On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Yvonne Goertz defended her dissertation at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, earning the title of Doctor. Her research focused on an extremely relevant and socially significant topic: labor participation of people with visual impairments in the Netherlands.
Breakthroughs in Labor Participation
Goertz’s dissertation, titled Labour Participation of Persons with Visual Impairments in the Netherlands: An Assessment Instrument Based on Work-Related Success Factors, provides new insights into the factors contributing to the successful employment of individuals with visual impairments. The research had three main objectives:
- Mapping the employment situation: This involved examining how many people with visual impairments are employed, actively seeking work, and satisfied with their jobs.
- Identifying success factors: Psychological and practical skills were analyzed to determine which factors are crucial for obtaining and maintaining employment.
- Developing an assessment instrument: This tool is designed to support professionals in reintegration programs by leveraging individually tailored success factors.
Knowledge That Drives Change
The study reveals that labor participation among individuals with visual impairments is significantly lower than that of the general workforce. Factors such as mobility, acceptance of visual impairment, and optimism play a major role in securing paid employment. The dissertation highlights the importance of targeted support and attention to these aspects in order to promote labor market inclusion.
A Milestone for Inclusion
Yvonne Goertz’s PhD defense is not only a personal achievement but also a significant step in advancing knowledge on inclusion and self-sufficiency for people with visual impairments. Her work contributes to practical applications that can help reduce barriers in the labor market. With her dissertation, Yvonne Goertz has achieved academic success while making a valuable contribution to improving the social position of individuals with visual impairments.