Installing blinds and window coverings can assist with adjusting the natural light entering the workplace, limit glare and manage workplace temperature by blocking out cold and heat.
There is a wide range of window coverings available including:
- curtains
- roller style blinds
- slatted verticals
- horizontal venetian or slatted blinds
- roman blinds
- window tinting applied directly to the glass to allow natural light to shine in but prevent entry of most of the heat and reduce glare
- in areas where aesthetics are not crucial, black plastic or cardboard can be taped over windows to block out light.
Window coverings can be brought to size for some standard window sizes, or custom made to suit the windows. Products chosen will depend on factors such as window aspect and size, blind operation method, whether the coverings need to remain closed always or be opened at certain times of the day, preferred fabric, product and cost.
Some research has suggested the use of slatted style blinds such as verticals can aggravate symptoms with people who have autism due to the distraction of the flickering of the blinds and the sunlight. Flickering light through blinds or natural light shimmering off water or through trees have also been identified as potential triggers for seizures with those with photosensitivity or certain types of epilepsy.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For people with sensitivities to light, glare or temperature such as those with Autism, Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis, the use of blinds or window coverings may assist in reducing exposure to triggering light and therefore enhance productivity and allow symptoms to be managed. Other options to control exposure to light, glare and temperature fluctuations at work include re-arranging the layout of the workplace to ensure individuals affected by light or temperature sensitivity are working away from windows and options for temperature control within the workplace are considered.
When facing decisions regarding heat and light, the following sources may be useful:
References
Epilepsy Foundation (no date specified), Photosensitivity and seizures, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Maryland, viewed 21 February 2011, http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/about/photosensitivity/.
MS Society 2003, Heat temperature sensitivity, MS Society of Australia, National, viewed 21 February 2011, http://www.msaustralia.org.au/symptoms-heattemp.asp.
Swan Blinds 2011, Home Page – Our Products, Swan Blinds, Perth, viewed 21 February 2011, http://www.swanblinds.com.au/index.html.
The National Autistic Society 2010, Environment and surroundings: making them autism friendly, The National Autistic Society, London, viewed 21 February 2011, http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=528&a=9610.