 | Washington State |  |
|
| ||
How People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired Do Their Jobs
People who are blind or visually impaired do their work using a variety of accommodations, special tools and adapted equipment. The Department of Services for the Blind staff can evaluate and recommend the equipment or accommodations that a particular employee will need.
The most important thing to know is that a person’s accommodations are specific to them and the job they are doing. In other words, there is no one way in which people who are blind or visually impaired perform their job duties. But they may use similar “tools.”
If a job requires using a computer…
…There are special software programs that convert the text on the screen to speech, large print or Braille, depending on the user’s preferred method. Computers can also be equipped with scanners, which convert typewritten text to speech or Braille.
If a job requires reading…
…There are hand held magnifiers, task lighting, and Closed Circuit TV’s (CCTV’s). A CCTV resembles a computer monitor but is attached to a base and has a camera mounted to its underside. A sliding tray located on the base allows printed material to be moved under the camera and the print is magnified on the screen. Users can adjust the degree of magnification.
If a job requires measuring, weighing, or performing calculations…
…There are many different kinds of devices that "talk.” For instance, there are talking calipers, scales, tape measurers, thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, watches, clocks, calculators, adding machines, cash registers, and money identifiers.
People who are blind or visually impaired do their jobs in many other ways. Think about it – you might have a job that can be done by someone who is blind! If you’re still not sure, call Department of Services for the Blind to find out how:
1-800-552-7103.
Go back to Employer Handbook Table of Contents