[Home] [Search this Site] [Site Map] [About Us] [Contact Us]

Stands - Reading / Writing / Typing Stands and Laptop Workstations

Magnification for students with low vision can be simply provided by reducing the viewing distance of the material being read. 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:

an A4 typing stand or document holder may be useful for reading when typing work onto the computer

a large sturdy wooden 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

some stands 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.

Item and Supplier

Website editor Deb Lewis , Statewide Vision Resource Centre - Victoria, Australia. Last updated November 2007.
Contribute suggestions and feedback
Copyright/disclaimer

Item and Supplier	Price	Comments
Document Holders OfficeMax Officeworks	Various	Many document holders - various models Various brands including Accodata, Fellowes etc
Easi Reader Bookstand Equipment Solutions	A$28	A4 size plastic stand with 8 adjustment angles and carry handle
Grandstand: Portable Reading Easel APH View: Grandstand	US$35.00	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$65 + P&H	Adjustable angle 30 to 70 degrees Made of wood Posts Australia-wide
Reading and Writing Stand Equipment Solutions	A$49	Strong design for children
Reading Stands Writing Stands Typing Stands Document Holders Equipment Solutions	Various	Range of products to trial and purchase with the assistance of an optometrist Low Vision Clinics also located in Ballarat, Bendigo, Box Hill, Brighton, Essendon, Geelong, Mildura, Mount Eliza, Shepparton, Warragul, Warrnambool, and Wodonga - call 1300 365560