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Stands - Reading / Writing / Typing Stands and Laptop Workstations

Young children, except those who are aphakic (without a lens), are able to focus at a working distance of 10cm for a short time. Viewing an object close to their eyes may offer sufficient magnification for some tasks. A short working distance, with or without reading glasses, provides the greatest field of view.

There are a large number of stands (reading stands, writing stands, typing stands and document holders) available which may assist students with vision impairments. A stand can bring the reading material closer to the eyes, saving the student from leaning over their work, therefore alleviating or reducing neck/back pain and improving posture. The type of stand needed depends on the student's viewing preferences. Factors to consider when choosing the correct stand include:

a large sturdy wooden, metal or perspex stand which sits on the desk can be used for handwriting and/or reading
stands can be desk-mounted with a clamp or attached to the computer monitor
stands can have an easel base or a weighted base and sit on the desk or floor
some stands are strong enough for a large text book; others will only hold a few pages of print
some stands fold up and have a handle for portability
suitable lighting will often assist - for more information see Lighting

It is best for the student to trial a stand for a specific task before purchasing. Equipment Solutions and Vision Australia's Low Vision Clinics have a range of stands for this purpose. Phone (03) 9864 9200.

Reading stands can be trialled at:

East Melbourne Optometry and Low Vision Centre
Operated by optmetrist Alan Johnston - for people with moderate to severe vision impairments
Suite 214, 100 Victoria Parade East Melbourne
Tel (03) 9654 1331
Centre for Vision Independence (CVI)
Operated by Guide Dogs Victoria in conjunction with the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
Suite 505, 100 Victoria Parade East Melbourne
Open Monday to Friday between 11am and 5pm
Tel (03) 9639 3345 or 9639 4401
Vision Australia - (03) 9822 1111
- Equipment Solutions - (03) 9864 9247
- Low Vision Clinic - Kooyong (03) 9864 9200
Office suppliers

Examples include:

Item and Supplier	Price	Comments
Easi Reader Bookstand Equipment Solutions	A$35	A4 size plastic stand with 8 adjustment angles and carry handle
Grandstand: Portable Reading Easel APH	US$42.00	Light-weight and portable reading stand which is waterproof, colourful, durable, and inexpensive Holds heavy books Folds up Adjustable shelf which may be raised and lowered to accommodate the height of the reader Includes a carrying handle and removable clips for holding book pages open Black or yellow
ITSWOOD Furniture & Restoration Reading/Writing Stand ITSWOOD	A$70 + P&H	Adjustable angle 30 to 70 degrees Made of wood Posts Australia-wide
Kayendee Writing/Reading Aid Kayendee	A$212	Clear (perspex) reading/writing stand Dimensions - 470mm x 500mm Strong and suitable for classrooms
Posture Rite Lap Desk Equipment Solutions	A$40	Like a "stable table"
Tilt Table Equipment Solutions	A$119	Table with a tilt height adjustable top
Writing Slope Windmill	A$39.95	Sloping table for young children with storage

List of Suppliers
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Statewide Vision Resource Centre - Victoria, Australia. Last updated November 2009.
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