A telephone light sensor is a small handheld device used to detect if a telephone line is busy or on hold. It is held over the LED on a switchboard to indicate line status which is then signified through audible sounds or vibration.
The advantages of using a telephone light sensor include:
- it’s portability and simplicity
- versatility, especially for people who work in an office environment as it can also be used to detect which side of paper has been printed on
- can be used to distinguish between different coloured LED lights by emitting different pitched tones for each colour
- emits loud and distinct tones.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A telephone light sensor may be useful for people with either hearing or vision impairments to detect the status of telephone lines in the workplace.
For those who are vision impaired, there is also software available that allows a switchboard to be operated using a computer system. This software is compatible with some screen reading software which allows switchboard operators to carry out most of their required tasks independently and with ease, reducing the need to work with standard LED switchboards. See the link below for more information:
For information about other devices that may assist a person with disability to detect when the telephone is ringing, see the link below:
References
NEC 2011, Integrated Attendant Console, NEC Australia, online, viewed 9 August 2011, http://www.nec.com.au/products/software/integrated-attendant-console.html.
Loy, B 2008, Accommodation and Compliance Series: Employees with Vision Impairment, Job Accommodation Network, West Virginia, viewed 9 August 2011, http://askjan.org/media/Sight.html.
Vision Australia 2007, Audible light sensor—light probe, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 9 August 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1499.