[nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks

Sat May 9 00:34:04 UTC 2015

In regards to getting earphones, I'd suggest getting the Koss KSC-32 
clipon earphones because these ones they go over the ears but the tech 
specs actually are as advertised, designed to also hear the outside 
world around you. I have a pair only cost $6.99 from Amazon and I can 
actually hear what is going on around me. Best wishes,
Chela Robles

--
Teachers have a sacred task:
It is to give children the skills to understand the world and an expectation that the world is a trustworthy place; that it is full of light, and love, and music and that each student deserves--and will have--their own place in it and the chance to play their own song.
And, as much of these expectations are transmitted non-verbally—and in Chela’s case--out of sight…it is the voice and touch of a Teacher that sheds light on what the world can be.
Academics—and no one will ever change my mind on this—take a distant second place. —Former Orientation & Mobility Instructor Dr. Bil Hawkins
--
Chela Robles a Nationally Certified person in Customer Service, certified by the National Retail Federation Foundation (NRF): http://www.nrffoundation.com/
E-mail: cdrobles693 at gmail.com
Windows Live Messenger: cdrobles693 at hotmail.com
Skype: jazzytrumpet
I volunteer for Bookshare, to find out more and to volunteer with us,visit: http://www.bookshare.org/
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On 5/8/2015 2:25 PM, Stephanie Pieck via nabop wrote:
> Hi,
>
> One thing you might want to use is an inexpensive set of earbuds so you can
> hear JAWS but all your officemates don't. These are much easier than the
> full over-ear headphones which often block out so much environmental noise
> that it's not really practical for a blind person to use them (I want to
> know if someone is trying to get my attention, or people are standing nearby
> talking ... not foreavesdropping, just to know about the world outside my
> cubicle!).
>
> Best of luck!
>
> Stephanie
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: nabop [mailto:nabop-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of minh ha via nabop
> Sent: Thursday, May 07, 2015 11:16 PM
> To: National Association of Blind Office Professionals
> Cc: minh ha
> Subject: Re: [nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks
>
> Hello ladies,
>
> Wow, thank you so much for all the great suggestions! I brain stormed a lot
> of these ideas on my own as well, but it's good for me to hear how they are
> actually implemented in the workplace. I had my interview today and it went
> incredibly well; it's down to me and another student, so keep your fingers
> crossed that I get it. The interviewers didn't specifically ask how I could
> accomplish these tasks, but I volunteered that I use a screen reader so the
> biggest accommodation they would have to provide is installing Jaws on one
> of their computers. They were very open to the idea.
>
> I am a braille user and I couldn't imagine how I could even try to do some
> of the duties outlined if I didn't know how to read it. I'm fascinated by
> the opticon; I had vision up until the age of seven so I know what print
> letters look like. I would love to get my hands on one of these devices and
> see it in action for myself. I work pretty closely with the Mass. Commission
> for the Blind, and if I need any equipment for the job, they will provide
> them for me. I already have a laptop with Jaws, braille note apex, scanner
> with kurzweil 1000 and a victor reader stream for recording.
>
> Again, thank you a lot for the feedback. I will update on the status of my
> application.
>
> Cheers,
> Minh
>
> On 5/7/15, Judy Jones via nabop <nabop at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>> Ashley, see below, I answer your questions within your message.
>>
>> Judy
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> rom: AshleyBramlett via nabop
>> Sent: Thursday, May 7, 2015 4:42 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Office Professionals
>> Cc: Ashley Bramlett
>> Subject: Re: [nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks
>>
>> Judy,
>>
>> Good advice.
>> I would use accomodations such as jaws as well with openbook.
>> I agree with the perkins too so you can write notes on the spot and
> label.
>> slate and stylus works as well if you are efficient at it.
>>
>> Slate and stylus is invaluable backup.  I failed to mention that I
>> also use the Hims Braille U2 Mini as a note taker.  The main file I am
>> in is my office log, where I record messages, bills paid, tasks that
>> need doing, authorizations created, and new referrals.  Once I have
>> completed a task, issued an auth, or delivered a message, I place a
>> braille cell in front of that task, letting me know it is a done deal.
>> I also use it's calculator for the store and managing budgets, and
>> definitely the calendar.  Other files I keep are inventories, staff
>> lists, price list, record of receipts, rolodex file, and my case load
>> files, to name the most commonly used.  From time to time, I still
>> need to go to the office procedures file to remind myself of something.
>>
>> But its unlikely Min's school has openbook. I hope they are willing to
>> buy it for her if she needs it.
>> These accomodations are expensive. Her school likely has jaws already
>> for students to use on school computers such as the library or
>> computer labs. So it's a matter of getting a copy to place on the
>> office pc, but openbook, well, is another ball game.
>> Its also unlikely
>> that Min can get an optican because they are not manufactured anymore;
>> so unless a nfb member has one she can borrow, this idea will not work.
>>
>> There is an open source screen reader that can be downloaded called
>> NVDA and works quite well, being very similar to Jaws.  One can also
>> download other voice profiles to use with it.
>>
>> One does need a way to get at printed information, so I can't see how
>> to get away from the need for OCR camera or scanner and software.
>> Could she check with her state's assistive technology bank since she
>> is a student?  Many times they have items that can be loaned to students.
>>
>> You're right about the Optacon.  The only reason I brought it up is
>> because it is an integral part of my workplace access, but only those
>> who have had the training and can get hold of one can use it.  Since
>> you are reading print, cursive, whatever, one needs to know how to
>> read these.  I knew my letters as a kid although I was a braille user,
>> so fell quite easily into Optacon use.
>>
>> Can you expand more on how you file?
>>
>> For instance, someone puts a hard copy on my desk.  I can either scan
>> it in or use the Optacon to figure out what it is.  I find it much
>> faster to use the Optacon, then, if I need to do more detailed
>> reading, such as a letter or report, I scan with OpenBook.  I take
>> care of the bill paying with the Optacon, as there is no way the best
>> OCR can handle the graphics.  It can only give you its best guess.
>>
>> Anyway, once I have identified this piece of paper, I braille on the
>> bottom
>> 2 lines of the page, usually the date received, what it is, and who
>> from.  I also have developed a paper flow, very important with items
>> to tackle on my left, moving to my right and front of my desk.  I have
>> this big L-shaped executive desk, so have plenty of room.
>>
>> How can you identify what the papers are to file?
>> Is the optican so useful and accurate?
>> I've known older nfb members who use them.
>> Wouldn't you need a reader for that so you can label it first?
>> Are you labeling the papers as well as the files?
>>
>> Your answer to the above questions.  Yes, the Optacon is that
>> accurate.  A better way of putting that is that, yes, the Optacon
>> gives me accurate feedback.  The Optacon is not an app that
>> interprets.  It shows you what you are scanning with the hand camera,
>> and you are actually "seeing" with the camera what is on the paper.
>>
>> All folders have braille labels I have affixed either with clear
>> laminate cut into strips or with dimo tape.  I label the backside of
>> the file or folder tab, leaving the print label alone in the front for
>> sighted colleagues.  Yes, one can see through the clear material, but
>> the braille dots do distort.  Plus, it's quicker to "walk" through a
>> drawer of files with my fingertips reading the backs of the tabs as I go.
>>
>> Sure we can do many tasks such as  database cleanup, faxing and
>> printing, answering phones, routing calls to personnel, and organizing
>> tasks like booking meeting rooms and ordering supplies. All tasks are
>> common to admin assistant jobs.
>>
>> That said, I think there are a number of significant challenges to
>> being an admin assistant in this increasing digital touch screen world.
>>
>> I would agree with you there, but there may be the possibility of
>> job-trading if everyone is willing.
>>
>> I also fail to see how we can electronically index and file documents.
>> I wanted a volunteer position in a county office requiring me to do
>> just that! They said I would not know what the files were once
>> scanned. So how on earth could I file or index them?
>> How could I properly scan them as well? They did not think the
>> software was compatible.
>> I was not even allowed to try because I was told they had enough admin
>> volunteers in that job by the time they got back to me.
>> I understand their concerns, and I honestly had the same ones.
>>
>> I think you are right about the scanning systems in place nowadays,
>> although there are accessible systems out there.  Personally I do not
>> know what they are, but I know our agency is working toward that
>> system, and they have found an accessible system that will work for
>> everyone.  The hold-up is the money to implement it to all the offices
> statewide.
>> Administrative assistant jobs strike me as visual.
>> I've been seeking such a job as an entry level  job and cannot even
>> find a volunteer position to practice.
>> I need experience before someone will hire me!
>>
>> My barrier is that many office volunteer jobs require you to scan,
>> copy, file, and most of all data entry and more data entry.
>> I cannot see the papers to perform data entry.
>>
>> Are there places that use a dictation type system.  I worked for a
>> place a long time ago where the case workers phoned in their
>> dictations to a main steno pool.  Like I said, this was a long time ago,
> so just curious.
>> My concern with copying is we cannot put the copies in order or
>> visually check if everything copied.
>> Sure someone can show us the copier and what buttons to press, but it
>> copies in print, and wouldn't you get copies mixed up  if you had a lot of
> them?
>> The Optacon solves that problem, but again, maybe you could take on
>> more of the tasks you can do.  A matter of assigning workflow for the
>> supervisor to assign, or to work out with coworkers.
>>
>> Anyway, more ideas would be welcome.
>> I have a  bit of central vision but cannot see standard print. I'm
>> thinking maybe different colors of file folders would assist me in
> organization.
>> My daughter worked for a place that used the color system with their
>> files, starting with the A group being one color, then the e through H
>> group another color, the I through N being a third color.  The
>> dividing lines were the vowels, so that system only had to use five
> colors.
>> Thanks.
>> Ashley
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Judy Jones via nabop
>> Sent: Wednesday, May 06, 2015 9:54 PM
>> To: National Association of Blind Office Professionals
>> Cc: Judy Jones
>> Subject: Re: [nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks
>>
>> Hello, Min,
>>
>> Part of my job is that of being an administrative assistant.   The most
>> important thing I do is to use a Perkins brailler to braille on the
>> bottom of any paper that comes across my desk, since I am responsible
>> for all office communications and ordering, filing, billing etc.  One
>> of my colleagues in Lewiston said it, every hard-copy the office deals
>> with lands on our desks, and we make the final decision what happens
>> to that paper and where it goes and how quickly.
>>
>> I use a typewriter to address envelopes, make individual labels as
>> needed, write sticky-notes to colleagues, and fill in occasional text
>> on a hard-copy document.  I use an Optacon to help with this, about
>> the Optacon in a minute.
>>
>> Most definitely I use a computer with Jaws that is totally accessible
>> with the work sites.  I could use the computer to print labels, but is
>> time consuming for the individual label.  I also use the typewriter to
>> write deposit slips, since I am in charge of our supplies store.  I
>> had a reader for the first month on the job to help me get set up in
>> the office and store, and she helped me map out how many lines down
>> from the top, spaces from the left, backspaces from the right, lines down,
> etc.
>> I have a scanner with OpenBook, plus I use Epson Scan to create image
>> docs for colleagues if they are needed.  Our agency is not yet
>> scanning directly into any online database yet, but are getting there.
>>
>> Now for the Optacon.  It is a piece of older technology that is still
>> around that allows the blind person to directly read printed material
>> through use of a hand camera and a display that raises the print
>> letter.  As you scan the camera across the page, you can read what is
>> on that page.  It will tackle things that a camera and app can't
>> touch.  If I need to sign my name, I mark the signature line with a
>> stylus dot, make a crease straight on the line, and know where to sign
>> or use my signature stamp.  I also make this crease so I know where to
> fill out with typewriter when I need to.
>> I use the Optacon for spot-checking and disseminating mail, paying
>> bills, proofing layout of a newly created document, and sometimes have
>> used it on my computer screen when Jaws hasn't been working properly.
>> If it were not for the Optacon, I would be needing reader hours.  I
>> can even read cursive as long as it is neat and not over anything else on
> the document.
>> I have my own case load but manage a second case load as well, and all
>> those files have braille labels on the back of each folder tab.
>>
>> The first thing I would say is that braille skills are essential!  I
>> could find ways of doing the job if I didn't know braille, but my
>> productivity would be way down.  It has been said that although 70% of
>> blind people are unemployed, approximately 90% of those employed use
>> braille.  Those stats speak for themselves.
>>
>> You must also have good written and communication skills.
>>
>> About scanning.  You will want to investigate whether or not the
>> office uses image scanning, or if their system will be accessible to
>> you.  As you need to scan in, you will also more than likely be
>> needing to retrieve documents as well.
>>
>> You will also want to make sure your screen reader interfaces properly
>> with their system.
>>
>> One part of the issue is having the skills to do the job.  The other
>> part is having the systems and software in place that will allow you to do
> the job.
>> One thing that can help is job trading.  For instance, if there is a
>> certain task that is not accessible to you, maybe you can take on
>> someone elses work that is accessible, freeing them up to do your
> inaccessible task.
>> My productivity equals that of my sighted counterparts, and this is
>> what you will want to strive for.
>>
>> Let me know if you have any further questions, and best wishes.
>>
>> Judy
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: minh ha via nabop
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 5, 2015 10:12 PM
>> To: nabop at nfbnet.org
>> Cc: minh ha
>> Subject: [nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks
>>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>> I hope you are all doing well. I subscribed to this list in order to
>> get some tips and tricks on how you all perform office tasks as a
>> totally blind person. A little bit about me: I am currently a junior
>> at Boston College double majoring in Applied Psychology and Sociology.
>> I am also from the Central Massachusetts area. I have an interview for
>> an administrative assistant position in my university's Corporate and
>> Foundations Relations office coming up this week and I want to be
>> prepared to answer questions they might have regarding how I can
>> perform the outlined tasks. I've pasted the job description below:
>>
>> And a basic job description for our position is: Provide
>> administrative support to the Corporate and Foundation Relations team
>> in University Advancement.
>> Responsibilities will include updating alumni database; uploading and
>> indexing electronic filing system; scanning and copying; online
>> research/projects; monitoring and reporting on CFR twitter account;
>> working with Development Assistants for data reports and clean-up;
>> conducting on-campus errands, proofreading documents, and other
>> general office projects. The position is 15 hours a week.
>>
>> Most of the tasks described I can do with ease, but stuff like
>> scanning, copying, indexing electronic files and general office tasks,
>> I've never had any experience with. If I could get some suggestions on
>> how you all go about doing these jobs, I would greatly appreciate it.
>>
>> Best,
>> Minh
>>
>>
>> --
>> Minh Ha
>> Boston College | Lynch School of Education '16 minh.ha927 at gmail.com
>>
>> "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty
>> recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity:
>> but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on
>> their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." T. E. Lawrence
>>
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>
> --
> Minh Ha
> Boston College | Lynch School of Education '16 minh.ha927 at gmail.com
>
> "All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty
> recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity:
> but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their
> dreams with open eyes, to make them possible." T. E. Lawrence
>
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