How do I help a coworker who is losing their vision?(self.Blind)
submitted by kimbo3311
My coworker is losing their vision, and has been for some time. They prefer to keep this detail private from the rest of the workplace (their boss and direct coworkers know). I am not super close with this coworker, and therefore I don't believe it is my place to get involved with their loss beyond providing a listening ear. However, this situation has made me wonder what small, discreet adjustments I could make in my interactions with my coworker that would help them while they are learning to cope? For example, they mentioned that it is hard for them to tell who is at their office door until the person speaks, and so now I will be greeting them verbally unless they are otherwise occupied on a phone call. Is there anything else that may help that will not make things super obvious to the rest of the workplace?
AlrightyAphroditey6 points3y ago
Don't use color coding in tables or graphics. Provide descriptions using text.
kimbo3311 [OP]3 points3y ago
Ahhh I didn't think about that, good point. Pictures aren't helpful if you can't see them, or see the detail in them. Thank you!
[deleted]1 points3y ago
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awesomesaucesaywhat3 points3y ago
More than just speaking when you approach, make sure you say your name
FrankenGretchen2 points3y ago
I despise this, personally. If I know the person, I recognize their voice and don't need them to announce their name every time they cross my path. Within the context of some people not knowing this person can't see them, the reason some other people constantly announce their presence and others don't becomes a point of interest. This has, in my experience, caused some discussion among those persons and more information than I'd prefer being shared among people who don't know what to do with it. Imagine twenty people walking past your door every morning telling you who they are as they go by. Imagine also that some folks don't know 'why' and fill in the blanks or invent their own method of accomplishing the result. Worse still is the one Office Alice who decides to let everyone know how to do a thing without asking the person if it's desired so now you have a crowd of Misinformed Myrtles to navigate every day. This looks like I'm inventing worst case scenarios but all these things have happened to me.
I would ask this person whether they prefer the inclusion of a name announcement or not.
Other things you CAN do with a minimum of observer drama... If paperwork is a part of their cubicle life, ask how they'd prefer to have it given to them. Respect their office arrangement and desk space. Moving things around in their space is a definite no. If you move an item in your own workspace that they need to interact with, let them know so they can adjust their understanding of where stuff is and have an easier time doing their job.
If there's any kind of rearranging of office structure or furniture, let them know it's been done. Ask them if they'd like help learning the new floorplan. Ideally, this is a supervisor level item, but it never hurts to offer in case it hasn't occurred to the higher ups. Something as simple as a new copier in a different corner or the water cooler being one foot to the left can be a nightmare if you don't know it's there.
kimbo3311 [OP]1 points3y ago
Thank you so much for your viewpoint and suggestions, I was more concerned about the potential of instigating gossip about a personal matter but I can definitely see how well-meaning but misinformed people could also make things worse.
kimbo3311 [OP]1 points3y ago
Thank you, I will try to do that in such a way that it's not weird to others, I wonder if people will guess the issue if they overhear me telling her my name when they know we already know each other...
awesomesaucesaywhat1 points3y ago
If you know each other well and she can recognize your voice then it may not be necessary. It was more a general thing, when out and about. I hated when someone walked by and said hi but didn’t tell me who they were.
[deleted]2 points3y ago
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ScarReincarnated1 points3y ago
Son’t move his stuff.
kimbo3311 [OP]1 points3y ago
Good point, although I couldn't imagine moving the things inside their private office, I will keep it in mind for areas we collaborate.
ravenshadow20131 points3y ago
make sure that isles and walkways are always clear of obstructions, nothing worse than tripping over something and feeling like an idiot in front of your coworkers
Tawanda871 points3y ago
As someone mentioned above, when saying "hi" to the person be sure to say your name. For example, "Hey, it's Tawanda87 how you doing?". I know you're not close to them, but perhaps familiarizing yourself with different resources they could turn to just in case they mention they are having a hard time with finding support. Depending on their age, Department of Rehab is a great place to start. If they mention technology access is something they are beginning to struggle with, let them know Apple and Google have accessibility workshops and a helpline specifically for blind and visually impaired people.
Honestly, you're right they may just need a kind and thoughtful co-worker/friend and it sounds like you are doing a great job at being that for them!
Edit: removed a word
kimbo3311 [OP]1 points3y ago
Thanks! I'll look into apple and Google and see what options there are and just mention them if she feels like talking.
Botzeee1 points3y ago
Hey , i’m sorry i dont have any tips that could help you, but just wanted to know what do you mean by “ losing vision “ as in , cant specs help it ? or isn’t there any way to stop that happening. sorry i have no idea about these
kimbo3311 [OP]2 points3y ago
They have been losing their vision due to a different longer term condition they've had and so while they are hopeful to find something that may reverse it somewhat, they are still unsure it will work. They just said they were unable to drive and were unable to distinguish between people at their office door.
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