Ergonomics: Saving your Back and Arms

1. Ergonomics: Saving your Back and Arms Chapter 4.1.5

2. Overview • Ergonomics is the study of efficient use of space to save our energy and prevent injury. • The work of SSPs is both mental and physical. • This presentation focuses on the physical aspects of work as an SSP, and when communicating with DB people.

3. Eyes, Ears, Arms & Backs • Listening as a DB person is more physically straining than for a hearing person (listening to ordinary speech). • For DB people listening auditorily causes strain for the focus it requires. • For DB people, watching causes eye strain.

4. Eyes, Ears, Arms & Backs (cont.) • Reaching up to feel signs causes more strain than being on the same level. • For DB people it is important to be in a good position – to see, hear, feel.

5. Tactile Signing

6. Avoid Leaning • When signing tactually get close. Notice the back strain for the people in the picture. • At least the man on the left is supporting himself on the table.

8. Tactile Position • Another power point describes positions for guiding. Some of the different positions relate to ergonomics. • For communication there are key principles or points.

9. Tactile Positions (cont.) • KEY POINTS • Take time to get comfortable • Get close • Be on the same level • Have support for your arms and back

10. Demonstration • In the next slide, instructor Jelica Nuccio demonstrate the conversational position for communicating tactually, while SSPs gather around to watch.

12. Sitting • In the next two slides, the women are seated side by side to communicate tactually. • They are close enough to each other that they can use the backs of the chairs for support. • They can also rest their arms in their laps when they pause, and still feel some of the body language of each other as they chat.

15. Temporary Positioning • In the next two slides someone approaches a seated friend(s) to ask a quick question. They squat down so they are both on the same level and the DB persons do not have to reach up, straining their arms. • For longer conversations both/all will be seated or stand to save knees as well as arms and backs.

18. Pillows, Tables, Chairs, Knees • For long meetings or week-long conferences (here at AADB) some people like pillows. • For long conversations, tables and the backs of chairs are good supports as well.

20. Guiding

21. Shoulders & Elbows • When you can, put your arms down so your shoulder and elbows can rest. • In the next slide the SSP rests her arms while guiding the DB person.

23. Shoulders & Elbows (cont.) • In the next picture, the SSP rests her left arm but keeps contact with the DB person using her right arm. • Nevertheless, the SSP’s right arm is still hanging comfortably down from her shoulder. It is only her forearm that is raised.

25. Pause – Put Things Down

26. Time

27. Time & Pace • Doing good SSP work requires good communication. • It is often worth the time to pause and communicate clearly about the goals or agenda for the day, and to clarify as you go along.

28. Time & Pace (cont.) • Clear communication may require a pause while you are walking. • It takes time for the DB person to process the minimal information they get through feet and cane regarding the terrain. • Don’t rush!

29. Find a Quiet Place • Noise (auditory, visual, physical or emotional) is both distracting and stressful. • Sit or stand away from traffic so you can focus. • Don’t stand for long in the doorway or aisle blocking others.

30. Find a Quiet Place (cont.) • Remind yourself that you are here for the DB person; let all thoughts and worries about your own chores or worries be on hold while you shift into the DEAF-BLIND WAY and focus on the work.

31. CLOTHES

32. In General • Be sure your shoes and clothes support your work. • Baggy sleeves and some jewelry get in the way • Your tops should be of plain, contrasting colors • Clothes with generous pockets and a small day-pack or purse that you can wear over your shoulder or across your chest will help free up your hands.

35. Shoes • Your shoes should be comfortable, with flat, non-slip soles for good balance. Sandals are often attractive and comfortable, however they do not protect your feet from being bumped or accidentally stepped on.

36. And…

37. Which side? • Many hard-of-hearing people have better hearing in one ear than in the other. Check this out. • The same is true for DB people listening tactually. Do they have a preference for one hand over the other? • Being on the ‘better side’ will save strain for the DB person.

38. Left Side • In the next slide the woman is reading the tactile map with her left hand. The SSP-guide verbally describes the map while gently guiding the blind woman’s hand to the mark.

40. Conclusion • SSP work is physical as well as mental. • Take time to be comfortable. Get on the same level to communicate (both standing, etc.) • Take the opportunity to rest your arms and back. • Don’t try to do too much in one outing. Rushing creates stress. • Plan ahead so you will have the right clothes.