What is it about?
Blind and low-vision software developers face numerous hurdles (e.g., developer tools used to write code work poorly with screenreaders) to overcome to be effective contributors in the workplace. This study focuses on identifying workplace factors that can impact their career in terms of promotion and deciding whether to pursue a technical or managerial career or switch roles to another company. The study identifies four factors: technical challenges, perceptions of colleagues, differing self-perceptions on the accessibility of managerial roles, and the investment in making the current role accessible leading to a reluctance to repeat the experience elsewhere.
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Why is it important?
People with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in the USA. In understanding the challenges faced by blind and low-vision software professionals, managers and organizations can identify the steps to make their teams, organizations, and workplace be more inclusive.
Perspectives
This was a fascinating study to be involved with. It was humbling to hear about individuals' workplace experiences and the barriers to overcome just to do a job. Participating in the study has certainly inspired me to take steps to help my work environment be more welcoming and accessible.
Victoria Jackson
University of Southampton
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Understanding the Career Mobility of Blind and Low Vision Software Professionals, April 2024, ACM (Association for Computing Machinery),
DOI: 10.1145/3641822.3641872.
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