Guidelines for fellow employees of a person with Macular Degeneration (MD)
a. Where to go first
To better understand your fellow employee's eye condition you could read the information provided by the Macular Degeneration Foundation on this website.
b. What is macular degeneration (MD)?
Macular degeneration is a loss of function in the central retina due to unknown environmental or genetic factors. Some people develop macular degeneration when young (eg. Stargardt's disease or high myopia). Most people develop it later in life (age-related macular degeneration). Macular degeneration comes in two main types; 'dry' and 'wet'. The more common dry degenerative form produces a gradual loss of central vision over many years. However, with the more severe 'wet' form vision may suddenly decrease. Macular degeneration cannot be cured, though current therapies and treatments can often slow its progression.
People with macular degeneration can have a range of sight from near normal levels of vision to low vision to legal blindness. However, it is important to note that people with macular degeneration have good peripheral vision and can often function very well using their side vision. A person is termed legally blind when they cannot see the big letters on the top of a vision testing chart. A person is said to have low vision when they fail the eye test for a driving license.
c. Understanding visual disability
Each person with macular degeneration is different. A person with a visual disability can often perform all the important requirements of a job and exceed the expectations of their employer. A person with visual disability may show no outward signs of their problem. A person with macular degeneration may have had near normal vision one or two years ago but their situation can change over time.
d. What visual disability does a person with macular degeneration have?
People with mild macular degeneration may have difficulty seeing small print clearly. They often need stronger task lighting and some magnification. They may dislike rapid changes in light levels and may experience glare difficulties.
In more advanced macular degeneration, a person may experience distortions, spots or shadows across their central vision. These 'scotomas' can result in being unable to read standard size print or the inability to recognise faces. The perception of colour fades at this time. A person may need to use enlarged fonts use adaptive technology (Zoom text, CCTV) or sensory substitution methods (speech synthesizers, JAWS).
Note that a person with macular degeneration will retain good peripheral vision at all times. Their ability to move around the workplace is often excellent.
e. Attitudes to people with macular degeneration
- In many cases you will be entirely unaware that your colleague has macular degeneration in the first place. Treat your colleague with respect and dignity as is expected in any workplace environment.
- You do not need to speak loudly to people with sight impairment. If you feel that a person with macular degeneration requires assistance, then ask "would you like help?" and listen to their response. Do not just assume that help is required. Be receptive and accepting.
- Be flexible - adapt procedures to the person not the person to procedures
f. Working with a person with macular degeneration
All the standard courtesies when introducing a new colleague to the workplace apply. However be aware that people with macular degeneration may need to:
- Be orientated to their new environment;
- Be informed of any changes to their environment;
- Have access to a supervisor with whom they can consult.
You will also need to:
- Familiarise co-workers with the colleague's disability (only if necessary and with his/her permission);
- Advise fire wardens about the location of staff with disabilities and ensure appropriate evacuation procedures are developed e.g. visual and aural alarms.