Accessibility in the Work Place

You’ve got the job! Congrats! Before you pour that second glass of the bubbly for another toast, let’s go over this exciting new phase of your life. Have you got transportation worked out? How’s the wardrobe? And most important of all, what will you need to make this job the best fit for you?

A lot of disabled people feel that they should be happy to have a job. Period. There’s a thought that if you begin “making demands” upon your employer, you will seem more of a burden than an asset, and that you’ll put your hard-won job in danger. While it can be difficult to find a job, this certainly doesn’t mean you should settle for mediocre job accommodations that hold back your productivity and progress.

If you have work-related needs, the first route I’d consider is getting in touch with your local Commission for the Blind. They have state funding exclusively set aside to help blind people succeed in the workplace. This benefits you because you can go to people who do this professionally every day for advice and know they’re legally obligated to help. This also benefits the employer because they don’t have to worry so much about providing you with the training you’ll need.

Consider the type of job you’ll have. If your career involves a lot of office work, you will want to polish your computer skills. An in depth knowledge of Word, Excel, Adobe, and other frequently used computer programs is essential in today’s office workplace. You need to consider how you are going to access the computer. Do you need a screen reader like JAWS or Window Eyes, a screen magnification program like Magic or Zoom Text or a combination? If you’ll have printed materials to read you might consider a scanner and translation software like Kurzweil or Open Book. Or perhaps a low vision solution like a CCTV or other magnifier will work for reading your printed materials. Depending on your particular job you might also need a Braille display for your computer, a Braille embosser to produce hard copy Braille materials or one of the many other pieces of technology available today.

Having good phone and note taking skills can be an easily developed asset. Consider how you’ll take information down for later reference. A simple slate and stylus might work. A Brailler could do the job if it is quiet. Taking notes on the computer is very convenient. Perhaps a low vision pen that writes darker will work for you. Remember to consider whether or not sighted coworkers will need access to this information. That will influence your choice in recording your information.

If you’re going to be involved in the service industry, you’ll want to make sure you have very good orientation and mobility skills. If working in a kitchen, you might need to use Braille labels on various food items. It may be more beneficial to label the shelf or storage place rather than the actual food container as commercial kitchens go through a lot of food quickly. Also consider labeling cleaning products and appliances if you’ll be expected to use them.

If you’re working in sales, you might need a talking cash register, money identifier or perhaps a color identifier. You might also consider a portable note taker like a Braille Note, Pac Mate or lap top computer if you’ll need to have your notes with you at many different locations.

All these are questions to consider, and if you can map out a way to address each, this will give you and your counselor or employer a jumping off point. The important thing is to make a list of all job duties that you will be expected to do. Then make a list of equipment, techniques or other accommodations you will need so that you can fulfill your job duties. Look for the most efficient, most practical and most versatile options.

In order for you to have the resources you need, there needs to be clear communication between you and your employer. Also, the lines of communication between you and your counselor need to be open. If you have a problem at the workplace, going directly to the boss to discuss options will look far more favorable than asking your counselor to address the issue for you. Likewise, if you need help from your counselor, asking your boss to address the problem for you might not be the best way to go.

But you’ve made it past the difficult part. Finding a job can be a daunting process for anyone, and once you’ve managed to get one, you’re almost home free. All you need to do now is make the appropriate adaptations and decide where you’ll dine when you receive your first paycheck!