A Study of Community Enterprises for Visually Impaired Individuals

Abstract

This study aimed to study community enterprises operated by visually impaired individuals and examine the challenges and obstacles they face. The study also explored how these individuals adapt to managing their enterprises. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected visually impaired individuals in Chiang Mai Province. Participants were both congenitally and later-life blind.

The study found that 1) community enterprises for visually impaired individuals involve the formation of groups within the community to promote occupations and improve quality of life. However, these community enterprises have not yet reached full development due to five main reasons. (1) Group formation and community support in terms of information accessibility requires special technology. The work of visually impaired individuals must receive continuous support from external organizations. (2) Rules and regulations for coexistence have not been adapted to meet the needs of visually impaired individuals. (3) There is a lack of support from the government and private sectors in terms of market development and budget allocation for career advancement. (4) There is a lack of access to information and the opportunity to learn new skills that are essential for market development and product improvement. (5) Participation in activities or the operation of community enterprises remains fragmented, lacking cooperation and coordination at every stage. The findings further indicated that 2) the problems and obstacles in operating community enterprises for visually impaired individuals included business management, transportation, adaptation to regulations, time constraints, product production, teamwork within the group, and lack of financial support. The result additionally showed that 3) visually impaired individuals have adapted by training in the use of technology to assist with their work, learning new marketing skills, and adjusting to the regulations related to group formation for the operation of community enterprises for the visually impaired.