Auditory paging devices use sound to indicate the presence of a message. Many pagers operate over telephone lines while others are stand alone units with a more limited range. These pagers transmit a signal from the base transmitter to a receiver, the pager. Pagers can provide a full length message and may allow the person to respond directly using the pager through the use of programmed messages. Two way paging devices allow the receipt of full text communication as well as the ability to respond in full length text.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Auditory pagers can alert an employee to the need for telephone communication, emergency situations or other communication requirements. Some paging devices can also be linked to other equipment such as baby monitors and door sensors, which send an alert to the paging device when someone enters through a monitored door.
Auditory paging devices can also be used by people with disabilities such as epilepsy, to summon assistance when required at the touch of a button.
Accessible mobile phones with screen reading and screen magnification programs are an alternative to pagers for people with vision impairment. These programs will give the users access to text messaging which can be an effective means of communication in the workplace.
For more information about telecommunication equipment for the workplace, see the link below:
References
Job Accommodation Network 2010, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Hearing Loss, Office of Disability Employment Policy U.S. Department of Labor, West Virginia, viewed 3 September 2011, http://askjan.org/media/Hearing.html.
Technical Solutions Australia (no date), Pagers, Technical Solutions Australia, Silvan, viewed 3 September 2011, http://www.tecsol.com.au/Pager.htm.