A survey of 166 employed persons with visual impairments investigated major barriers to employment, how these barriers were overcome, and their perceptions on why they were successful in overcoming barriers when many individuals are not successful. Results of the survey indicate that the primary barriers to employment were employer attitudes, transportation and mobility problems, print access, adaptive equipment and accommodations, and lack of job opportunities. Approximately 44 percent of the participants attributed their employment to successful networking with coworkers, customers, and others rather than to a service delivery system. Approximately 40 percent of consumers attributed their ability to become employed to their own direct business contacts through cold calls to employers, job fairs, and other methods. A much smaller number attributed their employment to assistance from government agencies, rehabilitation providers, or school personnel. The need for national policy changes or initiatives to overcome barriers to employment for individuals with visual impairments is urged. Recommendations include an aggressive public awareness campaign by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission with regard to complaints filed under Title 1 of the Americans with Disabilities Act to help make employers more aware of their responsibilities. (Contains 70 references.) (CR)