Unlocking Untapped Talent: Inclusive Hiring with Marianne Hagley

Despite advances in technology, the unemployment rate for blind professionals remains nearly 70 percent. Many employers overlook this talent pool due to outdated hiring practices and misconceptions about capability.

In this episode of Hiring Excellence, Johnny Campbell speaks with Marianne Haegeli, Director of Learning and Leadership at NSITE, about bridging this employment gap. They discuss how assistive technology enables blind professionals to thrive, the impact of NSITE’s career programs, and the steps organizations can take to build more inclusive hiring processes.

Timestamps:

Also available on: LinkedIn, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!

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Key Takeaways

1. Blind and visually impaired professionals face an employment crisis

The unemployment rate among blind professionals is nearly 70%, a statistic that has remained unchanged for decades. This isn’t due to a lack of skills or ambition, but rather systemic barriers in hiring practices, workplace technology, and employer awareness. Many organizations assume they lack the resources to accommodate blind employees, yet small accessibility adjustments can make a significant impact.

2. Assistive technology eliminates most workplace barriers

Technology has transformed the employment landscape for blind and visually impaired professionals. Screen readers, voice-to-text applications, magnification software, and AI-driven tools allow individuals to perform on par with their sighted colleagues. However, if hiring platforms, job application portals, and company software aren’t designed with accessibility in mind, they create unnecessary obstacles. Employers must audit their systems to ensure they are fully compatible with assistive technologies.

3. Inclusive hiring leads to a stronger, more diverse workforce

Hiring blind and visually impaired professionals is not just about corporate social responsibility, it’s a business advantage. Companies that prioritise accessibility gain access to a diverse talent pool with unique problem-solving skills, adaptability, and resilience. Additionally, many accessibility features benefit all employees, not just those with disabilities. For example, clearer communication, well-structured documents, and streamlined onboarding processes improve efficiency for everyone.

4. Accessibility benefits neurodivergent employees as well

Improving workplace accessibility doesn’t just help blind professionals, it supports neurodivergent employees, individuals with dyslexia, and those with cognitive disabilities. Simple changes, such as providing alternative text for images, structuring documents properly, and using high-contrast colour schemes, create a more inclusive work environment for a broad range of employees. Organisations that embrace accessibility early will see long-term benefits in employee engagement and retention.

5. NSITE’s talent sourcing program is changing the game

NSITE connects blind and visually impaired job seekers with employers ready to create inclusive workplaces. Through skills training, career coaching, and employer partnerships, NSITE prepares candidates for competitive roles in industries such as HR, recruiting, communications, and contract management. Many of their program graduates have gone on to secure roles at major organizations, demonstrating the value of investing in accessible hiring.

6. Companies must take proactive steps to improve hiring accessibility

The first step to hiring inclusively is assessing whether your job application and hiring platforms are accessible. Many applicant tracking systems and career websites are not screen-reader compatible, preventing blind candidates from even applying. Employers should also offer alternative application methods, such as email submissions or accessible job portals. Additionally, training recruiters and hiring managers on inclusive interviewing techniques can help remove unconscious biases and create a more equitable hiring process.

Conclusion

Building an inclusive workforce isn’t just about compliance, it’s about unlocking talent. Blind and visually impaired professionals are fully capable of excelling in modern workplaces, and small accessibility improvements can make a huge difference in recruitment and retention. Organisations that invest in accessible hiring practices gain access to highly skilled, motivated, and resilient professionals who can drive real business impact.

To learn more about hiring blind and visually impaired professionals, visit NSITE.org or follow NSITE on LinkedIn.

Interested in hearing the full conversation?

Catch this episode and more on LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

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