Work - Volume 39, issue 1

Article Type: Other

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1144

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 1-1, 2011

Authors: Muzammil, Mohammad | Ahmad, Saman | Khan, Abid Ali | Hasan, Faisal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: An experimental research was conducted to design a workstation for a lock manufacturing assembly. Participants: Two experiments were conducted in the present study. Nine male subjects in the age range of 18–35 years participated in the first experiment. For the second experiment, nine subjects in each of the three age groups (viz. 17–22, 23–28 and 29–35 years) volunteered for experimental investigations. Method: The designed workstation was evaluated under varying levels of noise and …illumination for workers of different age groups. Three different workstations were evaluated. The task was performed by a worker in two different sitting positions and three settings of arms position. Results: It was found that workstation type, backrest support and arms positions were all having a statistically significant effect on task performance. Workstation with work surface to seat height ratio of 1.82 was found to be better when the task was performed using backrest and arms were supported on the work surface. This workstation was evaluated for three different age groups of workers under different levels of noise and illumination. The results of the study showed that age of the worker, illumination level and level of noise were all contributing significantly towards task performance. Conclusions: The design of a workstation for assembly task would help greatly in creating a better working environment and enhancing the productivity of workers exposed to environmental stressors like noise and illumination. Show more

Keywords: Productivity, sitting posture, lock assembling task, work surface to seat height ratio

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1145

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 3-14, 2011

Authors: Lyons, Stacy Ayn | Johnson, Catherine | Majzoub, Katherine

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: The successful delivery of comprehensive pediatric vision care after vision screening referral is a longstanding challenge that has significant implications for child wellness. In response to the many known obstacles that prevent the diagnosis and treatment of vision conditions, School-Based Vision Centers have been established in Framingham, MA and Boston, MA to provide easy access to comprehensive vision care following a failed vision screening. These on-site Vision Centers were developed to improve access to comprehensive vision …care and treatment thereby correcting vision conditions that can adversely affect student academic achievement, athletic performance, and self-esteem. This paper highlights the collaboration between two public schools in Massachusetts and The New England Eye Institute and describes a multidisciplinary approach to comprehensive care delivery to high-risk pediatric populations in school-based settings. The ultimate goal of this model is to minimize visual barriers that may impede learning in order to maximize academic success and wellness. Show more

Keywords: Learning, pediatrics, eye care, wellness, school-based health center

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1146

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 15-19, 2011

Authors: Clements, Ben | Douglas, Graeme | Pavey, Sue

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To analyze which factors affect the probability of people registered as blind and visually impaired in Britain being in paid employment. Participants: Consist of 559 registered individuals of working age with a visual impairment. This sub-sample is drawn from the first wave of a larger, nationally-representative survey of adults who are blind and visually impaired in Britain. Methods: After examining descriptive statistics for employment status and key analysis variables, a multivariate …analysis is undertaken to assess the relative impact of: demographic and household characteristics, socio-economic status, aspects of visual impairment, including severity and age of onset, and presence of additional disabilities. Results: Educational attainment, housing tenure, registration status (as blind or visually impaired) and having additional disabilities have the strongest impact on the likelihood of an individual registered as visually impaired being in work. Conclusions: The findings underline the need to examine the varying labor market experiences of groups with different types of disability and the importance of assessing the individual effects of severity of visual impairment, age of onset, and presence of additional disabilities. Show more

Keywords: Individuals with visual impairment, economic disadvantage, survey research, logistic regression analysis, Network 1000 project

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1147

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 21-30, 2011

Authors: Robertson, Dianna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: A case study is provided where functional capacity evaluation, work place assessment, and driver rehabilitation assessments were combined to produce an individualized functional work evaluation. A human rights complaint was launched by worker who alleged that her employer had determined that her vision impairment rendered her incapable of meeting her job demands, which could not be 'reasonably accommodated'. An evidence based practice approach and clinical reasoning process utilized by the assessor in developing an …individualized evaluation is described. The individualized evaluation developed by the assessor is consistent with the clinical trend towards the inclusion of direct observation of actual occupational performance, in making a determination of work ability. The resulting individualized evaluation was integral to the Human Rights Tribunal in determining whether the worker's limitations could be "reasonably accommodated.'' Show more

Keywords: Clinical reasoning, human rights, evidence, FCE, WPA, driving

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1148

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 31-35, 2011

Authors: Fok, Daniel | Polgar, Janice Miller | Shaw, Lynn | Jutai, Jeffrey W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: When selected, accepted and used appropriately, low vision assistive technology devices (ATDs) have the potential to facilitate the performance of occupations that lead to positive outcomes. Objective: This paper identifies some low vision ATDs currently used and explores their relative importance for the performance of daily occupation from participants' perspectives. Participants: 17 adults (M =56 years old, SD=15.8) with low vision we0re recruited through a purposeful sampling strategy. …Methods: Through one-on-one semi-structured telephone interviews, ATD usage data, ranking of perceived importance of ATDs and verbal data were collected from the participants. Results: A total of 124 devices were identified by the participants of which 104 (83.9%) were used and 20 (16.1%), mostly adaptive computer technologies, were not. 22 (21%) mainstream aids to daily living were identified (large monitor, large screen TV, DVD player) and they ranked high in terms of perceived importance by the participants for daily activities. Verbal feedback from participants supplemented this finding. Conclusion: Concepts related to usage and ranking of importance of ATDs for daily occupations are multi-faceted and complex (e.g. combination of devices used, multiple equal rankings, etc.). The authors suggested future research opportunities to examine these concepts through qualitative means. Show more

Keywords: Visual impairment, telephone interview, usage, ranking

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1149

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 37-48, 2011

Authors: Shaw, Alexander | Gold, Deborah

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To develop a psychometric tool to assess preparedness for employment for persons who are blind or visually impaired. Participants: Two hundred and thirty nine working aged adults who are blind or visually impaired. Methods: The content for this tool was generated through a literature review and through focus groups with successfully employed persons with vision impairments as well as hiring managers and rehabilitation workers of same. Content of the instrument was enhanced through a survey …of persons with vision loss, using the draft instrument and through factor analyses of their responses. Results: Factor analyses of participants' responses resulted in 12 scales each of which assessed a different factor related to employment. Scales had good to excellent reliability with the exception of one scale that had acceptable reliability (as measured by Cronbach's Alpha). Conclusion: The CNIB TAPE appears to be an effective instrument for assessing preparedness for employment. Show more

Keywords: Employability, scale, visual impairment, vocational, assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1150

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 49-62, 2011

Authors: Markowitz, Michelle | Markowitz, Rachel E | Markowitz, Samuel N.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This paper presents the case of a 47-year-old female with low vision secondary to high myopic macular degeneration who remains active in the work force as a spiritual and religious care coordinator for a large institution. An ophthalmologist with a specialty in low vision rehabilitation initially assessed the client. The ophthalmologist prescribed optical devices which used residual retinal vision available at preferred retinal loci. This availed better vision for viewing targets located at far, near and …intermediate distances from the client. An optician provided and dispensed the devices prescribed to the client. Additionally, the ophthalmologist made a referral to an occupational therapist. The occupational therapist conducted a series of sessions to further enhance reading and writing skills and a work place assessment aimed at optimizing workplace conditions in order to achieve optimal functional vision. This case illustrates and emphasizes the multi-disciplinary nature of low vision rehabilitation, which involved in this case co-operation between ophthalmology, occupational therapy and opticianry. Show more

Keywords: Multi-disciplinary, low vision rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1151

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 63-66, 2011

Authors: Richter, Hans O. | Zetterlund, Christina | Lundqvist, Lars-Olov

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objectives: To study the joint occurrence of eye-and-neck/scapular area symptoms and their association with occupational risk factors in a cross-sectional sample of professional information technology users. Study population: The participants consisted of 3,971 employees who worked with computers for a minimum of one hour a day. 2,551 (73%) were men and 945 (27%) women, with an age range of 18 up to 64 years. The mean age was 38.1 (SD=10.7) for men and 37.6 (SD=12.0) for the women. …The measures were obtained via a self-administered survey in combination with a visual examination conducted by an optometrist. Methods: Two complementary logistic regression analyses with forced entry was conducted on n=3,496 (88% adjusted response rate) cases. The effect of ocular symptoms on the risk of {reporting} musculoskeletal symptoms, or vice versa, was examined first in two separate binominal logistic regression analyses. Age, Gender, Near work variable and Visual functioning variables were included in these analyzes. Variables associated with the risk of developing an {increase} in either symptom category were also examined in two additional binomial logistic regression analyses. Results: Exposure to spectacles (single vision, multifocal, or progressive correction) in combination with a visual acuity < 1 surfaced as a key mediator of symptoms from the neck/scapular area (p< 0.01). A vergence disparity (uncompensated vergence error) similarly was associated with an augmented risk of developing an increase in neck/scapular area symptoms (p< 0.05). The most influential risk factor for neck/scapular area symptoms were ocular symptoms and vice versa (p< 0.0001). Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis which postulates that eye-neck/scapular area symptoms interaction may be due to a functional coupling from and between the eye-neck/scapular area muscles [28]. Show more

Keywords: Asthenopia, eyestrain, gaze-control, musculoskeletal, neck pain

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1152

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 67-78, 2011

Authors: Long, Jennifer

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: This case study describes an ergonomics workstation assessment conducted for an administrative worker with vision impairment due to keratoconus. The worker, PT, was provided with multiple assistive technology devices to help her with her work, but this resulted in an overcrowded workspace. The purpose of the workstation assessment was to assist the worker with her workstation arrangement to make it more comfortable and efficient. During the assessment, a range of physical, cognitive and organisational …ergonomics issues were identified and addressed. Multidisciplinary teams are often used in the rehabilitation of workers with complex medical problems. An ergonomist can play a valuable role on this team. Show more

Keywords: Vision impairment, multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, workstation assessment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2011-1153

Citation: Work, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 79-84, 2011