During my in-person tech internship and while working in other remote positions that require me to sit at my desk a lot, I have experimented a lot with creating accessible workspaces for Chiari Malformation that make it easier for individuals to do computer work and complete other office tasks. Even though I talk a lot about how the visual impairment/low vision aspect of Chiari 1 Malformation impacts how I access information in the workplace, there are other elements to this neurological condition that are also important to consider when setting up a workspace or desk, especially since individuals may be tempted to strain themselves or put up with being uncomfortable because they aren’t aware of other alternatives.
While every workspace and individual experience with Chiari malformations is different, here are my tips for how to create accessible workspaces for Chiari Malformation that I have personally used.
Document reminders and information in a digital format
Someone with Chiari Malformation may have issues with writing out information by hand or reading handwritten text, so they may be left guessing what a sticky note says or have colleagues ask them if they meant to write a 4 or a 9 on this page. For this reason, having an option to document information as typed text or in a digital format can be tremendously helpful for sharing reminders or creating lists. Some strategies I have used for school and work include:
- Digital sticky notes on a computer desktop
- Notes applications for writing down quick reminders that can be synchronized across devices
- Creating a to-do list in an app like Google Keep or Microsoft To-Do
- Using a digital whiteboard during meetings, which can be enlarged
- Adding comments to a document or file instead of writing in the margins
- If posting an image of handwritten text, provide a transcription of what it says
At home, I will set reminders on smart speakers like the Amazon Alexa so I can have audio notifications read out loud when needed. I also have a small dry-erase board that I use instead of sticky notes because I find it easier to write in large print and erase mistakes.
Related links
- Paper Sizes and Low Vision Accessibility
- How I Use Microsoft Whiteboard With Low Vision
- Tips For Screensharing With Low Vision
- Make Proofreading Feedback Accessible For Low Vision
- Reading Handwriting With Assistive Technology
Put the trash can in an easy-to-reach place
Instead of walking to the other side of the room to throw out trash or place recycling in the appropriate container, consider having a trash can or recycling bin in an easily reachable place so that someone doesn’t have to break their concentration or procrastinate getting up to throw something out. While this is helpful for people with balance issues or vertigo, it can also be useful for double vision— I often have to feel the edge of a trash can or recycling bin so I can make sure I’m actually throwing items into the “correct” bin and not the double image bin.
An empty trash can or recycling bin that isn’t used to hold any other items can also double as a place to store canes or other mobility aids, but I prefer to hang my white cane (blindness cane) on a hook so that it is easier to grab.
Related links
- Ten “Odd” Things I Do With Double Vision
- Two of Everything: Living With Double Vision
- Twelve Blindness Cane Storage Solutions
- Disability and Classroom Accommodations For POTS
- Tips For Keeping A Dorm Room Clean With Chronic Illness
Adjust the desk height for better positioning
Whether someone has had decompression surgery or not, neck strain/pain can be a common issue for people living with Chiari Malformation, as they may have to put their heads in various positions to be comfortable or to read a computer monitor. There are a few options for adjusting the desk height or monitor height, which include:
- Placing a textbook or other books under a computer monitor to make it higher
- Using a laptop stand or slanted display surface, which can assist with positioning under bifocal glasses
- Requesting an adjustable desk as a workplace accommodation, which can also be used while standing if preferred
- Add desk risers underneath the table legs
- Raise the keyboard and/or mouse height, or adjust the display angle
I noticed that my computer’s built-in webcam cut off at an awkward place on my face when I adjusted my desk height, so I added an external adjustable webcam to mitigate this issue.
Related links
- How I Explain My Brain With Chiari Malformation
- How I Set Up My College Desk With Low Vision
- Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Keyboards
- Learning To Type With Low Vision
Add additional supports to chairs or seating areas
One of the most helpful things that I added to my desk chair is a lumbar support backrest, especially since it helps my posture and keeps me from bending at an uncomfortable angle to see my computer screen. Another strategy for positioning my feet flat on the floor is to add a foam mat or anti-fatigue mat, which provides a more supportive surface than just the flat ground.
Adjusting lighting for Chiari Malformation
Overhead lights or fluorescent lights can trigger migraines or contribute to eye fatigue, especially for people with chronic migraine conditions like Chiari Malformations. Ideas and strategies to consider when adjusting lighting for Chiari Malformation can include:
- Fluorescent light covers
- Use of surface lighting such as lamps
- Wearing non-polarized tinted glasses
- Using a high-contrast computer display
- Placing tape over lights on small devices (e.g. modem)
- Disabling motion-sensor lights that can abruptly turn off or flash
One of the volunteer groups I was part of made a rule to avoid sharing strobing or flashing GIFs or emoji/reactions because these could be disorienting for people with chronic migraines, and this small but inclusive change was something I really appreciated.
Related links
- Lighting And Low Vision
- How Tinted Glasses Help My Light Sensitivity
- Ten Ways To Reduce Eye Strain From Screens With Technology
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- Avoiding Flashing Lights On Social Media
Incorporate assistive technology and accessibility settings
While this post primarily focuses on environmental accessibility factors, I had to include a shout-out to assistive technology software and accessibility settings that can help people with Chiari malformations access technology more easily! I have tons of resources devoted to assistive technology throughout my website, and some ideas that come to mind include:
- Text expander tools to minimize repetitive typing— the option I linked below is for offline use and does not generate text like AI would.
- AutoCorrection and AutoComplete for typing
- Setting up custom icons and/or keyboard shortcuts to make programs easier to find
- Increasing the size of the mouse pointer or cursor
- Turning off auto-play or extra animations
- Reading emails with Immersive Reader in Outlook, which removes visual clutter and shows content in large print
Related links
- How I Use Espanso Text Expander With Dysgraphia
- Assistive Technology For Dysgraphia
- How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
- How To Customize Icons For Windows
- Computer Mice and Mouse Alternatives For Low Vision
- How I Use Microsoft Immersive Reader With Low Vision
- How I Organize Emails In College With Low Vision
- A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
Other strategies for creating accessible workspaces for Chiari Malformation
- At my tech internship, I used the Surface Dock to connect my laptop to a larger monitor— learn more in How I Set Up My Tech Internship Desk: PM Intern With Low Vision
- Another option for storing mobility aids is to place PVC pipe around a desk leg, which works well for school desks. I mention this strategy in Middle School Classrooms And Low Vision Accessibility
- Need help selecting devices? Read Choosing New Devices With Chiari Malformation
- Looking for more resources on disability accommodations for Chiari malformations? Read Disability and Classroom Accommodations For Chiari Malformation
Published September 16, 2020. Updated January 2025