Finding the Right Workplace Technology
- Firstly, analyze all of your job duties and determine which “essential” priority tasks that you must accomplish.
- Determine how much of your work day you spend performing these tasks (for example, you might spend 30% of your time on the phone with customers, 25% answering e-mails, and 10% filing information). It is important to determine which job duties require vision, and where and when you are experiencing difficulties because of vision loss.
- Discuss any concerns you have with local organizations that provide transition support post-diagnosis (PAVI, T&T BWA, Torres Foundation). For example, if your job involves computer work and you have problems seeing the screen, your counselor can introduce you to the different types of software or devices that will allow you to access information and continue working independently. Explain to the appropriate representatives what your job requires and let him or her guide you to the most appropriate solutions.
- An assessment at a formal work evaluation center, which may or may not be close to your home, is usually recommended. A work evaluation will help determine your service needs and will allow you to use different technologies, such as electronic video magnifiers and computers with screen-reading software.