Watches are used to both monitor and be aware of the time and 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 are either small, displayed as roman numerals or identified with a line at each quarter of the hour. Alternative watches are available with either:
- large watch faces
- enlarged numbers with prominent watch hands
- varying coloured watch faces and number colours depending on what is easier to see, such as white numbers on a black watch face or black numbers on a white watch face
- range of watch bands and watch colours.
Wall, bedside or alarms clocks also allow monitoring and awareness of the time, and if included, the use of 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. Enlarged clocks (wider diameter) with large bold, black numbers and hands are available, along with digital clocks with enlarged numbers in a range of colours such as green or red numbers against a black background.
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 large faces and numbers are available, along with analogue timers with either bold black numbers or tactile markings.
Workplace solutions and adjustments:
For people with low vision, an alternative alarm clock may be required with larger numbers or numbers in a colour that can be seen easily in order to wake punctually for work. Wearing a watch or using a desk based, computer or wall clock allows a worker with low vision to manage their workload, take appropriate rest or meal breaks, and punctually catch public transport if required. Audible timers are available within the workplace if set timeframes are required for tasks. For those that are deaf or hearing impaired, alarm clocks are available that vibrate as the preferred alert mechanism (Vision Australia 2005 -2006; Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007).
References:
Independent Living Centres Australia Inc. 2007, Communication, Reading & Writing Aids: Clocks, Watches, Timers & Calculators, Independent Living Centres Australia Inc., Sydney, viewed 7 May 2008, <http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&page=1&MC=61&MinC=30>.
Vision Australia 2005 – 2006, Easy to see clocks and watches, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 7 May 2008, <http://www.visionaustralia.org/catalogue/Default.aspx?CID=4&CSID=13&SubCategoryName=Easy%20to%20see%20clocks%20and%20watches>.
Vision Australia 2005 – 2006, Timers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 7 May 2008, <http://www.visionaustralia.org/catalogue/Default.aspx?CID=4&CSID=16&SubCategoryName=Timers>.