-world experience from ABSA and other forward-thinking organisations, showing that inclusive hiring is not only possible — it also delivers meaningful business benefits, including:

• Stronger innovation
• Greater team empathy
• Improved workplace morale

Key Highlights from the Guide

1. The Business Case for Inclusion

Simple workplace adjustments — such as screen readers — are often more affordable than expected.
Visually impaired employees also bring strong problem-solving abilities and diverse perspectives.

2. Inclusive Recruitment Practices

• Use clear, plain language in job descriptions
• Avoid unnecessary visual-based requirements
• Structure interviews inclusively:
  • Ensure one person speaks at a time
  • Clearly identify each speaker

3. Reasonable Workplace Accommodations

Creating an accessible workspace can include:

• Screen readers and assistive technology
• Consistent desk layouts
• Mobility training and transport support

Tip: Always ask employees what they need instead of making assumptions.

4. Effective Onboarding

Preparation is key to success:

• Start onboarding at least one month in advance
• Provide sensitivity training for teams
• Ensure assistive technology is ready before day one

Practical Tools Included

The guide includes helpful checklists for both employers and employees, making the process of inclusive hiring and onboarding more manageable and structured.

Access the Guide

The full Practical Employment Guide for Visually Impaired Inclusion is available to download for free via the ABSA website.

Final Thoughts

If you are an HR professional, business leader, or organisation looking to build a more inclusive workplace, this guide offers practical, actionable steps to help you get started.

Inclusive employment is not just a social responsibility — it’s an opportunity to build stronger, more innovative organisations.

✅ Stay tuned for more insights in our Youth Month Blog Series