Because it's so difficult for them to find employment, people with disabilities generally work harder and are more loyal.

People with visual disabilities tend to be more articulate and have better memories, owing to the way they have to work.

Our Placement Officer can advise employers interested in offering positions to visually impaired people. Options include:

Call Centre Staff
Optima provides training for blind and partially sighted people wishing to enter the call centre industry. For further information, please contact us. 

Internships
This involves a blind or partially sighted trainee being exposed to a real working environment for a period each week. The benefits are two-sided: other staff receive direct exposure to persons with a visual impairment, while the trainee has the opportunity to experience the workplace.

Learnerships
A learnership is a one-year programme, during which the trainee works and studies at the same time. The learner is paid by way of a grant and receives a certificate, recognised by the South African Qualifications Authority, on completion.

Learnerships are governed by SETAs (Sector Education and Training Authorities). Each industry has its own SETA, responsible for ensuring that skills development takes place. The company offering learnership opportunities benefits from rebates for the Skills Levy and also by educating a possible future employee.

Placements
We also have candidates who have greater degrees of experience and could be accommodated in the labour market - please contact us.