EYECAN launches corporate accreditation scheme in response to Disability Legislation

In response to the introduction of the Discrimination (Disability) (Jersey) Law, Jersey’s leading charity supporting blind and sight impaired Islanders has launched the EYECAN accreditation scheme for Jersey businesses of all sizes. Successful completion of the accreditation will give employers, businesses and staff the knowledge and skills to comfortably engage with people who are living with blindness or sight loss and ensure they meet the requirements of the new legislation.

EYECAN is committed to changing the perception of sight loss to give those affected by it more opportunities and support, while increasing the inclusiveness of work and public places Island-wide. The new accreditation scheme is a key pillar of this commitment, providing a framework for Jersey’s business community to engage with.

“One in five people over the age of 65 has sight loss and this ratio increases significantly with age.

Businesses are highly likely to encounter a member of staff, customer, or client who suffers from sight loss or impairment,” says Jane Vincent, Operations Director at EYECAN. “Our new corporate accreditation scheme will help local businesses improve their accessibility and service for those with sight impairment and give people with sight impairment the confidence that their additional needs can be catered for and met by that organisation.”

The EYECAN Accreditation has been specifically designed, based on the requirements of the new Discrimination (Disability) (Jersey) Law. The training explains the relevant areas of the law in jargon-free terms to the participants. Through audits and workshops, it provides useful specifics on how each business can enhance the experience of sight-impaired clients, employees or customers in realistic and achievable ways. Participants will also gain a valuable understanding of the impact that inaccessible information and environments have on people living with sight loss. Businesses who have completed the accreditation will be awarded the EYECAN Accreditation Marque certificate and stickers to display on their premises making them easily recognisable as an organisation well-equipped to cater for the needs of sight impaired islanders.

EYECAN has ambitious targets for 20 local businesses to be accredited in the next 12 months. Further information about the EYECAN Accreditation scheme can be found at www.eyecan.je.