VisionAware

This October is the 75^th anniversary of the National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Not only are we marking a major milestone in the workforce for those who are disabled, but we are doing it in the midst of a pandemic. People with vision loss have to adapt, adjust and problem solve even more than before. When COVID-19 struck many people, including those with vision loss, we had to begin social distancing, sheltering in place and migrating to a  work-from-home environment. Sharing space that is traditionally reserved for rest, relaxation and relationship can be a major adjustment. Yet with some careful planning, good communication and flexibility, a visually impaired employee can successfully work from home.

Create a Home Office

• Begin by evaluating the space that you’ll use and clean out any clutter.
• You might have to work in the bedroom or set up a laptop in area of your home. Consider the best space for taking phone calls and working on a computer.
• If you have low vision, think about the lighting you will need to work efficiently.
• If this is your situation establish a routine and create boundaries for the space.

Steps to Take in Setting Up Your Workspace

Communication with your household is important when working from home. It is very easy for home and work life to bleed into each other if boundaries are not set quickly.

• Communicate with your household about your plans.
• If you live with family clearly share the structure of your work day.
• Let them know important deadlines, when you have to take calls, attend webinars or virtual meetings.
• Set timers to stay focused on your work. Distraction can be a challenge at home.
•  Set reminders or alarms to keep track of your work day. It’s very important to take your regular breaks and end your day on time so you can shift to home life.

Talk to Your Employer

• Once you have set up your work space, communicate with your employer your need for assistive technology and tech support.
• Now that you are working at home your computer needs might not be quickly met and resolved, so plan ahead when possible.
• Make sure you know what low vision aids or other devices your company will provide for you and talk with your supervisor about your needs.
• Make sure you understand how tech support will work. if you have problems logging into the company database, web portal or email.
• Learn about companies that provide technical assistance to people who are blind or visually impaired, such as Apple, Google and Microsoft, and can troubleshoot some basic computer problems.

Sharing Your Space

When working from home you might have to share space with a spouse who is working virtually. Also you may have a child who is learning remotely and who needs to use the same space.

• Maintain a schedule and keep the lines of communication open with your spouse and/or children.
• Talk to your supervisor and colleagues so they understand your home environment.
• Be as thoughtful as you can and emphasize flexibility and patience.
• When the workday is over pick up all work items and neatly store away. This will indicate the workday is done and that there is a transition to home life.

Take Care of Yourself

• Remember to take your customary breaks.
• It is easy to become sedentary  and sit at your work area all day. Get up from the computer and do some stretches and light calisthenics to avoid stiffness and maintain good circulation.  
• Stop for lunch. Go to another area of the house instead of eating at your workstation.
• If you live alone schedule specific time for connection with friends and family to avoid isolation, depression and loneliness.

Resist Distractions

When at we’re at home constantly, it can be hard to resist the temptations of home life. Watching TV, eating too much, strolling through social media or over sleeping are all enticing things to do.  The key to successfully working from home is to recognize these potential pitfalls and set yourself up to win. So, if overeating is your challenge, then work away from the kitchen. If it is watching TV or scrolling through social media, establish dedicated time slots or use your work breaks for these activities.

In Summary

Working from home has unique responsibilities. Your employer is trusting you to be productive. Take the initiative and educate yourself about working from home. Understand that it may take some trial and error, but if you develop good habits and communicate effectively you will be successful.

Additional Information About Working at Home

Setting Up Your Office Space

Organizing Your Office Space