Talking Pen saves the day!

OK I know a pen isn’t a super hero, but did you know there is a company called Scanning Pens who makes talking pens! These pens really can make a huge difference in people’s lives.

I am sure you have seen the media coverage about the Starbucks being sued for disability (dyslexia) discrimination. The young lady (Victoria) had told her employer she was dyslexic and also informed them of her needs and difficulties, has now been proved in a court of law, that Starbucks did not make reasonable adjustments for Victoria and she has won her case! A terrible situation for either to be in and on that could have so easily been avoided!

I am not privy to the ins and outs of the case, but from what i have seen, this lady knew where she needed help and asked for it, she also knew where she had strengths and had no doubts that she was more than capable of doing the service side of the job really well, and that she just needed some support in the admin & paperwork side of things. Legally employers have a ‘duty of care’ to ensure they provide this support, be it by tools, software or specialist training or / and support.

It struck me whilst watching the video and reading several articles that one tool that may have been of real use and benefit to Victoria, that her employer could have easily provided could have been the ‘super hero pen’ I mentioned earlier – The Scanning or Reading Pen. Scanning Pens make a pen that scans text and says the word or numbers you scanned out-loud! The scanning Pen – Reader pen can be used with headphones, allowing for discreet use and means other workers are not disturbed.

click here to see Scanning/Reading Pen in action