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Simple Ideas for the Workplace
Routes
People who are blind and visually impaired often navigate by learning routes- through cities, neighborhoods, buildings, offices and stores. They may rely on landmarks to guide them. Landmarks may be tactile, such as the edge of a railing, or audible, such as the noise of particular machinery or the sounds from a schoolyard.
It makes life much simpler for persons who are blind if the landmarks do not move around too much. Clearly marked aisles, doors and exits are important.
Office Environments
New employees who are visually impaired should receive a thorough tour of the office. Thereafter, assistance should only be provided if it is requested and should not be necessary every day. If the environment is complex, the new employee may want to work with an Orientation & Mobility Specialist early in their employment to establish routes and routines.
An orientation to fire drill policy and exits should be provided. Co-workers should be cautioned about leaving boxes, bags, and other materials in aisles or leaving filing cabinets, cupboards and desk drawers open. These objects are hazards to someone who cannot see them.
Workstation
Efficiency and ergonomics apply equally to people who are blind. The individual should be able to reach all required areas within their workspace. Check to ensure that furniture is at the right height, and that there is adequate workspace for reading, writing and all the equipment. Furniture should be arranged so that the employee can easily get in and out. Look out for sharp edges in the line of travel.
Lighting
Good lighting and glare reduction is especially important to workers who are visually impaired. Ask the employee if the lighting is good enough for reading, detailed work, and all other aspects of the job. Special lighting may be considered an accommodation for a person with a disability, but it is generally not an expensive investment and may be useful to other employees as well.
Labeling
Employees who are blind may need to label equipment. For example, they may want Braille numbers on the phone buttons and computer keyboard or extra large file labels. Labeling may also be needed on office machines (copier, postage meter, and fax), vending machines, lockers, etc.
Communications
People who are blind may “read” in a variety of media. The most common is large print. People who are blind may also use audiotape cassettes, Braille, or a reader to access information. It is important that employees who are visually impaired have access to the same information as their co-workers. Here are some tips on how to provide information:
Large print: This means 16-24 point type, in a simple typeface, with a reasonable amount of space between lines. Popular typefaces include Arial and Verdana. Screen enlargement software is also available for use on a computer. For everyday memos, correspondence, notes, etc., you can often use the office copy machine or a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to enlarge regular-size type.
CCTVs: These reading and writing magnification devices can increase the size of printed material from 4X to 40X. They range from portable units to stationary desktop models.
Scanners: Several manufacturers produce scanner software that will read printed text or allow you to store files in a text file on a computer.
Other Media: There are many resources available for Braille, audiotaping and volunteer readers. Contact Linda Wilder at 253-597-4420 or 1-800-552-7103 for ideas on resources.
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