Jobs Suitable for the Colour Blind
Some estimates say there are up to 300 million colour blind people in the world. Not every job is suitable, and there are some famous examples of roles you may not be able to apply for if you are colour blind, such as some pilot positions. There are many jobs suitable for colour blind people, and the careers that can be affected are a minority, but it is important to realise which jobs might not be an option.
Is Colour Blindness a Disability?
Colour blindness itself may be considered a disability depending on how it impacts your life. This means that in some cases, reasonable adjustments need to be made for people who are colour blind so they can do their job effectively.
Under the Equality Act of 2010, people have the right for reasonable adjustments to be made in the workplace, but this does not mean that every job is accessible.
Jobs Colour Blindness Can Affect
It may be easier to consider the jobs that can be impacted by colour blindness, and positions where you may not be considered if you are colour blind.
- Pilots. The inability to distinguish colours can be hazardous when piloting a plane.
- Train drivers. Again, the need to be able to see different coloured signals is vital.
- Air traffic controllers. As with pilots and train drivers, being able to distinguish colours is key.
- Electricians. A lot of colour coding is used in this career and you may be restricted if you are not able to see them.
Besides these roles, it is very rare to find a company that won’t consider you for a job if you have colour blindness. So, there are thousands of jobs suitable for colour blind people and you can follow your passions.
Support For Colour Blindness
If your condition would cause a potential hazard then an employer can choose not to consider you for the role, but they are bound to make “reasonable adjustments” under the law.
Reasonable adjustments are changes to the workplace, or how a job is done, which can help a person with a disability do their work.
This could mean changing the way information is provided, such as providing written instructions rather than relying on colour coding. Accessible employers are usually happy to make these sorts of changes.
Finding Jobs If You Are Colour Blind
There are many jobs suitable for people who are colour blind, so with the roles you can’t do in mind, the most important thing is to find an inclusive and accessible employer.
Our disability jobs board has many positions offered by employers who support their staff through their conditions and recruit colour blind as well as other disabled candidates.
