A quantitative study on the professional competency enhancement of persons with visual impairment in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Independent living is one of the fundamental human rights of persons with visual impairments and employment plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life. However, the employment rate of persons with visual impairment is comparatively insubstantial in the current scenario. It can be addressed through a structured training programme which may benefit persons with visual impairments by enhancing their professional competencies. The study aimed to provide QR-code-assisted instructions to enhance the essential skills required for showcasing professionalism. A purposive sampling method was used to select the participants (N = 60), from the Coimbatore District, Tamil Nadu, and pre- and post-test data were collected through face-to-face interview schedules consisting of four domains: (a) workplace behaviour, (b) workplace culture, (c) soft skills, and (d) maintaining personality. QR-code-assisted instructions were provided individually, and the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test results (p < .01) indicated that QR-code-assisted instructions effectively enhanced professional behaviour skills among persons with visual impairments. Employment can be considered a measure of success applied equally to everyone. The authors designed and developed a training package, provided training to the participants using it, and the outcomes are discussed concerning the type of visual impairments and gender of the participants.

Keywords

Employment independent living professional competency rehabilitation visual impairment

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