Forms of Social Support in the Workplace for Individuals with Visual Impairments

In this study, the authors explored the forms of social support, both positive and negative, that individuals with visual impairments receive in the workplace. This study was a follow-up to the authors' previous study (Papakonstantinou & Papadopoulos, 2009) that investigated the various forms of positive and negative social support received by people with visual impairments in the workplace from both colleagues and employers or supervisors. The sample of this study included 25 individuals with visual impairments (11 men and 14 women), aged 23-42 (mean = 33, SD = 5.29). Of the 25 participants, 17 were blind and 8 had low vision. The Results section outlines the categories and list of forms of support which can be used as a tool for resolving problems with relationships at work. Moreover, the knowledge of forms of support can significantly contribute to the design of specific programs that aim to enlighten and sensitize the employers or supervisors and colleagues of people with visual impairments.