Challenges Faced by Visual Disability Translators/Interpreters in Mexico: A qualitative case study

What if not being able to see is not the greatest challenge in a profession built around words? For a visual disability translator/interpreter, the greatest obstacles may not come from language itself, but from a professional world that is not always designed to be accessible. This qualitative case study explores the professional experiences of a visual disability translator/interpreter in Mexico, focusing on the accessibility barriers, assistive technologies, and strategies involved in her academic and professional development. Data were collected through a qualitative, open-ended interview designed to explore her experiences with translation, interpreting, technology, and workplace inclusion. The findings reveal that inaccessible scanned documents, visual elements, and partial translation tools can complicate tasks that sighted professionals may perform independently. To navigate these challenges, the participant relies on screen-reading software, keyboard shortcuts, digital resources, terminology verification, careful revision, and other strategies that support the quality of her work. The study also highlights the development of strong organizational, listening, memory, and problem-solving skills. Although visual disability creates specific challenges when dealing with formatting and visual information, the participant reports that it does not prevent her from achieving comparable standards of linguistic quality. The findings suggest that the main barriers are not related to professional competence, but to technological inaccessibility and limited workplace accommodations. Ultimately, this case invites reflection on what it truly means to make the translation and interpreting professions accessible and inclusive.