eyeway.org : beyond the I : issue 5 : focus : voices of people: employment

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issue 5 july-august 2005
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Voices of People: Employment

Eyeway asked some people what being a blind citizen of India means to them, with a focus on one specific aspect of life.

Heeru Chandnani
Human Resources Administration Specialist, IBM, Bangalore

I have been working for the past three years, and though it hasn't been easy, it hasn't been difficult either.

I cannot comment on whether this situation is particular to India , because I have no experience of what it is like in other countries. Personally, I have gone for a number of interviews, where I have attempted to convince prospective employers that I am capable of performing my duties efficiently - and failed utterly.

That said, I must say that things are improving. From my first job to my second, I found that things have become better. I also find that M.N.C.s tend to more broad-minded and accommodating in this regard.

Basically, a lot depends on the company. I have never had an issue with co-workers. I believe that you have to be comfortable with your blindness. If you are, your co-workers or friends will also be comfortable. You can explain to them what is difficult for you and what they need to do to make things work smoothly.

Of course, there are certain work areas where one's visual impairment can be a problem, and I have chosen to stay away from them. In certain human resources jobs, for example, there's a lot of walking around the office. I just do not opt for those profiles. Being blind is no big deal. I am not able to see, so what? I have all my limbs and I have my other faculties. This is not a major impediment and one can easily work around it.

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