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 that may have difficulty seeing what they are writing during to vision impairment there are a variety of aids and supports available in the workplace to increase independence with this task (Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc. 2007; Vision Australia 2007).
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Equipment
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 the blind and visually impaired with handwritten tasks include:
Closed circuit television systems (CCTV’s) can be used to magnify print and project this onto a screen/monitor whilst writing or reading. These are available in both desktop or portable versions if moving between workplaces or notes need to be taken during meetings, training or conferences.
For people experience difficulty taking handwritten notes, portable electronic notetaking devices and personal digital assistants can be investigated.
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 someone 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:
(Vision Australia 2007; Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc 2007; Wikipedia 2007)
Other job requirements or solutions
References
Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc. 2007, Writing Aids, Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc, Nedlands, viewed 10 August 2007, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=61&MinC=15
Vision Australia 2007, Video Magnifiers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 10 August 2007, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1240
Vision Australia 2007, Electronic Notetakers and Portable Computers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 10 August 2007, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1235
Wikipedia 2007, Personal digital assistant, Wikimedia Foundation, Inc, St. Petersburg, viewed 10 August 2007, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_digital_assistant