The Adaptive Workplace

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My job involves the ability to perform several different tasks. The following is a list that will provide some idea of the range of activities I must perform on a daily basis.

• Folding letters neatly
• Copying and pasting addresses from documents to labels
• Placing labels in the center of various sized envelopes
• Making calls to businesses for prize donations for annual golf tournament
• Making requested changes in the database system

To perform these tasks, I have the following adaptive equipment:

• A computer equipped with a Screen Reading program called JAWS
• A scanner
• An open book program for reading scanned printed material
• A device called a Jig that enables me to fold letters evenly
• Four Plexiglas guides to help me align labels for envelopes

Prior to having some of this equipment, however, it became clear to me that I needed something to help me, for example, center labels onto envelopes. After repeatedly attempting to place labels correctly with my fingers and hands guides that proved unsuccessful, I came up with the idea of a 'carpenter's square' that had deliberately oversized sides. This allowed me to position the label in the center of the envelopes, newsletters, larger calendar envelopes, and in corners of envelopes for return and "Free Matter" label positioning. The Plexiglas forms are light weight, resistant to labels sticking on the surface, and allows for a tactile location at the corner of the labels.

Once the placement of labels was resolved, there came the problem of holding large calendar envelopes for label placement. My original idea was to clamp straps of wood to the desktop, but I finally arrived at the idea of using a large picture frame to hold the envelopes in place. To avoid the picture frame and Jigs from slipping on the desk surface, I placed gripper pads at the four corners of the device.

In the process of doing the above mentioned tasks, I have learned the following:

• By removing the labels from the label making machine from a left-to-right position and holding the right edge, the label is then right side up when placed on the surface.
• When working with a full sheet of labels and needing to keep them in order, I turn the page upside down and remove the labels from bottom right to bottom left, turning each over as I do this so they come out in the same order as printed.
• When using postage stamps from a roll, I found that removing from right to left, the stamps are right side up.
• Finally, if there is a particular order of documents in letters that are mailed out, I can easily tell if the envelope is complete by the number of documents inside it.

So having all these adaptations available to me at my work station has allowed me to perform the necessary job tasks that I need in order to complete my duties.