Handwriting is often used within work environments to take notes during discussions, write down information such as equipment models and prices, taking of meeting minutes or note taking on a PDA (personal digital assistant). For people who may have difficulty seeing what they are writing due to vision impairment there are a variety of aids and supports available in the workplace to increase independence with this task.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
People with vision impairment may have difficulty with both writing and reading handwritten notes. Using a pen with dark ink and a thicker writing nib may make notes easier to read. Other products that may assist people who are blind or vision impaired with handwritten tasks include:
Closed circuit television systems (CCTV’s) can be used to magnify print and project this onto a screen whilst writing or reading. These are available in either desktop or portable versions if moving between workplaces or when notes need to be taken during meetings, training or conferences:
For those that experience difficulty taking handwritten notes, portable electronic notetaking devices and personal digital assistants can be investigated. Laptops may also be beneficial if the individual is proficient in touch typing.
Reporting and documenting important information can also be done by recording voice messages onto tape or other digital audio tools rather than writing it down. It can then be typed or written out later by an assistant:
A Braille stylus and Braille slate can support a person with complete vision loss with writing. It is similar to writing print with a pen and pencil:
Scribes write or type information that is communicated to them by another person. A scribe does not interpret information or perform essential job functions. They may be able to assist within the workplace, or more commonly a colleague or personal assistant can takes notes which are later scanned and read on the computer using screen magnification or screen reading software:
References
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Product Review, Independent Living Centres Australia, Sydney, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search4.asp?State=ACT&MC=62&MinC=48&Item=2593&page=2 \.
Vision Australia 2010, Handwriting, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1511.
Vision Australia 2010, Video Magnifiers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011,http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1240.
Vision Australia 2010, Electronic Notetakers and Portable Computers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1235.