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Vision Impairment
Workplace Tools & Tips
There's
a wide range of accommodations for people with visual impairments--the key is
to match the particular needs of the person and the job. Below you'll
find general guidelines--along with some very specific examples in the section
on case studies.
Computer access
Phone use
Print materials
Video materials
General productivity
Environmental issues
Other tools
COMPUTER
ACCESS
Computer accessibility is one of the most important issues in today's workplace.
Screen readers and speech
synthesizers enable blind users to use a computer independently. (The synthesized
voice reads aloud contents of the screen or current active window.) Most programs
provide a set of keyboard commands that allow the user to perform functions
without the use of a mouse or pointing device.
Other relatively
inexpensive computer-related accommodations:
- larger monitors
allow more information to be visible when larger type sizes or screen
magnifications are used
- monitors with high-resolution,
high-contrast screens improve screen visibility
- glare guards fit
over monitor screens, protecting the user from glare that may cause
eye fatigue
- computer glasses
can also provide glare protection
- external monitor magnifiers
can be fitted over an existing screen to enlarge type
- screen magnification
software can be loaded into the computer's memory, magnifying
text and graphics. (Magnification programs function like a magnifying
glass moving over a page; moving the cursor causes the area surrounding
it to be magnified.)
- large-print keyboard labels
- Braille display terminals
with refreshable type, if the individual reads Braille (A refreshable Braille
display consists of a box with a metal strip containing pins that can be
raised to create dots.)
- dual-function headsets
permit individuals who use both computer and telephone assistive devices
to access both through the same headset (some offer switch boxes while others
allow simultaneous access).
- dictation programs
make it possible for the user to speak into a microphone and have
their words entered into a word processing program (without having
to use the keyboard or mouse to do data entry).
PHONE
USE
 Many
options are available to help blind and low-vision users on the telephone.
-
extra
large or illuminated keypads display numbers on some sets
-
large print
labels or overlays can modify existing phone units (often these are
available from the phone company)
-
Braille or
tactile labels on keypads or feature buttons may also help
-
voice-activated
dialing (and other features) allow the user to operate a phone
using voice commands
-
Talking
Caller ID can announce who is calling when the phone rings
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PRINT
MATERIALS
All memos,
manuals and other employee information should be provided in large print,
Braille, or audiotape format. If the employee has a computer with a screen
reader program, information may be provided via computer. Depending on the
employee's type of impairment, other aids include:
-
magnification
tools, which range from small hand-held glasses to larger ones
that can be mounted on a desk or workbench. Some also offer their own
light souce.
-
closed-circuit
TV systems also offer magnification. The print document is placed
under a small camera, which transmits a magnified image to a computer
or tv screen.
- Optical-Character Recognition
(OCR) technology provides fast access to printed text. The text is scanned;
special computer software then interprets the scanned image into text and
it can be saved as a computer file which can be accessed via speech synthesis
software. (Caveat: text must be typewritten or printed and there
is no provision for graphics, tables or line art.)
- hiring a qualified
reader may offer the most practical solution, especially if the
visually impaired person does not often need to read printed material,
if there is an unusual volume of reading, or the reading must be done
away from the usual place of business.
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VIDEO MATERIALS
Videos used for employment purposes should be described with descriptive
video tracks, or information can be made available in the individual's preferred
format.
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GENERAL
PRODUCTIVITY
There
are many clever and inexpensive ways to generally increase productivity
and even help to promote a sense of inclusiveness for all workers. For
example:
- Paint a dot of silicon on
a knob, switch, or button to allow a person to align controls on a machine
by touch
- Use Braille labels or wide
felt-tip markers to
make file folder labels
- Use different lengths
of masking tape to identify parts bins for production employees
- Label all equipment
(fax machines, copy machines) with Braille or large-print labels
- Use tactile labels
to mark important buttons, mailboxes, etc.
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
For employees whose visual impairment involves light-sensitivity, you can
provide:
- lower wattage overhead lights
to reduce glare
- adjustable window shades
or blinds that allow control of ambient light
- desk lamps or task lighting
to focus light where it's needed
- fluorescent light filters
(or nonfluorescent lights) can reduce eyestrain
- glare-control lenses,
faceplates, safety glasses or other optical wear to protect eyes
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OTHER TOOLS
Depending on the nature of visual impairment,
the employee may benefit from other assistive devices.
- cassette recorders allow
employees to record meetings, memos, other messages; they also allow dictation
for transcription by support staff
- equipment with audio/voice
output (talking calculators, cash registers, light probes, money identifiers)
- electronic notetakers
with speech output help employee to keep track of to-do lists, appointments,
etc
- tactile or Braille labels on
elevator buttons, room number and directional signs (consistent
height and placement of such labels will make them easier to locate)
- tactile/talking tools:
many tools that offer visual output can be adapted to provide audio access
(e.g. multimeters, micrometers, studsensors, levels, torque wrenches, tachometers,
timers, scales)
- voice-activated equipment:
for example, there are copy machines that can be controlled vocally: "Two
copies, doubled-sided."
- special notepaper with
heavy lines on one side and boards with grooved guidelines can also assist
in writing by hand
- light probes discern
blinking phone lights, printer buttons, or other equipment, indicating audibly
if a light is on
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