Navigating the workplace

Being able to move or navigate around the workplace independently and safely to either perform work tasks or access meal and bathroom facilities can be critical to an individual’s success and productivity at work.

Workplace solutions and adjustments

There are a range of aids and supports that allow people that are blind or vision impaired to move around the workplace safely and with confidence.

Navigating and accessing a building can be facilitated by:

• Hand rails
• Pathways
• Ramps

There are tactile, visual and sound aids that also support navigation:

• Braille or tactile maps
• Floor edging—coloured
• Locator dots
• Signage—large print and reflective
• Signage—talking signs and verbal landmark systems
• Sonic pathfinders and guides
• Talking GPS systems

Mobility and orientation training can also help people to recognise the best way to get around and use navigation aids to their benefit:

• Orientation sessions and training

Other areas that may need to be considered when assisting someone with vision impairment to navigate the workplace include:

• accessing the premises
• orientation to place
• travelling to and from work

References

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT 2011, Orientation and Mobility, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, Chatswood, viewed 9 March 2011, http://guidedogs.com.au/what-we-do/orientation-and-mobility.

Vision Australia 2009, Accessible Design for Public Buildings, Vision Australia, Enfield viewed 9 Mach 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=721.

Vision Australia 2009, Talking GPS Systems, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 9 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1241.

Would you like more information?

• Ability to see (or see clearly)
• Moving around the workplace