Getting Around in My Home Office

Much of the sighted world probably has very little idea as to how a blind person would get around in their office or cubicle.  In reality, not much different to someone who is very meticulous but there are a few additional steps for me.  The word here is organization, organization and using my memory to help me along.  First, my furniture is placed in strategic spots so that I can move around freely and not bump into things.  The furniture is mainly placed around the parameter of the room and the middle is clear.

 

My desk is very meticulously arranged with my computer in the middle, and other equipment placed in such a way so as to enable me to reach them without too much difficulty.  The phone is closest to me and my braille machine, electronic dictionary, and calculator are also very close at hand.  I do not have too much paper on my desk.  Just a few braille sheets for me to take notes on.  My filing system is very meticulously arranged as well and I will tell you that I constantly have to ensure that things are filed in the right place.  Anything out of place and I am in deep trouble.

 

My file folders and diskettes are all labeled in braille.  When I had enough sight I had labeled them all in large print but now that I am no longer able to read and write in print, I have to use the braille method.  Everything on my desk has its specific spot.  Any file folders with printed material in them are very carefully labeled in braille as well.  Friends often tell me how amazed they are that I can almost always find what I am looking for.  As I said above, organization is the key to success when it comes to getting around in my home office.  My family is very good at knowing my ways and never has a problem when it comes to moving around in my home office.  As a matter of fact, my home office is also quite friendly to sighted visitors.

 

I'm Donna J. Jodhan your friendly accessibility advocate wishing you a terrific day and encouraging you to go out there and share my info with the rest of the sighted world.  If you would like to learn how to set up your home office so that both you and a blind person can easily coexist in it, then please contact me at donnajodhan@sterlingcreations.ca.