How Thomas Pocklington Trust Creates Workplace opportunities for People Who Are Blind

Employment is a pathway to independence, confidence, and belonging — but for people who are blind or have low vision, it’s a journey filled with barriers. Shockingly, only 25% of blind and partially sighted people in the UK are employed, and for those with the most severe vision loss, it drops to just 1 in 10.

The Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is changing that. With a focus on employment, education, and advocacy, TPT provides life-changing support for people with vision loss. Recently, Jonathan Ward, a TPT employment specialist with nearly 40 years of experience, joined the Envision Podcast, to discuss how TPT is reshaping opportunities for blind and low-vision individuals.

Who is the Thomas Pocklington Trust?

The Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) is a UK-based charity dedicated to empowering people with vision loss. Founded in 1958, TPT provides employment support, education guidance, and advocacy for accessibility. The organization’s Sight Loss Councils work to create change from within communities, advocating for accessible public transport, retail spaces, and more.

How TPT Supports Employment

TPT's Employment Support Services guide people with vision loss through every stage of the job-seeking process. Their free services include:

• CV and Application Support: Helps with resumes, cover letters, and applications.
• Interview Prep: Mock interviews and coaching to boost confidence.
• Access to Work Guidance: Assistance with the UK’s Access to Work scheme, which funds workplace adaptations, screen readers, and personal support.

Beyond technical skills, TPT also tackles the “everyday barriers” people face at work — like navigating office layouts, using shared kitchens, or knowing when to speak during meetings.

“Blind and partially sighted people can work. They can do the same jobs as everyone else. It’s about helping employers understand how small changes can make a big difference.” – Jonathan Ward

Internship Program: A Launchpad for Careers

One of TPT’s most powerful initiatives is its Internship Program, which provides 9-month, paid work placements with major employers like Channel 4. These internships give people with vision loss crucial work experience, training, and real-world skills.

TPT co-funds these internships with employers, making it easier for companies to participate. With over 85% of interns moving into full-time employment, the program has become a model for inclusive hiring.

“Our goal is to get blind and partially sighted people into paid work. And the internship program has proven to be one of the best ways to make it happen.” – Jonathan Ward

Why Inclusion at Work Matters

Employment is more than just doing the job. For people with vision loss, day-to-day interactions like navigating an office or finding their lunch can create barriers. TPT works with employers to create inclusive work environments where employees can thrive.

At Envision, we see this firsthand with tools like the Envision Glasses, which empower people to read menus, navigate offices, and participate more independently in workplace life, especially after our latest release of ally on our Envision Glasses. Small changes like this can lead to big improvements in inclusion and confidence.

Get Involved

If you or someone you know needs employment support or wants to participate in TPT’s internship program, here’s how to connect:

• Visit this website.
• Submit a Referral: Use the website’s referral form to connect with TPT’s employment team.

Employers can also partner with TPT to recruit, onboard, and support employees with vision loss, creating more inclusive and diverse workplaces.

From Barriers to Breakthroughs

The Thomas Pocklington Trust is breaking down barriers and proving that people with vision loss can thrive in the workplace. With employment support, internships, and advocacy, they’re creating pathways for inclusion, independence, and opportunity.

For deeper insights, listen to the full episode of the Envision Podcast. It’s a conversation filled with wisdom, inspiration, and proof that every barrier can be broken.