[nabop] Advice on performing general office tasks
Chela Robles
cdrobles693 at gmail.com
Sat May 9 00:37:11 UTC 2015
Correction: they are the Koss KSC-21 clip on style headphones. Sorry for
that mistake.
--
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 5:34 PM, Chela Robles wrote:
> 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/
> Need more space, come join dropbox and start with two gigs of free
> space and 500 Megabytes as is this is my referral link to you:
> http://db.tt/XpUTe0E
> --
>
> 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
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> nabop mailing list
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>> et
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