Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Best resources for office job adaptations? (self.Blind)
submitted by ClearerByFar
I have posterior uveitis in both eyes and have already lost a chunk of vision to scarring and also have a fun cataract and some permanent optical nerve damage in one eye from steroids. Right now, knock on wood, things seem stable and I can still manage with my one better eye, but I recognize how unpredictable my future vision will be so I’m trying to prepare.
I keep trying to find good info online about adapting office work (I’m a social sciences researcher so I read and write *a lot*) but it feels like every website was made in like 2006 or something and has either no useful information at all for someone with a job like mine or they are absolutely impossible to navigate. And not because I can’t read them but because things are spread over a million pages and nothing is organized (visionaware for example).
I know there are other researchers and lawyers and teachers who are low vision or blind out there! But I can’t find any info targeted to these groups! Can anyone help direct me to resources so I don’t feel quite so scared about what the future holds? I tried going through a local vocational group but they said I can still see too well to get any assistance and all they could do would be a tour of their equipment demo room.
I tried teaching myself the accessibility tools on my Mac so I could at least be ready to keep working post eventual eye surgery for my cataract, but I just felt lost and discouraged by how slow and glitchy it felt. Clearly I need to figure this out as well at some point.
Also does anyone know or any specific groups with guidance for academics/students specifically? Is it feasible to put together an accurate works cited page and use a reference manager with a screen reader? To format a journal article to journal specifications? Make a data table in Word? I feel like I have maybe specialized needs and all I’m seeing online is like “buy a clock with a large display for your office and use 20-20 pens when taking notes” which stresses me out.
I keep trying to find good info online about adapting office work (I’m a social sciences researcher so I read and write *a lot*) but it feels like every website was made in like 2006 or something and has either no useful information at all for someone with a job like mine or they are absolutely impossible to navigate. And not because I can’t read them but because things are spread over a million pages and nothing is organized (visionaware for example).
I know there are other researchers and lawyers and teachers who are low vision or blind out there! But I can’t find any info targeted to these groups! Can anyone help direct me to resources so I don’t feel quite so scared about what the future holds? I tried going through a local vocational group but they said I can still see too well to get any assistance and all they could do would be a tour of their equipment demo room.
I tried teaching myself the accessibility tools on my Mac so I could at least be ready to keep working post eventual eye surgery for my cataract, but I just felt lost and discouraged by how slow and glitchy it felt. Clearly I need to figure this out as well at some point.
Also does anyone know or any specific groups with guidance for academics/students specifically? Is it feasible to put together an accurate works cited page and use a reference manager with a screen reader? To format a journal article to journal specifications? Make a data table in Word? I feel like I have maybe specialized needs and all I’m seeing online is like “buy a clock with a large display for your office and use 20-20 pens when taking notes” which stresses me out.
achromatic_03 3 points 1y ago
Dr. Mona Minkara is s blind researcher, but she is in natural science-- chemistry I think. However, she explains everything on her website. Here is the link:
https://monaminkara.com/fellow-blind-scientists
Another suggestion is disability resources centers at R1 universities because it's likely had graduate students who are blind and could either connect you with someone to talk to or point you in the right direction.
https://monaminkara.com/fellow-blind-scientists
Another suggestion is disability resources centers at R1 universities because it's likely had graduate students who are blind and could either connect you with someone to talk to or point you in the right direction.
ClearerByFar [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Thank you! I’ll check out her page! I am at an R1 and their website doesn’t mention anything about faculty at all, just students. I guess it can’t hurt to reach out to ask though. I’ve just been trying to avoid outing myself formally to work until I really have to.
Her tools page is super helpful! This is great https://monaminkara.com/blind-scientist-tools/ although I’m a bit daunted by all the students she has working for her as access assistants. I’m really doubtful my job would ever be willing to pay for that
Her tools page is super helpful! This is great https://monaminkara.com/blind-scientist-tools/ although I’m a bit daunted by all the students she has working for her as access assistants. I’m really doubtful my job would ever be willing to pay for that
achromatic_03 2 points 1y ago
Well you can always low key call another university ;-) I know there is another blind researcher who lost her vision over time, she is known for studying choice, and you can use her CV to find schools to contact like Columbia, where she works (she doesn't seem that interested in putting help out to her blind compatriots, herself):
https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/detail/ss957
https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/cbs-directory/detail/ss957
SiriuslyGranger 2 points 1y ago
I hope you’re not the guy I know and not who I am thinking of here. If you are I can’t help you more then I already have.
Get use to screen readers, voice over is totally usable. It will take time and effort but totally doable. I am primarily a mac user. Unless you are him, I know of another person in your position. The story sounds kinda similar. I do pretty advanced stuff on my mac as well.
Reading it again, it doesn’t seem like it. This guy is in a sysadmin position.
I wish there was a group for you guys who work for research institutions or school in general.
There is a student based group held by the nfb it’s the students division and they have a facebook group. I am not part of the nfb but happen to be part of the group, but it’s geared towards students.
Get use to screen readers, voice over is totally usable. It will take time and effort but totally doable. I am primarily a mac user. Unless you are him, I know of another person in your position. The story sounds kinda similar. I do pretty advanced stuff on my mac as well.
Reading it again, it doesn’t seem like it. This guy is in a sysadmin position.
I wish there was a group for you guys who work for research institutions or school in general.
There is a student based group held by the nfb it’s the students division and they have a facebook group. I am not part of the nfb but happen to be part of the group, but it’s geared towards students.
ClearerByFar [OP] 1 points 1y ago
If it helps I’m a lady lol and definitely not in IT (if I was I feel like I would be better at the screen reader!)
SiriuslyGranger 1 points 1y ago
Ah, yeah, this is clearly a guy and masculine.
But yeah, practice to use a screen reader, get some training, and if I can help you let me know. Get to know your commands and how to use it and all the short cut keys. Learn assistive technology techniques. Also proficiency at touch typing is a must and I can’t emphasize that enough.
Also Yes, I was a social science student for a number of years didn’t do a lot of it but a lot of it is very doable. Database research sites is a pain but doable enough. Sometimes needing help. Mostly journal article cites. Otherwise yes to your questions.
Social science, soft science, humanities, and liberal arts are some of the easiest professions to do blind. A lot of people study this stuff.
But yeah, practice to use a screen reader, get some training, and if I can help you let me know. Get to know your commands and how to use it and all the short cut keys. Learn assistive technology techniques. Also proficiency at touch typing is a must and I can’t emphasize that enough.
Also Yes, I was a social science student for a number of years didn’t do a lot of it but a lot of it is very doable. Database research sites is a pain but doable enough. Sometimes needing help. Mostly journal article cites. Otherwise yes to your questions.
Social science, soft science, humanities, and liberal arts are some of the easiest professions to do blind. A lot of people study this stuff.
SoapyRiley 1 points 1y ago
Basic voiceover for Mac $1
I find Mac accessibility better than, but not as intuitive as NVDA on windows. Not that I find either very intuitive but then again I was kind of thrown into figuring things out on my own because “I can still see good enough to not need help” either.
I find Mac accessibility better than, but not as intuitive as NVDA on windows. Not that I find either very intuitive but then again I was kind of thrown into figuring things out on my own because “I can still see good enough to not need help” either.
thatawkwardcosplayer 1 points 1y ago
NVDA is the best screen reader to use BUT if it involves personal data, you may want to ask HR about JAWS (a professional screen reader that is used in nursing and such from my understanding).
Zoom tech is also great for software! I also like using screen tint (software) for making the screen less harsh.
I’d suggest trying non profits instead of VR. The whole “oh you can see fine…” thing is BS frankly but they are VR so not much to do beyond maybe attempt an appeal with proof of legal blindness
Zoom tech is also great for software! I also like using screen tint (software) for making the screen less harsh.
I’d suggest trying non profits instead of VR. The whole “oh you can see fine…” thing is BS frankly but they are VR so not much to do beyond maybe attempt an appeal with proof of legal blindness
ClearerByFar [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Do either of those work on Mac? All my research software is for Mac but I could try to start transitioning maybe if the Mac accessibility software just isn’t great.
I think it was my local Vision Forward chapter that I contacted. They were super nice but not helpful.
I’ll check out Zoom! I already invert colors on everything I can which helps a little bit.
I think it was my local Vision Forward chapter that I contacted. They were super nice but not helpful.
I’ll check out Zoom! I already invert colors on everything I can which helps a little bit.
SiriuslyGranger 1 points 1y ago
Use zoom or low vision stuff for mac or voice over both will work macs has pretty decent accessibility.
thatawkwardcosplayer 0 points 1y ago
I believe they have a Mac download! If not, there’s always tricking your computer into thinking it’s a windows and using it that way (not too hard to do with a Virtual machine, I use Oracle for when there’s games or software I want for Mac!)
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