Washington State Department of Services for the Blind

Low Vision Devices & Accommodations

Just as in any other “job”, one must determine the most appropriate tool that will accommodate their individual needs and the demands of the job at hand. This is no different for people who are blind or visually impaired. Below are just a few examples and suggestions to keep in mind when accommodating an employee who is blind or visually impaired. However, the best way to begin such an endeavor is to ask these employees what works best for them.

Low vision devices and accommodations can be classified into three main categories – near vision devices, distance devices, and non-optical devices and accommodations.

Near Vision Devices

These include a wide range of items which accommodate near tasks such as reading; writing; viewing pictures, graphs, and tables; drawing; locating and matching small objects; matching colors; etc. Since these tasks are typically performed at a distance of 24 inches or less, they require the use of the central field of vision (the most highly developed and detail discriminating portion of the retina). Near vision devices always magnify or make larger the object being viewed.

Common near vision devices:

• Hand-held magnifiers: The most familiar of near vision devices, these come in a number of strengths or powers. Hand-held magnifiers may be illuminated or non-illuminated; round, square, or rectangular; and are sometimes also referred to as pocket magnifiers. These are used primarily for spot-checking and are not designed for reading lengthy articles, books, newspapers, etc. The most difficult part of using a hand-held magnifier is maintaining the proper focal and working distances.
• Stand magnifiers: These devices function very much like a hand-held magnifier, except that they have the added base or stand with which one can maintain the proper focal distance. These magnifiers can be round, square, rectangular, illuminated or non-illuminated, and have tilt or fixed lenses. They work well in times of extensive reading or frequent disruptions; and, because they are free-standing, these magnifiers are especially useful for persons with decreased arm or hand strength, hand tremors, or coordination deficits.
• Spectacle, microscopic, telescopic with variable focus and head-borne devices: Because they are always placed on the face or head for use, these tools are best suited for hands-free tasks. They come in a variety of strengths, and since they are designed for close working distances, these devices are especially useful for tasks requiring extensive reading. Unfortunately, they may interfere with mobility.

Distance Devices

Designed to accommodate distance-viewing tasks, these devices utilize the concept of relative magnification. That is, they bring objects closer to the eye to make them appear larger.

Common Distance Devices:

• Binoculars: These distance devices are designed to accommodate both eyes simultaneously. But because most individuals with impaired vision have one eye that functions better than the other, binoculars may not be an optimal tool. Also, binoculars are less useful for focusing at immediate distances of two to six feet.
• Monoculars (or telescopes): Designed to accommodate one eye, these distance devices are much smaller than a pair of binoculars. Depending upon their range of powers, these devices can bring an image 1.75 to 14 times closer to the viewer. Also, since many monoculars can be focused for far, intermediate, and near distance tasks, they may be best-suited for a job requiring frequent movement and focal distance changes.

Non-Optical Devices and Accommodations

Although not always thought of as low vision devices, a wide range of everyday household and workplace items are important in accommodating people who are blind or visually impaired. These items include a variety of window coverings, sources of lighting, hats, caps, visors, sunglasses, special work surfaces, and stands.

Common Non-Optical Devices and Accommodations:

• Illumination: This is probably one of the most crucial components in a work environment. Illumination needs are quite varied. Vision may be enhanced by low or high; incandescent, florescent, or halogen; or even a full spectrum of illumination. However, for many individuals, higher levels of illumination in the form of task lighting work better than overhead lighting. As a general rule of thumb, the light source should come from behind rather than from in front whenever possible. Shades, goosenecks and bulbs are the easiest and most inexpensive means of accommodating illumination needs.
• Reading stands: Available in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, materials, and prices, these aids are used to make the work environment more comfortable and less physically stressful. Thus, they help to prolong reading/working times. These aids are commonly used with magnification devices that require very short working distances or when prolonged viewing time is required with head-borne devices.
• Glare control devices and strategies: Window coverings (e.g. shades, blinds, filters, drapes, sheers, etc.); hats, caps and visors; and sunglasses of various tint colors are just a few of the devices used to reduce glare in the home and workplace. Other methods used can be as simple as repositioning furniture and equipment and using another source of illumination, adjusting its placement, or adding a cover to it.
• Work surface: The color and finish of a work surface (e.g. desktop, workbench, book page, computer monitor, etc.) have a significant affect on glare and image contrast. For the most part, matte or dull finishes reduce the amount of glare produced on the work surface. Color can be used to enhance the contrast between an object and its background. Some ideas include implementing colored construction paper for background; using acetate overlays; writing with black felt pens, markers, rolling writers and medium-point to wide-point ink pens.
• Organizers: Simply organizing a work area with specifically defined spaces using color, contrast, and solid boundaries can reduce time wasted in locating and identifying things. Providing and maintaining a clutter-free environment many not only prove to be a simple, inexpensive, and effective method to accommodate an employee who is blind or visually impaired, it may improve the overall safety, efficiency, productivity, and professional appearance of the workplace.

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