Hire & Retain Talent

Vision loss is more common than you might think. Inclusive hiring isn't just the right thing to do - it's smart business.

Key Facts

• 89,300 Minnesotans identified with a visual disability in 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
• Nationwide, the number of adults with uncorrectable vision loss is expected to double by 2050.
• 4 in 10 adults (93 million Americans) are at high risk for vision loss.

The Business Case for Inclusive Hiring and Retention

• Every $1 invested in disability hiring returns $3 in value.
• Accommodations typically cost $0-$300, while replacing an employee costs 50-200% of their salary.
• Inclusive companies see higher revenue (+1.6x), net income (+2.6x), and productivity (+25%).
• 85% of employers retain valued employees through accommodations.

Bottom Line

Evolve Employment connects you to proven talent that delivers high performance, better retention, and measurable returns.

Find more detailed information on the business case for inclusive hiring and retention.

You may not realize how common vision loss is in the workplace, but you've likely felt the cost of losing a good employee. Protect your investment in experienced employees. Evolve Employment offers support to help you keep high-performing staff, often through simple and affordable solutions.

We offer free, practical support such as:

• On-site and virtual consultations
• Job site analysis to explore accommodation options
• Problem-solving partner and recommendations for immediate accommodations
• Assistive technology setup and training for employees and supervisors
• Sessions to help your team understand vision loss in the workplace
• Resources on ADA requirements and reasonable accommodations

Fast Response, Low-Barrier Support

No referral or formal intake is required. Employees do not need to meet traditional SSB criteria to get help. If vision loss is challenging employee performance, we are here to help!

Retention Hotline

Call our dedicated retention line to talk about how we can help today.

Call: 651-259-7162 | Request Online

Need help filling roles with reliable, job-ready candidates? Evolve Employment connects businesses to qualified and motivated individuals.

• All candidates are pre-screened.
• Candidates are matched to your specific hiring needs.
• Services are available at no cost to employers.

Discover talent and invest in your community, no strings attached. Host short-term experiences that deliver business value and open doors for job seekers.

Workplace exposure experiences are low-risk and high-value. Gain valuable connections, boost your brand, and position yourself as an employer of choice, while making a real investment in local talent.

• Host Workplace Tours: Promote your company culture, showcase your operations, and inspire interest from potential candidates.
• Job Shadows: Give a real-world look at your jobs, build current employee engagement, and spot opportunities for growth.
• Informational Interviews: Share your expertise and position yourself as a go-to industry resource. Gain a fresh perspective and meet rising talent.

Interested in a bit more?

• Internships: Test out a candidate's skills in a low-risk setting, fill short-term needs, and develop talent tailored to your business.
• Customized Training Programs: Ensure new hires have the exact skills you need, reduce onboarding time, and strengthen long-term employee retention.

Evolve Employment offers free, customized training and consulting designed for your workplace.

Topics include:

• Disability and inclusion awareness
• Working effectively with people who are blind or low vision
• Assistive technology demonstrations and training
• Inclusive hiring and onboarding practices
• ADA guidance and workplace accessibility tips

Training can be delivered in-person or virtually to individuals, departments, or company-wide.

What are the financial benefits of hiring someone with vision loss?

Hiring employees with vision loss is a smart business move. Companies that lead in disability inclusion see higher revenue, profit, and innovation, while employees often match or exceed the productivity of their peers ^{1 2}.

Lower turnover, lower costs: Inclusive hiring programs can reduce turnover to 20–30%, cutting costs for training, lost productivity, overtime, and HR administration ².

High-performing workforce: Employees with disabilities demonstrate strong innovation. 90% perform at average or above-average levels when evaluated on the same scale as their peers ².

Access to incentives and support: Employers may benefit from programs like the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). Plus, our services to help recruit and retain employees with vision loss are available at no cost.

Bottom Line: Tapping into our pool of qualified applicants results in real dollars.

1. Accenture & Disability:IN. (2023). The disability inclusion imperative. Accenture.
2. Accenture, Disability:IN, & American Association of People with Disabilities. (2018). Getting to equal: The disability inclusion advantage. Accenture. 

How can someone who can't see do the same job as someone who can?

Individuals with vision loss are as competent and capable as anyone. With the right tools and strategies, they often match or exceed the performance of sighted colleagues.

People with vision loss use technology such as screen readers, magnification software, and other adaptive methods to do their jobs effectively. The approach may look different, but the outcomes are the same.

If you haven't worked with someone who uses these tools, it might be hard to envision. But here's what matters: vision loss doesn't affect someone's ability to do the job well. It simply means they get there a different way.

How do I interview a candidate with vision loss?

Start the same way you would with any qualified candidate: focus on their skills, experience, and potential fit for the role. If they meet the minimum qualifications, move forward with a standard interview.

Quick resource: Interviewing a Candidate Who Is Blind (PDF)

Will this affect my workers' compensation insurance?

No. Workers' compensation premiums are based on the jobs employees perform, not on individual employee characteristics.