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 writing such as those with physical disability, vision or cognitive impairment there are a variety of aids and supports available in the workplace to increase independence with this task.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a range of aids and supports that can assist people who have writing difficulties. If a person experiences difficulty or pain when holding a standard pen, consider using a felt tipped pen that requires less pressure. Also pens are also now widely available in a range of sizes so if fine grips are difficult, a thicker pen may prove beneficial. A range of pen grips can also be added to pens to improve their grip or specifically designed pens purchased such as a pen with a hole in the centre to allow a finger to be threaded through:
For people with reduced vision who may have difficulty both writing and reading handwritten notes, closed circuit television systems (CCTV’s) can be used to magnify print and project this onto a screen or monitor. These are available in either desktop or portable versions if moving between workspaces:
For people that experience difficulty taking handwritten notes, portable electronic note taking devices and personal digital assistants (PDA’s) 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 transferred directly to the computer through specialised software, typed or written out later by an assistant.
Other products that may assist people who are blind or vision impaired with handwritten notes include:
A Braille stylus and Braille slate can support a person 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:
References
Association for the Blind of Western Australia (no date specified), Braille, Association for the Blind of Western Australia - Guide Dogs WA, Victoria Park, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.guidedogswa.com.au/how-we-can-help-you/technology-and-aids/.
Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc. 2011, Writing Aids, Independent Living Centre of Western Australia Inc, Nedlands, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.ilcaustralia.org/search3.asp?State=WA&MC=61&MinC=15.
Vision Australia 2009, Video Magnifiers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1240.
Vision Australia 2009, Electronic Notetakers and Portable Computers, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 15 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org.au/info.aspx?page=1235.