Watches are used to monitor and be aware of the time and are either worn on the wrist, hung around the neck on a chain or clipped onto a garment of clothing. Most watches have a small watch face, and numbers that are either small, displayed as roman numerals or identified with a line at each quarter of the hour. For individuals who are unable to view a standard watch and require the time to be announced audibly, talking watches are available with or without a calendar function.
Wall, bedside or alarms clocks also allow monitoring and awareness of the time, and some include an alarm facility to alert of time for waking. A large range of clocks are available with similar features to a watch which may make them difficult to view. For people who require clocks with audible announcement of the time, a range of options are available including:
- keyring style talking clocks
- talking analogue or digital clocks
- alarm clocks with large talk buttons for activation of the voice
- talking alarm clocks or pocket timers.
Talking clocks and timers are able to be downloaded onto some mobile phones and MP3 players to allow the user to have audible and vibrating announcements of the time at specified intervals.
Timers are either digital or analogue units that can be set to specific times and alert when the time period set has run out. Digital timers with talking alert capacities are available.
Depending on the model of clock, watch or timer—female and male voice options along with volume controls may be available.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people that are blind and are unable to use a traditional clock, watch or timer, talking models of these items can assist by allowing options to ensure they wake punctually for work, manage time and task completion within the workplace, take appropriately timed rest or meal breaks and punctually catch public transport if required. Talking timers can assist within the workplace if set time frames are required for tasks. For those that are deaf or hearing impaired, alarm clocks are available that vibrate as the preferred alert mechanism.
References
Apple 2010, iTunes Preview: Talking clock and timer, Apple Pty Ltd, Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/talking-clock-timer/id294393843?mt=8#.
Disability SA 2009, Low Vision Products, Department for Families and Communities: State Government of South Australia, Adelaide, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.sa.gov.au/upload/franchise/Community%20Support/Disability/Information%20sheets%20-%20Disability%20SA/Low%20vision%20products%20(Word).doc.
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2008, Communication, Reading & Writing Aids: Clocks, Watches, Timers & Calculators, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 13 May 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&page=1&MC=61&MinC=30.
Vision Australia 2006-2008, Talking clocks and watches, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 13 May 2011,https://secure.visionaustralia.org/visionaustralia/onlineshop/Product.aspx?CatID=61.