How Dolphin and The Thomas Pocklington Trust work together on the 'Get Set Progress' programme, supporting blind and partially sighted interns.
This year, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Laura - our Get Set Progress intern - into the Dolphin Product Testing team. Her insight as a visually impaired person has already made a meaningful contribution to our work. Her feedback helps us understand how our software performs for people who rely on assistive technology every day.
“It’s been a really enriching experience. I feel like I’m developing all the employability skills I aimed to build when I applied for this internship.”Laura Siekapen, intern
At Dolphin, accessibility is at the heart of everything we do. We create software that supports people with visual impairments to read, learn and work with confidence and recognise the importance of accessibility and diverse perspectives. Partnering with Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) on the Get Set Progress internship helps us offer more employment opportunities to blind and partially sighted people.
The Get Set Progress programme gives blind and partially sighted jobseekers the chance to gain paid work experience, develop skills and build confidence in a supportive environment. For Dolphin, it’s a chance to welcome new perspectives, strengthen our team and ensure our products continue to be shaped by people who understand accessibility through lived experience.
A partnership built on shared values
Our relationship with TPT is built on a shared commitment to improving opportunities for blind and partially sighted people. The Get Set Progress scheme reflects that commitment. It offers structured support, practical guidance and workplace adjustments that help interns feel confident stepping into a new role.
In the UK, only 27% of working‑age blind or partially sighted people are currently in work, while 90% of those with the most severe sight loss are unemployed. RNIB
For many blind and partially sighted people, securing that first opportunity can be the hardest step. The Get Set Progress internship helps bridge that gap by offering paid experience, structured support and a clear route into work. Laura’s journey is a strong example of how impactful that support can be.
Gareth Dawson, the Internship Coordinator at TPT explains:
The Get Set Progress internship scheme is all about opening doors, and we’d love to see more organisations and talented visually impaired people get involved, small steps like this can make a big difference in building a more inclusive workforce.
Assistive technology - including SuperNova - plays a vital role in supporting people with vision impairments in the workplace. As a screen reader user and braille reader herself, Laura is experienced in using assistive technology, and this experience makes her a perfect fit for her role at Dolphin.
TPT’s employment team has been a steady presence throughout the internship, with monthly check‑ins and ongoing support for both Laura and her manager. As a company, Dolphin prides itself on being an accessible workplace and Disability Confident Employer. This structure has helped her settle in quickly and feel confident in her role. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone involved.
“TPT made the whole process easy. Their partnership with Dolphin meant the role was already set up — I just had to apply.”
Laura Siekapen
The value of lived experience
At Dolphin, we know people thrive when they feel included, supported and valued. That’s why programmes like the TPT Get Set Progress supported internships mean so much to us. We can bring fresh perspectives into our teams, while giving young people a genuine chance to shine. Rachel Willetts, the Chief Operations Officer at Dolphin worked closely with TPT to set up the internship:
“Taking part in the Get Set Progress Internship has been hugely positive for Dolphin. The programme has brought more lived experience insight into our product development team, strengthened our commitment as an inclusive employer, and provided meaningful employment for a visually impaired intern.
Laura is fantastic — she’s bright and a joy to work with. Her contribution has enhanced our accessibility testing and helped ensure our products continue to be high quality and shaped by the people who rely on them every day.”
Having Laura in our Product Testing team has enriched our work in several ways:
- Authentic insight
Her lived experience helps us understand how our software behaves in real‑world use. - Expert usability feedback
Her braille expertise and daily use of assistive tech helps us refine accessibility and usability improvements to support a wider range of users. - A more diverse team
Welcoming more people with different experiences strengthens our culture and encourages thoughtful problem solving. - A renewed sense of purpose
Working with someone who uses assistive technology every day reminds us why accessible design matters.
Internships like this bring value far beyond the day-to-day tasks. They help us grow as a company and ensure our products continue to meet the needs of the people who use them.
How a diverse workforce benefits businesses
A diverse workforce brings creativity, empathy and a wider range of perspectives. For any company, this is a huge benefit, and for a company focused on accessibility, it’s essential. When people with lived experience of visual impairment contribute to product design and testing, results are more intuitive and more effective.
Internships play a key role in creating these opportunities. They offer:
-
Practical experience
- A supportive environment to build confidence
-
A chance to explore career paths
-
A stepping stone into long‑term employment
For many blind and partially sighted people, the first break into employment is often the hardest to find, which is why initiatives like Get Set Progress are so valuable.
“It’s a brilliant opportunity to kick‑start your career, particularly if you’re newly out of education or returning from a career break.”
Laura Siekapen, intern
Expanding opportunities for blind and partially sighted people
Dolphin continues to work with TPT, sharing experiences, reviewing the impact of the internship and exploring how we can support more blind and partially sighted people into meaningful employment.
"Working with Dolphin has been a great example of what can happen when organisations share similar values. It’s been fantastic to see such a talented intern thrive in a supportive environment and make a real contribution to the team."
Gareth Dawson, Internship Coordinator, Thomas Pocklington Trust
Laura’s insight has already strengthened our understanding of accessibility. Her work is helping us refine our products in ways that genuinely benefit our users. As part of the Dolphin team, Laura's work highlights the value of lived experience and the importance of opening doors to new talent. Which we encourage every organisation to do.
“Feeling like my ideas are appreciated, valued and listened to has made a huge difference.”
Laura Siekapen, intern
About the Get Set Progress Internship Programme
The Get Set Progress (GSP) internship programme, run by Thomas Pocklington Trust, offers paid nine‑month internships exclusively for blind and partially sighted people, giving them a structured and supported route into employment. Grants are also available to support employers who would like to partner with TPT and take part.
By combining real‑world experience with tailored guidance, GSP helps interns build confidence, develop skills and take meaningful steps toward long‑term employment.
Find out more about the Thomas Pocklington Get Set Progress Internship Programme.
Let Us Know What You Thought about this Post.
Write your comment below.